In-law Suite - Allowances - Colorado

[Chris Bunya]

I'm considering the best options for house hacking in Denver and the surrounding areas.  My wife and I are going back and forth on the pros/cons of a duplex vs a single family home with an in-law suite.  However, I can't seem to find any definitive information on what the city of Denver or the surrounding areas (i.e. Littleton, Lakewood, Arvada, Golden, etc.) will allow for an in-law suite.  We would like to owner occupy for the first year or two and then move out.  We would plan on renting out both the primary space and the in-law suite.  Based on what I've read so far, I'm starting to think most local authorities will not allow you to rent out both spaces.

Can someone please help me find something definitive that describes the allowed uses for an in-law suite in Denver or the surrounding areas?  I've scoured the Denver planning and development site but came up empty.

[Tim Emery]

@Chris Bunya

It looks like Denver is the leader of rules involving ADU's and not sure if the surrounding communities will adopt similar laws or rules. If Denver is successful in generating more tax dollars, with out a lot of work, I'm sure the rest will follow. Right now you may have to check the city councils to find out what each is doing. I think house hacking is the way to go. Find a legal duplex and you don't have to worry about it.