City Code Section 7.2.201 defines ‘Accessory Use’ as –

“A use which is subordinate to and serves a principal building or a principal use; is subordinate in extent or purpose to the principal building or a principal use; contributes to the comfort, convenience or necessity of the occupants, business or industry in the principal building or principal use served; is located on the same lot as the principal building or principal use served.”

This page covers several of the accessory uses that are permitted in residential zone districts, which can be found in Section 7.3.105 of City Code, but is not all-encompassing.  In some cases, a Pre-Application Meeting may be necessary for approvals.  For questions, please call 719-385-5905 or email LURPlanningInfo@coloradosprings.gov

Antennas

Antennas for radio, television, and satellite dishes are allowed in any residential zone district; however, additional standards may apply.  For questions, please call 719-385-5905 or email LURPlanningInfo@coloradosprings.gov

Beehives

Beehives may be permitted in residential zone districts, meeting standards as outlined in Subsection 7.3.105.A.2.b ‘Beehive(s)’.

Garage Sales

Garage sales are allowed only if:

(1) Each garage sale is held no more than two (2) times per calendar year; and

(2) Each garage sale does not exceed a period of two (2) consecutive days. 

Codified standards may be found in Subsection 7.3.105.A.2.g ‘Garage Sale’.

Home Day Cares

A small daycare home, defined as a total of six (6) children full-time plus to two (2) additional children part-time, is permitted in most residential zone districts.  Additional standards can be found on the Home Day Care Permit page.   

Home Occupations 

A home occupation may be permitted in any residential district in compliance with Part 15 of Chapter 7 of the City Code.  Additional information, including permit requirements, may be found on the Home Occupation Permit page.

Storage Structures

Pursuant to Subsection 7.3.105.A.2.j ‘Storage Structure’ of the City’s Code of Ordinances, storage structures in residential zones are “limited to two (2) structures per principal use, provided the structures do not exceed four hundred (400) square feet in gross floor area”. 

Swimming Pools

As codified in Subsection 7.3.105.A.2.k, private swimming pools and/or bath houses are allowed in any residential zone. 

Note – While accessory uses may be permitted by the City of Colorado Springs, covenants and restrictions for your particular development and/or subdivision may prohibitions.  Prior to submitting an application, be sure to check if your property has any prohibitions for an accessory use.  Covenants and restrictions are not enforced by the City of Colorado Springs as the City does not have jurisdiction over them.