Encouraging the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) was Strategy 4 of the City's 13 Housing Strategies. ADUs are a form of Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH), given their smaller square footage and their ability to use existing infrastructure such as streets, water, and sewer. These smaller units help to quickly expand housing stock - especially if they're utilized as long-term rentals - and they can also give homeowners the opportunity to generate income from their property.
Below are some resources currently offered by the City of Grand Junction to support community members in developing ADUs.
In March of 2023, the City adopted Ordinance No. 5136 (PDF), which established an ADU Production Program to incentivize and support the construction of ADUs. Those who receive incentives through the program will commit to keeping their ADUs as long-term rentals for a certain period of years.
Incentives will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must have a planning clearance number before submitting an application to the APP.
Incentives will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must have a planning clearance number before submitting an application to the APP. Planning clearances that were submitted before June 4, 2024, but are still in review may be accepted. Planning clearances that were approved and fees paid before June 4 will NOT be eligible for the APP.
Applications in English - can be completed here.
Applications in Spanish - can be completed here.
The ADU Production Program has two tiers of incentives and commitments:
Please see Ordinance No. 5136 for official terms and details.
This form is for recipients of APP incentives who need to certify occupancy of their property; it can be used for both annual certification and new tenant certification (within 10 days of move-in).
View the ADU Production Program Occupancy Certification Form.
This 10-page ADU toolkit (PDF) / Kit de herramientas de ADU (ESP) (PDF) provides general information on ADU types, costs, financing, as well as the City of Grand Junction development review process. There are also extra resources located throughout the toolkit which can be accessed by scanning a QR code with a smartphone. Alternatively, the links to those extra resources can be found below:
Contributed by Mor Storage, a local ADU builder, the plans below feature a selection of floor plans and elevations based on designs already successfully constructed in our community. These sample plans are offered as a resource for local homeowners to help reduce upfront design costs and save time during the planning process. Homeowners will still need to work with a licensed general contractor and complete the City’s planning review to address site-specific requirements, but these plans provide a valuable head start and can help streamline the overall design phase..
Disclaimer: The City of Grand Junction is providing these ADU plans as a general resource for the community. Please note that these drawings include only floor plans and elevations and do not constitute a complete set of construction documents. Additional site-specific plans and details will be required to meet building code and permitting requirements. Each property will have unique considerations, including but not limited to: soil conditions, foundation type (requested or required), distance to property lines, energy code compliance based on the proposed heating and cooling system, utility connections, and other site-specific factors. A licensed general contractor (GC) is required by the City of Grand Junction to construct an ADU. Typically, a GC or design professional will prepare a full set of plans that address these specific requirements. These plans are intended solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as approval of a particular design or guarantee of permit issuance. The City of Grand Junction does not endorse, recommend, or warrant any builders, contractors, or design professionals, nor is the City responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information provided. Use of these plans is at the user’s own risk. The City assumes no liability for errors, omissions, fraudulent activity, or misrepresentations related to the use of these plans or the services of any third party. All questions about these plans should be directed to Mor Storage, who can be reached at 970-256-0460 or by visiting www.morstorage.com.
384 Sq. Ft. 1 Bed ADU 520 Sq. Ft. Two Story ADU 558 Sq. Ft. Two Story ADU 572 Sq St. Two Story ADU
576 Sq. Ft. Two Story ADU 768 Sq. Ft. Two Bed ADU 780 Sq. Ft. 1 Bed ADU 816 Sq St. Two Story ADU
864 Sq. Ft. Two Bed ADU 864 Sq. Ft. Two Story ADU 896 Sq. Ft. 2 Bed ADU 900 Sq St. Two Story ADU
ADU City Planning and ADU Production Program Workshop
These quarterly workshops offer an overview of the City’s planning process, including how to submit a planning clearance application and details about the ADU Production Program. Each session includes a Q&A with a City Planning Technician.
Tuesday, November 4, from 5:30-7 p.m. in the City Hall Auditorium - 250 N 5th St.
Register through the online form
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ADU Financing & Building Workshop (ADU Workshop Part 2)
Held once or twice a year, the Financing & Building Workshop features a panel discussion with representatives from the Mesa County Building Department, a local lender, and a builder, along with a tabled event where attendees can connect with area lenders and contractors.
Tuesday, November 4, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the City Hall Auditorium - 250 N 5th St.
Register through the online form
Please note that these workshops are back-to-back on the same evening, but you must register for both separately if you plan to attend both sessions. Please register each individual that will be attending, as we provide appetizers and need an accurate headcount.