As Denver expands its approval of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), those living along East Colfax will now be allowed to add second residences—often called “granny flats—on their property.

Passed by the Denver City Council several months ago, the zoning change permits homeowners to convert garages into apartments or add other living space elsewhere on the property.

City planner Andrew Webb explained that allowing ADUs is a way to combat gentrification by providing lower-cost housing options for renters. It also allows homeowners to stay in the neighborhood by bringing in rental income.

This is the third such rezoning in the city, which seems to have widespread acceptance in the area. The Denver Post noted that a survey that circulated in the neighborhood between August 2020 and February of 2021 generated 139 responses. Of those, 106 supported the rezoning with only 26 opposing it.

The other Denver neighborhoods that allow ADUs are Chaffee Park and Sloan’s Lake.