Clarification: Livable Outbuildings vs. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Saddle Rock Ranches permits livable or conditioned outbuildings that are customarily appurtenant to the main residence, provided they are approved by the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) and remain subordinate in use and function to the principal single-family dwelling.

The Second Consolidated Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions (recorded April 27, 2001) states in Article I, Section 1:

“All Lots shall be for residential purposes only, and no building shall be erected or placed on any lot other than one private single-family dwelling, together with a private garage and such outbuildings as are customarily appurtenant to such a dwelling.”

This means Saddle Rock Ranches allows outbuildings — such as barns, workshops, tack rooms, home offices, pool houses, or guest studios — so long as they are accessory to and functionally dependent upon the main home. These structures may include heating, plumbing, or finished interior space for short-term or occasional occupancy by guests or family members (with the explicit covenant restriction that they may not be rented separately from the main home).

However, such buildings do not qualify as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
Under the City of Centennial’s definition, an ADU is

“a second smaller dwelling unit located on the same lot as the main house … designed for independent living with space for sleeping, cooking and a bathroom.”

An ADU is therefore an independent dwelling, requiring its own address and utility service, which directly conflicts with SRR’s covenant limiting each lot to “one private single-family dwelling.”

Key distinction:

• Livable outbuildings = accessory, dependent, secondary spaces (permitted with ACC approval)

• ADUs = independent dwelling units with full kitchens, baths, requiring a separate address (not permitted)

To summarize:

Saddle Rock Ranches allows, subject to proper HOA approvals, livable, conditioned, and even partially self-contained outbuildings when they remain clearly subordinate to the primary residence. These are not, and cannot be treated as, Accessory Dwelling Units under either the City’s ordinance or the HOA’s CC&Rs.

Disclaimer:

All information provided on this page is for general reference and reflects author commentary based on available records. It is not a substitute for official HOA governing documents or legal advice. All property use, improvements, and construction are subject to the Saddle Rock Ranches CC&Rs, applicable architectural review procedures, and any relevant requirements of the City of Centennial and the State of Colorado. It is the responsibility of each homeowner to verify the accuracy and applicability of all statutory, regulatory, and procedural requirements prior to making any purchase, construction, or property modification decisions.