Controversial Bill Threatens Local Control and Forces Denser Housing in Colorado
Governor Polis and radical Democrats in Colorado are pushing forward with their agenda to cram more families into smaller homes, disregarding the wishes of municipalities and a majority of Coloradans.
A newly introduced bill in the Legislature, House Bill 24-1152, would allow owners of single-family homes to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their properties, under the guise of addressing the state's housing needs. Read the bill.
The bill, which combines elements from last year's failed land use legislation, raises serious concerns about home rule and local control of Colorado communities. The Colorado Municipal League (CML) has voiced its opposition, stating that HB 24-1152 "encroaches on the traditional land use and zoning authority of home rule municipalities."
Contrary to what Democrats and Governor Polis claim, CML argues that municipalities have been actively addressing ADUs and affordable housing, making the bill unnecessary and intrusive. If passed, the legislation would bypass local governments and incentivize homeowners to add a second unit to their single-family home lots.
Governor Polis and his supporters argue that increasing density without the need for additional infrastructure like water, sewer, and roads will address Colorado's housing shortages. They promote ADUs as rental units or housing options for downsizing relatives.
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Representative Judy Amabile, a Boulder Democrat and sponsor of the bill, claims that allowing ADUs and providing financing options for lower- and middle-income Coloradans will make it easier for them to afford to remain in their communities. However, critics argue that this approach undermines the principles of local control and disregards the concerns of residents.
Last year's land use bill faced opposition from organizations like the Colorado Municipal League, highlighting the unfair override of local governments' zoning decisions. It is expected that HB 24-1152 will encounter similar resistance.
If the bill becomes law, it would mandate changes in Colorado cities with over 1,000 residents within metropolitan planning organizations, spanning from Fort Collins to Pueblo and Grand Junction. Notably, rural Colorado and resort towns on the Western Slope are exempted.
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Under the bill's provisions, affected cities would be required to allow ADUs between 500 and 800 square feet on the same property as a single-family home. Additionally, cities would be prohibited from imposing additional parking requirements for ADU construction. The approval or denial of ADUs would be determined through an administrative process, bypassing public hearings or decisions by public bodies. More government, red tape, and of course more cost and more control.
To further incentivize ADU development, the bill would allocate funds for low-cost loans and down payment assistance for homeowners, with $8 million set aside for this purpose.
Critics argue that Democrats, having already made a mess of Denver, are now expanding their destructive policies into rural areas. The forced densification of housing without consideration for local preferences and control raises concerns about the erosion of individual rights and the character of Colorado communities.