Boulder Voters Want to Keep Limits on Unrelated Home Occupants

Voters in the city of Boulder appeared to reaffirm limits on how many unrelated people can live in a residence.

1 minute read

November 4, 2021, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Boulder Colorado

Nelson Sirlin / Shutterstock

As of this writing, Boulder residents this week appeared to have rejected Question 300, "which asked whether to change the number of unrelated people who can live in a residence," according to an article by Jennifer Campbell-Hicks for 9 News.

The ballot language read as follows: "Shall the City of Boulder expand access to housing by allowing all housing units to be occupied by a number of people equal to the number of legal bedrooms, plus one additional person per home, provided that relevant health and safety codes are met?"

If approved, the advisory vote would push the city of Boulder to increase the number of unrelated people living in a residence. A failed vote means the city's current limits—three or four people depending on the building—will stay in place.

Two groups emerged to support and oppose Question 300. In support, Bedrooms Are for People argued that the city's laws run afoul of the federal Fair Housing Act as well as the progressive values of many residents of the city. In opposition, No on Bedroom$ argued that "Question 300 would "dismantle your neighborhood by turning single-family homes into overcrowded de facto dormitories."

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 in 9 News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

July 4 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

July 4 - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business