Colorado Lawmakers Renew Zoning Reform Efforts

Colorado lawmakers are regrouping in their effort to pass zoning reform, which stalled last year, reports Nick Coltrain in the Greeley Tribune.

In Fort Collins, a local measure failed to make headway after facing backlash from opponents. “For supporters of land-use reforms, the tug-of-war in Fort Collins is a prime example of why a statewide approach to housing is necessary.”

The new proposed legislation package is broken up into several bills to give more issues a chance to pass. “Proponents of the new efforts say they would make use of more carrots and fewer sticks to alter how local governments approach density, land use and development.”

Measures to be introduced to the state legislature this year include a bill supporting transit-oriented development (TOD), a bill barring overly restrictive rules on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and a bill limiting minimum parking requirements.

According to Coltrain, “Several bills incorporate affordability and anti-displacement measures, which are intended to ensure new development isn’t unattainable and doesn’t gentrify entire communities.”