A recent study shows local zoning restricts housing options and curbs the construction of affordable housing in Colorado
DENVER - Earlier this week, National Zoning Atlas released a first-of-its-kind analysis on local zoning ordinances and how they impact Colorado's ability to deliver on more housing options to fit every budget.
“Colorado is leading the way in passing common-sense housing legislation that cuts through the red tape to expand more housing options that Coloradans can afford in places they want to live. But there is more work ahead to stop government from preventing housing that meets our needs from being built with less bureaucracy and red tape. This study solidifies that we value data and our approach to housing is what works and that unnecessary zoning restrictions make it difficult for people to build housing that is needed and wanted by Coloradans,” said Governor Polis.
Since taking office, Governor Polis has signed landmark laws to break down barriers to housing, allow more housing options near transit, and cut through government red tape to reduce the cost of housing. Major steps forward include laws around transit-oriented communities, accessory dwelling units, eliminating discriminatory occupancy limits, and costly parking requirements.
Governor Polis and the General Assembly built on that work again this year with new legislation to address construction defects to help build more condos, allow for more smart-stair buildings that create more options for homes Coloradans can afford, and break down barriers to modular housing.
Key takeaways from the study found that:
- In 2023, Colorado had the 5th-highest home prices and the 3rd-highest rents in the country.
- Only 3% of residential land in the state allows multi-unit housing.
- One in five jurisdictions that have zoning don’t allow any multi-unit housing to be built by right.
- Costly parking mandates are imposed on 85% of residentially zoned land, which drive up housing costs and deter development.
- Colorado has larger than typical minimum residential lot size mandates, with 86% of residentially zoned land requiring at least 2 acres for a single home.
- Accessory dwelling units are banned on 37% of land that allows single-unit homes, though HB24-1152 legalized accessory dwelling units in many communities starting July 1, 2025.
###