Colorado’s escalating housing costs have prompted legislators to introduce House Bill 1152, a bipartisan initiative designed to increase the state’s housing supply. The bill centers on facilitating the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), autonomous living spaces that can be located within, attached to, or separate from a primary residence on the same property.
Empowering Homeowners, Limiting Local Governments
The bill’s primary objective is to eliminate restrictions imposed by local governments, predominantly in the densely populated Front Range, on homeowners wishing to build ADUs. This move is a clear directive to homeowners, empowering them to contribute to addressing the state’s housing crisis.
Exemptions and Incentives
Interestingly, the bill exempts Colorado’s mountain towns from its mandates due to concerns that ADUs could inadvertently bolster the short-term rental market rather than ease workforce housing shortages. However, these towns, which are plagued by high housing costs, are given the option to voluntarily participate in the bill’s programs and avail of incentives such as grants.
Encouraging ADU Construction
House Bill 1152 proposes two programs aimed at promoting ADU construction. The first is a grant program designed to reduce costs and provide technical assistance, while the second offers affordable loans for building ADUs. Local governments wishing to access these incentives must demonstrate their commitment to promoting ADU construction and adhere to the bill’s requirements.
The introduction of this bill follows the failure of a previous comprehensive housing bill and is now part of a series of smaller, focused legislative efforts led by Governor Polis’ administration to combat the state’s growing housing dilemma.