Governor Polis is taking a no-nonsense approach to Colorado's housing crunch, making moves to cut the red tape that has long wrapped its way around building affordable homes in the state. Following a revealing analysis by the National Zoning Atlas earlier this week, the Governor has doubled down on efforts to simplify laws that may be standing in the way of Coloradans getting the housing they need at prices that won't break the bank. The study highlighted just how restrictive zoning laws have been, with only a sliver of residential land allowing for multi-unit houses and hefty parking mandates jacking up costs.
Just released, the study provided some alarming numbers, solidifying Polis's concerns. "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," Governor Polis said, as obtained by the Colorado Governor's Office. He added, "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."
The Governor isn't just talking the talk, he's walked it since day one in office. He's penned laws to ease the creation of housing near transit hubs, and greenlit accessory dwelling units, and challenged discriminatory occupancy limits and expensive parking requirements. Already, communities are beginning to see the shift, with accessory dwelling units legalized on 37% of the land that allows single-unit homes beginning July 1.
