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DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee today passed the Housing Opportunities Made Easier (HOME) Act to streamline the process for many non-profits, schools and transit districts to build housing on their land to save Coloradans money on housing. HB26-1001, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Rep. Javier Mabrey, passed by a vote of 9-4.
“Colorado Democrats are exploring every avenue to create more housing now that hardworking Coloradans can afford,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “We know that Colorado needs to build at least 100,000 more housing opportunities to meet growing demand. This legislation cuts red tape to build more housing on land in the heart of our communities. It will increase the supply of housing that is affordable by making it easier for nonprofit developers, schools and transit districts to build housing that is affordable on the land they own. This bill will lower housing costs and make it easier for Coloradans to find a place to live in their communities.”
“We believe in an economy that works for everyone, and that means lowering costs for hardworking families and creating housing and homeownership opportunities that Coloradans can afford,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “It’s harder and harder for families to get ahead when they are spending so much on housing each year. This bill will bring down housing costs by making it easier to build more housing in our communities. This bill is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to drive down housing costs and lower costs for hardworking people.”
Beginning December 31, 2027, HB26-1001 would streamline the process for building housing by allowing non-profit organizations, housing authorities, school districts, state colleges, Board of Cooperative Educational Services or universities and transit districts to build on their land.
Under the “Housing Opportunities Made Easier Act” (HOME Act), local governments could not reject the construction of a residential development due to height, as long as the development is no taller than three stories or 45 feet or adheres to the height standards of the zoning district. These residential developments could also include childcare centers and facilities that provide recreational, social, or educational services to residents.
HB26-1001 applies to land up to five acres. Exemptions to this bill would include land that is not connected to water and sewage treatment systems, land where state or federal regulations restrict residential housing and conservation easements.
A 2022 report found that removing bureaucratic barriers in the permitting process can expedite the approval process by 28-percent.