Increasing access to housing Coloradans can afford
DENVER - Today, Governor Polis signed HB24-1007, Prohibit Residential Occupancy Limits, sponsored by Representatives Manny Rutinel and Javier Mabrey, and Senators Tony Exum and Julie Gonzales, eliminating discriminatory occupancy limits in Colorado and expanding housing opportunities Coloradans can afford. The Governor and bill sponsors were joined on the west steps of the state capitol by Coloradans in support of this new law.
“I am thrilled to take this bold step today to cut red tape and get the government out of the business of telling people who they can live with. This is one of many comprehensive steps Colorado is taking to ensure Coloradans can live in the communities they choose, near jobs and transit hubs. I thank the sponsors for their work on this legislation to create more housing options Coloradans can afford,” said Governor Polis.
Governor Polis called for the end of occupancy limits that result in discrimination in his 2024 State of the State address and outlined this as an important strategy to increase Colorado’s housing opportunities in his Roadmap to a Future Colorado 2026. Last year, Governor Polis signed legislation that banned growth caps in Colorado, breaking down artificial barriers to more housing options for every Colorado budget.
“Coloradans need us to take a multi-faceted approach to address the housing crisis. By banning discriminatory occupancy limits, we can create more budget-friendly housing opportunities,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “Discriminatory occupancy limits have displaced too many Coloradans out of their communities. With this bill becoming law, we can give Coloradans more affordable housing choices.”
“Ending discriminatory occupancy limits is a great way to break down housing barriers and create a more equitable market,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “These limits disproportionately affect historically marginalized communities that may have diverse family structures. I am extremely pleased to see this bill that will lift outdated occupancy limits and give Coloradans a wider range of housing options get signed into law.”
“Occupancy limits that are not based on health and safety concerns worsen our housing shortage, making it even more difficult for Coloradans to find housing,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “Our new law will expand housing options for all Coloradans so they can choose a living situation that works for their budget and keeps them close to their community.”
“Strict occupancy limits can reduce housing options and push folks out of their communities,” said Senator Tony Exum Sr., D-Colorado Springs. “Prohibiting occupancy limits would give residents the freedom to choose their living situations and who they live with. This new law will allow families to live in a structure that’s best for them – without the interference of occupancy limits.”
Governor Polis remains laser-focused on lowering the cost of housing by increasing housing options Coloradans can afford near job centers and reliable transportation options. The cost of housing remains Coloradans’ and Governor Polis’s top concern. Nearly all Coloradans believe renting or purchasing a home in Colorado is a problem and 70% believe local governments are not doing enough to address this concern.
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