Bill to Legalize ADUs, Create More Housing Coloradans Can Afford Earns Committee Approval
DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Tony Exum Sr., D-Colorado Springs, that would expand housing options and save people money on housing by legalizing ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) cleared the Senate Local Government & Housing Committee today.
HB24-1152 would allow homeowners in subject jurisdictions to build an ADU with fewer obstacles and create a new state grant program to help local governments implement policies to promote and streamline the construction of ADUs.
“Colorado families and communities are desperate for solutions to help address the housing crisis and build more homes for working Coloradans,” said Mullica. “Our bill will give more Coloradans the freedom and support they need to build ADUs on their property, allow more older Coloradans to age in place, and create more affordable housing options in our communities.”
“Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to live, but too many families are struggling to afford the cost of housing in our state,” Exum said. “By giving folks the flexibility to build ADUs on their property, as well as providing grant funding to help cover construction costs, we can bring down housing prices and keep more Coloradans in the communities they call home.”
The bill’s grant program would enable local governments to support lower and middle-income Coloradans building an ADU, property owners renting their ADU at an affordable rate, and the construction of accessible ADUs.
Finally, HB24-1152 provides $8 million in funding through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority to directly help homeowners in ADU-supportive jurisdictions build ADUs, including with down payment assistance, affordable loans, and buying down interest rates on loans for the conversion or construction of ADUs.
Recent polling found that 78 percent of Colorado voters support a law that allows ADUs to be built on single-family home properties.
HB24-1152 will now move to further consideration before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.