Gonzales Bill to Prohibit Most Growth Caps Clears Committee

HB23-1255 would prohibit most growth caps to build more housing faster

DENVER, CO – Senator Julie Gonzales’, D-Denver, bill to prohibit local governments from enacting and enforcing growth caps in order to build more housing faster cleared the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee today.

HB23-1255 would prevent local governments from enacting and enforcing housing growth restrictions that limit housing development to a certain number of building permits or approvals without a transparent process and fair consideration of a proposal’s merits. Under the bill, local governments would not be required to approve specific developments or projects, but they would not be able to reject a proposal simply due to an arbitrary growth cap.

"Colorado needs more housing," Gonzales said. "Eliminating arbitrary growth caps will increase supply and allow more Coloradans to remain in the communities they currently live and work in. I’m proud to champion policy that will help communities keep up with ongoing growth, ease displacement, and help us meet our housing needs."

The bill includes exceptions in cases of a declared disaster emergency, for developing or amending residential land use laws, or to acquire or expand public infrastructure like wastewater treatment.

HB23-1255 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.