What’s Up with the New Land Use Code?
- Mary Roberts
- Apr 27, 2023
- 2 min read
It all started in November 2022 when the Fort Collins City Council passed a new Land Use Code in hopes of addressing the housing issues that plague the city. It was to go into effect in January 2023. Specifically, the Council wanted to (a) change the name to Land Development Code (b) implement affordability incentives, and (c) make changes to zoning that would allow increased density. There were a few other things, too, but zoning changes and questionable (according to one group), ways to impact affordability elicited the most pushback
Six months later, two opposing factions have emerged, FoCoForward and Progressive Fort Collins, both hosting information meetings as has City Council to address the misinformation and rampant speculation as to “unintended consequences.”
Should we allow ADU’s (Accessory Dwelling Units) in backyards? What if they’re used for short-term rentals?
How do we handle parking?
Do we allow triplexes on specific lots and increase neighborhood density?
How do we make housing more affordable for the middle-income workers, teachers, firefighters, etc., who make our city work?
Enforcement, deed restrictions, definitions, and income restrictions.
Impact of additional housing on built environment and neighborhoods
The other concern is the housing bill called More Housing Now introduced by Governor Polis and its potential impact on cities along the Front Range. If passed, it will require larger cities like Fort Collins to come up with an acceptable housing plan that meet meeting standards outlined by the government. It includes ADU’s, specific types of multi-family housing, removing square footage requirements and occupancy restrictions (yes, that would mean no more U+2), and more mixed-use housing near transit.
Already there have been amendments to the bill making its way through the State House such as no longer requiring certain cities to allow multi-family housing in all zones. Instead, the bill would require multi-family housing be built in only 30% of their land area currently zoned for single-family homes, concentrated around train and high-frequency bus corridors where applicable.
BREAKING NEWS!!!
Tuesday, April 25th, Colorado state lawmakers amended the More Housing Now Bill and no longer require local governments to adhere to state housing mandates. Instead, there will be an advisory board that local governments can go to for advice. It was a huge win for those upset about the loss of local control of housing requirements.
Housing is at a crisis point in Colorado. Spirited discussion and some compromise should always be part of the process, but we can’t let another five years pass without making serious inroads into solving the housing conundrum for Colorado’s citizens.
Want to be part of the “spirited discussion?” Keep informed and join one of the various community meetings around town to be heard and to hear what others have to say.
Go to these links to find out more:
You can’t complain if you haven’t participated. Educate yourself. Listen to others who may not hold your views. Don’t let fear of change dictate your decisions.
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