Boulder is poised to update its regulations on residential occupancy limits and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), with critical public hearings and council readings scheduled for the coming months. If approved, these changes would align Boulder’s policies with recent state legislation and could significantly reshape the city’s approach to housing.
Why Are These Changes Happening?
Recent state laws require municipalities to revise their housing regulations to increase flexibility and accessibility. One key law, effective July 1, 2023, prohibits local governments from restricting residential occupancy based on familial relationships. This means Boulder can no longer limit how many unrelated individuals can live together in a single home.
Additionally, another state law taking effect June 30, 2024, mandates that municipalities allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on any lot zoned for single-family homes. The new law removes parking requirements and does not require the homeowner to live in the main residence in order to build an ADU.
These changes are prompting Boulder to update its own regulations in order to comply with state law and support a wider range of housing options.
The Proposed Changes in Boulder
- Occupancy Ordinance: The proposed occupancy ordinance would remove Boulder’s current restrictions on the number of unrelated people who can live together in a home. These rules have been criticized as discriminatory, and the new ordinance would replace them with general health and safety standards aligned with the International Property Maintenance Code. This change will allow more flexibility for nontraditional living arrangements and is expected to help address the city’s housing shortage.
- ADU Ordinance: Boulder’s ADU ordinance would also undergo significant changes. The proposed updates would eliminate certain design requirements and open up more zoning districts for ADU development. These changes are expected to make it easier for homeowners to build ADUs, increasing the availability of affordable housing. In particular, parking requirements and owner-occupancy mandates would be removed, further streamlining the process for homeowners interested in adding these secondary units to their properties.
Why This Matters
These proposed changes are crucial in addressing Boulder’s growing housing affordability crisis. With rising rents and an increase in homelessness, creating more flexible housing options is key. ADUs are seen as an affordable, sustainable way to increase the housing supply, and the change in occupancy rules will open up new opportunities for residents who live in nontraditional housing arrangements.
These updates also align with Boulder’s long-standing commitment to inclusivity and nondiscrimination, creating a more diverse and accessible housing market.
What’s Next?
The Boulder City Council will hold a public hearing on February 6 to discuss the ADU ordinance (second reading) and the occupancy ordinance (first reading). The occupancy ordinance will then return for a second reading and vote on March 6.
This is an important opportunity for Boulder residents to provide feedback on the proposed changes. Housing advocates are hopeful that these ordinances will pass, marking a significant step toward addressing the city’s housing challenges.
As Boulder continues to grow, these regulatory changes could play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s future, making it a more inclusive and affordable place to live.