HB24-1007 Sardine Housing Bill Removes Maximum Occupancy Rules for Unrelated Individuals Living in Same Dwelling. Density of homes is not enough. We need density inside homes too!

On Tues., March 12th, at 2 pm, a Colorado State Senate subcommittee will hear a radical bill that will prohibit any local jurisdiction from establishing a maximum occupancy for unrelated individuals residing in dwelling units. 

Three big concerns:

1) This could lead to chaotic, out-of-control situations with no limits on the number of unrelated residents, their cars, loud parties, and over-stress of plumbing and other systems in single family neighborhoods that were designed for far fewer residents. (Example: Large multi family high occupancy structures typically have larger sewer pipes and other infrastructure compared to that of smaller residences that were never designed for that capacity.)

2) There's absolutely no proof that increasing occupancy limits increases affordability, in the inelastic demand markets of many Colorado cities. A landlord who previously could only rent to 3 unrelated people, at $1500 per person, or $4500 total…will simply rent to 8 unrelated people now, at $1500 per person rate, or $12,000 total. The only actual results are richer landlords, and chaos in previously quiet / livable residential areas.

3) Particularly devastating for Colorado’s college towns (Colorado Springs, Denver, Golden, Ft. Collins, Boulder, Greeley, Grand Junction, to name a few). Nearly all U.S. college towns limit the number of unrelated occupants per dwelling unit…generally about 3 unrelated people...specifically to prevent out of control freshman/sophomore “Animal House” situations, with parties, noise, destruction of property, etc.

4) The housing crisis appears to be gone: in addition to the State Demographer who recently released updated numbers showing we have a housing surplus of about 18,000 units amidst record low population growth with downwardly adjusted forecasts, numerous studies and local press are reporting on high vacancy rates, home prices and rents dropping, and, even Warren Buffet recently divested his housing portfolio. We are overbuilt and should proceed with caution so as to not wreak havoc on local economies causing hardship and job losses.

We encourage all residents who are able to make the time to be heard on this bill. Here’s the link to sign up to speak (in person or remotely) via Zoom, for up to 2 minutes: Below that are

screen shots illustrating the in obvious steps:

https://www2.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2024A/commsumm.nsf/signup.xsp?h=Webex

Four Screen shots showing the exact steps:

1) Step 1:

2) Step 2:

3) Step 3…scroll down the list of committees til you see the Senate Local Government and Housing committee:

4) Final step 4: Enter your name and contact info, in order to “get on the list”:

It’s best to sign up for the public hearing AND email the committee members and bill sponsors. But if you can’t speak remotely or in person at Tuesday’s 2:00 pm public hearing, at least consider emailing the committee members and bill sponsors:

The Colorado Senate Local Government and Housing Committee that will hear HB24-1007 (prohibiting all CO cities from establishing residential occupancy limits):

Tony Exum tony.exum.senate@coleg.gov 303-866-6364

Julie Gonzales julie.gonzales.senate@coleg.gov 303-866-4862

Sonya Jaquez Lewis sonya.jaquez.lewis.senate@coleg.gov 303-866-5291

Byron Pelton byron.pelton.senate@coleg.gov 303-866-6360

Rod Pelton rod.pelton.senate@coleg.gov 303-866-4884

Janice Rich janicerichsd7@gmail.com 303-866-3077

Faith Winter faith.winter.senate@coleg.gov 303-866-4863

HB24-1007 Bill Sponsors:

Javier Mary javier.mabrey.house@coleg.gov 303-866-2966

Manny Rutinel manny.rutinel.house@coleg.gov 303-866-2945

Tony Exum tony.exum.senate@coleg.gov 303-866-6364

Julie Gonzales julie.gonzales.senate@coleg.gov 303-866-4862