One approach legislators are taking to address Colorado’s housing shortage this session is looking at how existing land can be used more efficiently. House Bill 1308, which will be heard in the Senate Local Government & Housing Committee on April 30, focuses on making it easier for property owners to increase housing options.
HB 1308 would require municipalities to approve applications to split a property into two separate lots if certain conditions are met, encouraging additional housing development in areas that are already built out.
The Colorado Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Council took a support position on the bill earlier this month, highlighting that increasing housing supply is critical to addressing affordability challenges. Colorado currently ranks 48th in the nation for housing affordability, and the cost of living continues to be a top concern for employers. In the Chamber’s latest business survey, housing affordability and cost of living were consistently cited as major barriers to recruiting and retaining talent.
By allowing more flexible use of existing land, HB 1308 aims to encourage additional housing options and help ease supply constraints. The Chamber’s legislative agenda prioritizes support for policies that would increase housing in Colorado, helping address affordability and strengthen Colorado’s workforce.
HB 1308 was also discussed on this week’s episode of Colorado Chamber Office Hours, featuring Sen. Janice Rich and Ted Leighty with the Colorado Association of Homebuilders, where they highlighted the role policies like this can play in addressing the state’s housing challenges.