Minimum home lot sizes eyed in Colorado push to break barriers

"Colorado House Bill 26-1114 would bar most cities from setting minimums of 2,000 square feet for a single-family lot. The cap would apply in areas served by municipal water and sewer. The bill also would block local governments from using frontage, setbacks, open space rules or lot coverage caps to make a 2,000-square-foot lot effectively unusable for housing."

"Supporters say the measure aims to legalize smaller, more attainable starter homes by shrinking one of the biggest cost drivers in construction: land. They argue that lower land requirements can help bring down the total price of a new home. Our legislation would open up more housing options that families, young professionals and aging Coloradans can realistically buy."

"This effort is part of a growing national push to break barriers to housing affordability by slashing minimum lot sizes as a means to lower property costs. Texas lawmakers made the change last year, lowering residential lot sizes in the state's largest cities to promote denser development. Oregon altered its lot size regulations in 2022."

Colorado House Bill 26-1114 aims to address housing affordability by requiring most municipalities to allow single-family homes on lots as small as 2,000 square feet, roughly one-third the typical size in many areas. The bill prohibits local governments from using frontage, setbacks, open space rules, or lot coverage caps to make smaller lots unusable for housing. This effort aligns with a national trend, as Texas and Oregon have implemented similar lot-size reductions to promote denser development and lower property costs. Supporters argue that reducing land requirements addresses a major cost driver in construction, enabling more attainable starter homes for families, young professionals, and aging residents. Previous attempts in Utah and Montana faced legislative obstacles, though the Colorado measure has passed the House and awaits Senate consideration.

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