According to the authors, Colorado continues to have a shortage of affordable housing and rising home prices ultimately affect everyone in the State. Excessive and unnecessary regulations are targeted as prime culprits behind the shortage of affordable housing. The report indicates that the net effect of regulations can make an otherwise affordable house unaffordable by passing unnecessary costs of the regulations onto the consumer, forcing many out of the marketplace. The authors classify the barriers into five general categories infrastructure financing, zoning, codes, procedures and protecting the natural environment.
The report describes the impacts that land development regulations have had on affordable housing in six Colorado communities. Drawn from both the Front Range and rural areas of Colorado, these case studies cover a diverse range of topics. The authors also outline a variety of regulatory reform techniques that local governments can use to reduce barriers to affordable housing and present tips and step-by-step guidance for communities interested in analyzing the impacts their land development regulations may have on the provision of affordable housing in their communities. They also urge caution in the regulatory reform process to guard against unintended consequences. For example, they urge local governments to create alternative financing mechanisms before reducing or waiving impact fees.
Notice: The contents of this record reflect the views of the author and/or promulgating municipality, and should not be construed as representing the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or U.S. HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research. No attempt has been made by U.S. HUD or its contractors to verify the accuracy, currency, or validity of the record contents presented herein.