DENVER — Gov. Jared Polis signed HB24-1007 on Monday, prohibiting local governments from limiting the number of people who can live under one roof.
Previously, local governments were allowed to set occupancy limits for people who weren't related to each other -- no matter the size of the house.
There are a few exceptions in the new law. Local governments can enforce residential occupancy limits to follow fire code regulations and health and safety standards, or if the residence is part of an affordable housing program.
Eric Budd has waited years for this day to come.
“No one would take us seriously,” he said. “No one would touch this.”
Budd is part of a movement called Bedrooms are for People. The goal, he said, is to stop local governments from putting limits on the number of non-family members who can live together in one household.
“We've seen the harm that it does,” Budd said. “We've seen people lose their housing for no good reason."
Communities across Colorado have been implementing their own residential occupancy policies, including the City of Boulder, where Budd lives.
“Not only did [Boulder elected leaders] not take it seriously, they fought us,” Budd said. “Every path along the way they fought us. Through a lot of hard work in Boulder, we actually elected people who believe that this is the right thing to do."
What began at the local level eventually made it to the steps of the Colorado State Capitol, where Polis signed the bill.
“I am thrilled to take this bold step today to cut red tape and get the government out of the business of telling people who they can live with,” Polis said. “This is one of many comprehensive steps Colorado is taking to ensure Coloradans can live in the communities they choose, near jobs and transit hubs. I thank the sponsors for their work on this legislation to create more housing options Coloradans can afford.”
As Polis signed the bill, Budd and his family stood proudly on the steps, watching their goal turn into a reality.
"It's just absolutely going to be huge for people to have more options for stable housing,” Budd said. “It means that people aren't going to have to live in fear of being evicted because they're sharing housing with housemates. It means that there are going to be more affordable housing options for people.”
The new law will impact many people, including college students, partners who are not legally married and seniors living with non-immediate family members.
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