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Transit-Oriented Communities (HB24-1313)

Status:
Passed May 13, 2024

HB24-1313 requires certain cities and counties along Colorado’s Front Range to allow more housing development opportunities near transit stations and frequent bus routes. The legislation sets residential zoning capacity targets, streamlines housing approval processes, and directs cities to consider affordable housing and anti-displacement strategies. The goal is to create walkable, transit-rich communities that lower the cost of living, improve access to jobs and other opportunities, and cut climate emissions.

Key Impact

Increases the production of more affordable housing types near transit by setting zoning capacity goals, streamlining the permitting process, and supporting affordability strategies.

Key Benefit

Helps renters, lowers housing costs, supports local businesses, reduces emissions

Locality

Applies to 31 cities and counties in Colorado’s metro areas with frequent transit service

Sponsors

Reps. Steven Woodrow, Iman Jodeh; Sens. Chris Hansen, Faith Winter

View All Policies

Transit-Oriented Communities (HB24-1313)

Status:
Passed May 13, 2024

HB24-1313 requires certain cities and counties along Colorado’s Front Range to allow more housing development opportunities near transit stations and frequent bus routes. The legislation sets residential zoning capacity targets, streamlines housing approval processes, and directs cities to consider affordable housing and anti-displacement strategies. The goal is to create walkable, transit-rich communities that lower the cost of living, improve access to jobs and other opportunities, and cut climate emissions.

Key Impact

Increases the production of more affordable housing types near transit by setting zoning capacity goals, streamlining the permitting process, and supporting affordability strategies.

Key Benefit

Helps renters, lowers housing costs, supports local businesses, reduces emissions

Locality

Applies to 31 cities and counties in Colorado’s metro areas with frequent transit service

Sponsors

Reps. Steven Woodrow, Iman Jodeh; Sens. Chris Hansen, Faith Winter

Policy Breakdown

Addressing Colorado’s Housing Crisis

Colorado faces a significant housing affordability crisis, with many residents spending over 70% of their income on housing and transportation. Despite substantial investments in transit infrastructure, many transit station areas remain underdeveloped, often dominated by parking lots or low-density zoning that doesn’t support robust transit service. This underuse contributes to higher housing costs, increased traffic congestion, and greater environmental impacts.

How HB24-1313 Solves These Problems

HB24-1313 addresses these challenges by establishing Housing Opportunity Goals (HOGs) that require local governments to meet zoning capacity targets based on achieving densities of at least 40 dwelling units per acre in transit areas. Specifically, areas within a half-mile of rail stations or a quarter-mile of frequent bus routes must accommodate a minimum housing density of 15 units per acre. To further encourage development, the bill also mandates administrative approvals for qualifying housing projects, significantly reducing development delays and uncertainties.

Additionally, HB24-1313 emphasizes affordability and displacement prevention by requiring local governments to implement specific measures that ensure the availability of affordable housing and protect current residents from displacement.

Who Benefits from HB24-1313?

  • Renters & Homeowners: Greater housing supply near transit can provide more affordable housing options and significantly reduce transportation expenses.
  • Workers & Local Businesses: Improved access to transit-oriented housing means shorter commutes, improved workforce access, and stronger local economies.
  • The Environment: Encouraging denser, transit-oriented communities reduces vehicle reliance, lowers emissions, and promotes sustainable development patterns.

Implementation Timeline and Responsibilities

Implementation of HB24-1313 began on May 13, 2024, and will require coordinated action by local governments within metropolitan planning areas serving populations over 4,000 with qualified transit zones. Key upcoming deadlines include:

  • Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) publishing transit area maps by September 30, 2024.
  • Local governments submitting preliminary assessment reports by June 30, 2025.
  • Finalizing housing opportunity goal reports and strategies by December 31, 2026.
Enforcement measures include potential penalties for non-compliance, notably restricted access to certain state infrastructure funding.

Further Reading and Related Policies

For further exploration, related policies include:
  • SB24-106 (Eliminating Minimum Parking Requirements Near Transit)
  • HB24-1152 (Accessory Dwelling Units in Residential Zones)

Additional analysis and details can be found in the SWEEP Blog and through the official Colorado General Assembly Bill Page.