The cost of housing in Jeffco varies based on development type. The median cost for single-family residential homes is 35 percent higher than that of duplexes and 40 percent higher than triplexes or fourplexes. Single-family-only zoning, which limits construction in an area to single-family homes while disallowing multi-family housing units like apartments or duplexes, is prevalent across Jeffco. By expanding zoning options to include duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, etc., cities can build more densely. Further, these housing units are typically cheaper to construct, assisting the state and private developers in meeting their goal of building more affordable housing. By increasing density, more housing units can be built on the same amount of land, potentially leading to more affordable options due to increased supply.

Recent state legislation removed caps on how much cities could build. Lakewood and Golden’s caps were nullified due to this change. The caps limited the amount of construction of residential units or developable land to maintain the localities’ character, mitigate infrastructure demands, or conserve natural spaces. These caps restrict the development of housing and the ability to close the supply gap. Jeffco communities and leaders must be attentive to potential negative consequences of growth, but restrictive caps are overly restrictive and not the answer.

Also known as ‘granny flats,’ accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are small but separate housing units that can be built atop garages, in backyards, etc. at a relatively lower cost and at greater speed. They are essentially second homes – usually smaller – built on the same property as the main unit. They’re often used for intergenerational housing, to supplement income for households on fixed incomes, or affordable rental options. They’re also energy efficient compared to single family residential and utilize existing water, sewer, and electricity lines. Root Policy estimated that adding ADUs in Jeffco could increase housing units by up to 1,200 units (adding 7 percent in capacity). Not a seismic shift, but a meaningful step of many in closing the attainable housing supply deficit.  

The rollout has been slow in parts of Colorado that already allow for ADUs such as Golden and Lakewood. In places like California, where it’s been allowed for longer periods, the impact has been significant on the housing supply and affordability, especially for middle-income households. About 60,000 ADUs have been built in California since their 2016 legalization. A similar tool involves legalizing lot splits – selling a portion of your yard, for instance, so it can be separately developed – for homeowners at risk of displacement who might not be able to afford the construction of an ADU on their property. ADUs are popular throughout Jeffco and the state with 78 percent of Coloradans supporting this tool.

Encouraging development near public transportation hubs through zoning changes can reduce housing costs, the need for car ownership, and lower living costs for residents. TOC policies can also stimulate economic development in transit-accessible areas, building around bus hubs and/or light rail stations. This zoning change can mitigate pollution concerns sometimes associated with greater density. Fortunately, this tool also garners enthusiasm as 68 percent of Coloradans support increasing housing density around transit corridors.

One bill in the Colorado state legislature would increase zoning density around transit sites, such as bus stops or light rail stations. It would remove barriers in place that limit housing density to encourage building more housing near transit sites. In Jeffco, this would apply to Lakewood, Arvada, Edgewater, Westminster, Wheat Ridge, and Golden. Other areas could opt in, but would not be required to do so to achieve these transit-related housing goals. Cities would look at developable property close to rail lines or high-frequency buses as well as future transit lines to increase density.