Local Programming: Help! the State Preempted My Community’s Zoning Rules

State legislators have realized that local governments can’t solve many land use issues on their own. They are calling out communities that perpetuate or create regulatory barriers that are inconsistent with state policy. Colorado legislators enacted several land use laws during their 2024 session. Most Colorado communities must now allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs), increase density along transit, remove parking requirements near transit, and adjust landscaping requirements to save water.

Denver sees an opportunity to advance housing objectives but must decide whether to keep popular ADU requirements that don’t match the new rules. Boulder, Colorado, has long pushed for more equitable, walkable development near transit to meet housing challenges, but often faces community concerns or opposition to proposals to add housing and reduce parking requirements.

Learn from each other and from communities in states like California and Oregon that adopted similar land use legislation years ago. Panelists include planners from Denver and Boulder, as well as a nationally known consultant who has helped numerous communities to comply with state zoning law reforms in ways that are consistent with local planning priorities. Participants help identify innovative solutions. Join the conversation — your community could be next!