Boulder County commissioners eliminated occupancy limits based on family status from the county’s land-use code on June 27. The previous code restricted the number of unrelated people who could live together to three.
The changes respond to a state law signed by Gov. Jared Polis in April prohibiting local governments from imposing occupancy limits that restrict how many unrelated people can live together. The new law, effective July 1, 2024, allows governments to impose life safety and fire code occupancy regulations based on demonstrated health and safety standards. Such codes will remain in effect in Boulder County.
No one spoke for or against the proposed amendment during a public hearing on Thursday. In a meeting that lasted less than 10 minutes, Commissioners Claire Levy and Ashley Stolzmann thanked county officials and approved the land-use changes.
The City of Boulder is also contemplating how it will eliminate its occupancy limits and is expected to stop enforcing the current limits. Last year, Boulder raised its occupancy limits from allowing as few as three unrelated people to live together to five across much of the city.
What remedies may Boulder County or the State have that could eliminate occupancy limits set by HOAs? Elderly residents could use options for in-house caregivers, who may also have limited housing options in the County.