Loveland City Council revises land use codes to align with new state housing legislation

Loveland City Council has taken significant steps to align local land use regulations with recent state legislation, focusing on two key house bills during their March 18, 2025, meeting. The council discussed House Bill 24-1007, which eliminates occupancy limits for unrelated individuals, and House Bill 24-1152, which encourages the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

House Bill 24-1007, effective since July 2024, mandates the removal of existing occupancy standards in Loveland's code. Previously, the city had restrictions that limited occupancy levels from three to five individuals. The council's decision to amend the code will fully comply with the state law, which also necessitates the removal of the boarding house land use category tied to these occupancy standards.

The second piece of legislation, House Bill 24-1152, aims to facilitate the creation of ADUs across the city. Effective June 30, 2025, this law allows all single-family detached homes to have an ADU without regard to lot size, streamlining the approval process to an administrative level. This means homeowners can add these units without needing neighborhood meetings or planning commission approvals. Additionally, the law removes architectural compatibility restrictions that previously applied to ADUs, allowing for greater flexibility in design.

In response to community feedback, the council is also considering an amendment that would permit larger ADUs on larger lots, exceeding the standard 900 square feet limit. This change aims to accommodate homeowners with larger properties while ensuring compliance with setback and building coverage regulations.

The council's discussions included public comments, with some residents expressing concerns about the potential impact of increased ADU development on the city's aesthetics. However, the council emphasized that the new regulations would apply equitably across all neighborhoods, ensuring that standards are maintained.

The planning commission has already recommended approval of these amendments, which will be revisited for a second reading in April. This proactive approach by the Loveland City Council reflects a commitment to adapting local policies to meet evolving state laws while addressing community needs for affordable housing options.