City Council updates occupancy regulations in line with Colorado's new household law

In a pivotal workshop held on April 17, 2025, the Grand Junction City Planning Commission engaged in a thorough discussion regarding the implications of a new state law affecting residential occupancy regulations. The law, adopted by Colorado last year, prohibits local governments from limiting the number of individuals living together in a single dwelling based on familial relationships. Instead, it allows for occupancy limits to be set only based on health and safety standards or affordable housing guidelines.

As the commission navigated these changes, they outlined a two-pronged approach to amend local codes to align with the new state legislation. The first step involves redefining key terms such as "family" and "household." The commission plans to eliminate the definition of "family," which previously restricted occupancy to no more than four unrelated individuals. Instead, they will focus on the term "household," which will now encompass any combination of individuals living together, provided they do not exceed limits set by health and safety codes.

The second component of the discussion centered on implementing a moratorium on the enforcement of existing group living regulations. This pause aims to prevent confusion and ensure that the city does not inadvertently violate state law while awaiting further clarification on how to regulate group living facilities. The commission expressed concerns that the intent of the state law was not to eliminate local oversight entirely but rather to refine it in a way that accommodates various living arrangements, including those for individuals with disabilities.

Throughout the meeting, members of the commission deliberated on the complexities of balancing local regulations with state mandates. They acknowledged the challenges of defining occupancy limits without infringing on the rights of individuals to live together, particularly in cases involving unrelated individuals or those requiring special accommodations.

As the commission prepares to revise its codes, they remain committed to ensuring that any changes reflect both the needs of the community and compliance with state law. The moratorium will provide a crucial window for further discussions and potential adjustments to the regulations, allowing the city to navigate this evolving landscape thoughtfully and effectively. The outcome of these deliberations will not only shape the future of housing in Grand Junction but also set a precedent for how local governments across Colorado adapt to similar legislative changes.