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Loveland council approves first-reading UDC changes to adopt state EV, transit parking and ADU rules
Summary
The Loveland City Council voted 7–0 on Dec. 16 to approve ordinance 6805 on first reading, updating the Unified Development Code to adopt state electric-vehicle charging standards, exempt parking near certain transit stops and ease rules for accessory dwelling units, enabling grant eligibility for ADU incentives.
Loveland’s City Council voted unanimously Dec. 16 to approve on first reading ordinance 6805, a package of amendments to the Unified Development Code that staff said are needed to align local rules with state legislation adopted in 2024.
Planning staffer Carrie Burchett told the council the updates cover three areas required or encouraged by recent state bills: a transit-area parking exemption for some multifamily projects, a statewide model permitting code for stand-alone electric-vehicle charging projects and relaxed standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). "The purpose of these amendments is really to align our development code with adopted state legislation," Burchett said during her presentation.
Burchett said the transit parking exemption removes mandated off-street parking for qualifying multifamily projects near designated bus stops to free land for housing. On EV charging, she described a new municipal land-use category for lots devoted primarily to EV charging and said the city scoped limited local design standards the state allows. On ADUs, staff updated rear-setback and off-street-parking rules to meet state requirements and pursue a local certification that would make the city eligible for state grant funding to help reduce permitting costs for ADU construction.
Several public commenters voiced support during the hearing. Cindy Van Slumbergh told council the changes will help the city qualify for grants to encourage ADUs, and other speakers noted the Transportation Advisory Board and Planning Commission had reviewed the package. Burchett said the planning commission unanimously recommended the amendments, and staff told council the state reviewed a draft and found the proposed red-line changes in compliance.
Councilors asked questions about impacts on utilities, capacity review for transit-area projects and grant details; Burchett said projects still must demonstrate adequate utility capacity and that the city would pursue grants to subsidize permit costs and provide outreach. The motion to approve ordinance 6805 on first reading passed by a 7–0 roll call.
The ordinance is now scheduled for subsequent readings as required by city rules; staff said grants and implementation details will follow as the city finalizes administrative materials.
The council’s action implements state-mandated changes while preserving local review of utility and design standards and aims to open funding opportunities to encourage ADUs and EV infrastructure.
