Colorado House approves lot‑splitting bill after heated debate over property rights and affordability

The Colorado House approved House Bill 13‑08 on third reading after an extended and often contentious debate, adopting the measure 39‑26.

Supporters framed the bill as a way to increase housing choice and supply by allowing existing residential lots to be divided where infrastructure and resources permit. "If we allow them to split your lot, now you're talking about two smaller homes on that lot... You're talking about the ability to actually save resources," Representative Besenacker said in floor remarks that cited county affordability statistics and argued smaller homes can be cheaper and use fewer resources.

Opponents said the bill would chiefly benefit developers and harm existing homeowners. "This is a developer bill to allow developers to come in and gently infill by tapping into existing infrastructure with absolutely no regard for what is going to happen from there," Representative de Graaf said, calling the measure a violation of property expectations and warning it would devalue surrounding properties. De Graaf urged the House to focus instead on easing regulatory costs that he said drive up home prices.

Other members urged a broader view of affordability, noting land is only one of many cost drivers. Representative Brooks and others pointed to construction and impact fees, labor and material costs, and insurance as major contributors to rising housing prices and said lot splitting alone would not produce starter homes.

The bill includes provisions to exempt homeowners' associations and to account for water, fire safety and resource scarcity, supporters said. After debate ended the clerk opened the voting machine and the bill passed on third reading. The House recorded 39 yes votes and 26 no votes.

Next steps: the bill moves on according to the legislative calendar for any further required steps toward final enactment.