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Manitou Springs advisory board asks planning staff to seek DOLA ADU certification
Summary
The Manitou Springs Housing Advisory Board heard DOLA officials explain a state ADU grant and certification process and voted to ask the planning department to seek ADU‑supportive jurisdiction certification so local residents can access grant and CHFA financing.
The Manitou Springs Housing Advisory Board voted to ask the city planning department to apply for Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) ADU supportive‑jurisdiction certification after a presentation from DOLA staff on state grant and financing opportunities.
DOLA program assistant Nicola Donovan told the board the state grant created by “House Bill 24 11 52” funds two broad categories: planning activities and financial assistance. "There's 2 sort of buckets. There's planning activities and financial assistance," she said, and explained planning work could include preapproved plans and technical assistance while the financial bucket covers fee waivers, rebates and reimbursements for new ADUs.
Hanavan Nimwegen, DOLA's technical assistance planner, walked the board through the certification steps and the 10 strategies under the law, telling members Manitou Springs already appears to meet one strategy—tracking/regulating ADU use as short‑term rentals—meaning the city is likely eligible if staff submits the required documentation. "Manitou Springs would qualify under that 5th strategy," Nimwegen said.
Board members pushed for timing and dollar details. Donovan said the third round of grant applications "opens August 3, and then the application period closes on August 31. We'll make award decisions probably in early September and then hopefully get contracts executed in October." She also said the round had roughly $1,800,000 available and that financial assistance is capped at $15,000 per ADU permitted between 05/13/2024 and 08/31/2026. The grant carries a 25% match requirement, Donovan added, with possible reductions for applicants demonstrating financial hardship.
City planner Zachary Davidson confirmed Manitou Springs has had inquiries but has not issued any ADU permits in the statutory window. "We haven't issued any permits for ADUs," Davidson told the board.
After the presentation and a period of board Q&A about examples (Grand Junction, Summit County, Montrose) and potential incentives, the board discussed next steps. Chair (acting) proposed drafting a formal letter recommending the planning department submit the certification application to DOLA, and a member seconded. The board then voted in favor of the letter; the chair said she will draft it and send it to the planning department.
Board members said certification would allow Manitou Springs residents to access CHFA‑backed homeowner financing programs and would let the city pursue planning and incentive activities funded through the grant. The board also resolved to continue internal discussion about what the town would apply for if it pursues grant funding.
The board did not commit the city to specific grant requests at the meeting; members noted staff and city council budget authority would determine any 25% match or staffing costs tied to program implementation.
