Denver City Council Approves Group Living, These Are The New Rules

The Denver City Council has passed a proposal to alter residential use rules.

Under the new rules, up to five unrelated adults are allowed to live together in a single-family home.

The new plan also broadens where residential community and community correction facilities can be built, according to FOX31. The expansion is an effort to spread facilities more evenly throughout the city.

“Tonight’s vote is a step toward rectifying the role zoning has played historically in dividing cities based on race, class, and perceptions of people,” Laura E. Aldrete, executive director of Community Planning and Development said in a statement. “We are modernizing our codes and ensuring our policies reflect our values.”

According to FOX31, over 1,000 people wrote in with varying opinions on the changes. Around 150 Denver residents participated in the public hearing on Zoom on Monday night (February 8).

Residents against the plan believe the new plan could hurt property values and make it harder to find a home in Denver.

Those for the change said it could help many residents keep up with the rising cost of housing in the city. They believe the city code should adjust to how many people are already living in single family homes.

The recently passed plan will go into effect this week after it receives the mayor's signature.

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