Proposed home size limits raise concerns from residents and industry professionals

Residents, architects, and construction professionals are raising concerns about Boulder County's proposed home size restrictions, warning the measures could have unintended consequences for housing affordability and neighborhood preservation in unincorporated Boulder County. The proposed amendments to the Land Use Code would not apply to properties in the cities of Boulder or Longmont.

The controversial proposal would eliminate expansion possibilities for approximately 50% of homeowners in unincorporated Boulder County, while reducing the expansion potential by 25% for all property owners. Industry experts argue these restrictions could fundamentally alter neighborhood development patterns and potentially accelerate the demolition of existing homes.

The economic impacts could be significant and far-reaching. The restrictions would affect not only current homeowners who purchased properties with the intention of future expansion but also the broader construction and design industry throughout Boulder County. Industry experts challenge the County's assertion that these rules would increase affordability, suggesting instead that limiting supply could drive up housing costs.

Niwot architect Anne Postle said, “Big families, families who need extra space to accommodate accessibility and disability, multiple family members working from home…this doesn’t fit within the vision of the County.

She continued, “To say that limiting square footage ‘helps’ affordability is mis-guided at best. It is this very scarcity that has killed our affordability, and the land values will always keep our housing stock expensive. Allowing ADUs [accessory dwelling units], or allowing multiple families to live comfortably in larger houses will help our affordability issues. Scarcity will not.”

Of particular concern is the impact on homeowners who need to adapt their living spaces for growing families, aging parents, or home offices. Many residents purchase homes with the understanding they can modify them to meet changing life circumstances. Under the proposed restrictions, these adaptation options would be severely limited or eliminated entirely.

The restrictions might also paradoxically accelerate the replacement of older homes. A local architect suggests that when homeowners cannot modify existing structures to meet their needs, they are more likely to completely demolish and rebuild. This could potentially eliminate historically significant or character-defining buildings in rural Boulder County, including Niwot.

Industry professionals are advocating for alternative approaches to achieve the county's goals of reducing the maximum allowable home size from 125% of the neighborhood median to simply matching the median. Suggested solutions include implementing incentive-based programs such as expedited review processes or reduced fees for smaller home construction projects. Some propose allowing ADUs on properties that commit to reduced total square footage, potentially creating more affordable housing options while preserving neighborhood character.

Legal challenges may be on the horizon as well, as some property owners have said they are considering litigation over what they view as an infringement on property rights. However, many residents lack the resources to pursue legal action against the county.

As Boulder County officials review these proposed restrictions, the debate highlights the complex balance between environmental goals, property rights, and community development. The proposal's impact on housing affordability and neighborhood preservation continues to be a point of contention among Boulder County officials, homeowners, and industry professionals.