ZONING

when they’re asked to move along.”

Polis’ words draw worries e network provides shelter from Jan. 2 through March 31, its website says. Guests stay at local churches that open their facilities on a rotating basis. In 2022, the network sheltered ve households, according to Laydon. e Nextdoor posted earlier this month, which garnered dozens of reactions and comments, also expressed concern about the idea of “potential plans to circumvent the Town Council and change the Rock’s zoning.”

Douglas County has no large-scale homeless shelter, but the Winter Shelter Network — an organization of churches — serves Douglas County women and children experiencing homelessness.

Pastor Mike Polhemus of e Rock church has said he hopes to get help, outlining the details of expanding the program into a year-round shelter network.

He said he envisions multiple churches making up the network with one or two families or individuals housed at each location to avoid having a large homeless community.

“As you may know, on January 17, 2023, during Governor Polis’ State of the State address, Governor Polis stipulated he is contemplating the possibility of preempting local government land use zoning with new potential land use and zoning legislation,” the post read. “ us, potentially, allowing accessory dwelling units (“ADU’s”) and similar, be permitted with landowners on their properties - without any local government approval.”

Accessory dwelling units — small residential spaces located behind a house or attached to a garage — are already allowed in several metroarea cities.

In his annual State of the State speech, Polis seemed to tease at the possibility of state intervention in how local communities govern housing.

“Since issues like transportation, water, energy and more inherently cross jurisdictional boundaries, it becomes a statewide problem that truly impacts all of us,” Polis said. He spoke of the need for more exible zoning to allow more housing and “streamlined regulations that cut through red tape.”

In an interview with Colorado Public Radio, Polis spoke in favor of seeing more accessory dwelling units — among other types of housing — but the governor has avoided providing speci cs on what actions he favors.

Gray, Castle Rock’s mayor, said “there’s been talk of pushing for ADUs” or other housing.

“Our fear is it’ll take away local rule,” Gray said.

In response to questions from Colorado Community Media in January, the governor and his ofce didn’t specify what changes to zoning policy he would support or oppose. Polis had not said that he wants the state to require zoning changes in cities.

After his State of the State address, the governor was focused on gathering input to work with state lawmakers and develop a proposal on landuse policy. As of early February, the governor’s spokesperson con rmed to CCM there was still no bill introduced for such a proposal.