As part of its “Roadmap to Net Zero Buildings,” the City of Golden is currently considering proposed regulations to achieve its goal of 100% renewable energy for electricity by 2030, and 100% renewable energy for heating by 2050.  The proposed regulations would amend the building energy code (Title 18 of the Golden Municipal Code), which

Restrictions on the ability of homeowners’ associations to enforce covenants deemed contrary to public policy have long been the norm in states across the country, including Colorado, which could soon see an expansion of such restrictions.

Colorado’s Common Interest Ownership Act (CCIOA) contains various statutory restrictions on the ability of a homeowners’ association to enforce rules and covenants deemed contrary to public policy.  For example, notwithstanding any provision in an association’s declaration, bylaws or rules and regulations to the contrary, an HOA is barred from enforcing prohibitions on xeriscaping, display of the American flag, and the display of political signs during election cycles.
Continue Reading Colorado House Passes Bill that would Limit the Ability of HOAs to Regulate the Display of Residents’ Flags and Political Signs

In 2018, the Colorado Water Conservation Board (the CWCB) published the current version of the State’s Drought Mitigation and Response Plan (the DMRP).  Originally prepared in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-390), and adopted by the Office of the Governor, the DMRP is intended to provide State and local authorities with “effective and systematic” methods of combatting short- and long-term water shortages throughout Colorado.  The DMRP contemplates a three-phase Drought Plan Implementation Cycle, with Phase 3 of the cycle activated in times of extreme or exceptional drought.
Continue Reading Amid Grim 2021 Drought Projections, Governor Polis Activates the Municipal Water Impact Task Force

On Wednesday, July 2, 2020, the Colorado Supreme Court issued a per curiam opinion holding that Colorado’s Governor cannot suspend, by executive order, the state’s constitutional requirements for ballot measure signatures.  The Governor had sought, among other things, to permit campaigns for ballot measures that have titles set or pending before the Colorado Supreme Court