The Advocate Newsletter | April 8, 2026

April 8, 2026

In this edition:

HBA HSEP Stormwater Compliance Training — Now Just $20

It is now easier than ever to get your team the stormwater training they need. The Homebuilders Stormwater Excellence Program (HSEP) Stormwater Compliance Course is now available for just $20 per person—lunch included. Our next training is scheduled for April 22, starting at 9:00am.

This full-day course is designed for anyone involved in stormwater management on permitted residential construction sites. Whether you're overseeing projects or working in the field, this training walks participants through the entire construction lifecycle—from initial land disturbance to final stabilization—while helping you stay compliant and avoid costly CDPHE fines.

The course covers key topics like permitting requirements, inspections, SWPPP essentials, erosion and sediment control best practices, and the environmental impacts of stormwater pollution. It’s a practical, hands-on opportunity to strengthen your knowledge and ensure your projects meet state and federal expectations.

Spots are limited, so be sure to register early. If you’re interested in scheduling training for your team, reach out—we’re happy to work with you.

Erie Town Council Repeals Residential Fire Sprinkler Mandate

The Erie Town Council voted 4 to 3 on March 24 to repeal its residential fire-sprinkler mandate for new construction, reversing a policy that had come under scrutiny amid rising housing affordability challenges. The requirement, part of the 2021 International Residential Code, was estimated to add roughly $15,000 to the price of a new home. According to HBA data, approximately 1,811 homes have been built in Erie since the sprinkler mandate was implemented in early 2023, adding more than $27 million in costs for aspiring homeowners. This expense has been further compounded by other local cost increases, including higher water tap fees, energy code requirements and metro district costs—pushing total new homebuilding costs in Erie up by more than $46,000 in recent years.

Officials cited declining housing production and affordability pressures in their decision. Residential permits in Erie have dropped 45% year-over-year, limiting supply and reducing local revenue. The HBA and area builders supporting the repeal emphasized that modern building codes already require fire-resistant materials, improved electrical and heating systems, and interconnected smoke alarms that significantly reduce fire risk. State data shows most fatal residential fires occur in homes built before 2000, suggesting new homes are already much safer. Erie’s ordinance is scheduled to take effect in 10 days, a move that will undoubtedly help lower construction costs, encourage new development and expand access to more attainable housing while still maintaining strong safety standards .

Castle Rock Approves New Builder Sign Plaza Program

The Castle Rock Town Council unanimously approved a new sign ordinance yesterday evening aimed at addressing ongoing concerns from local builders while maintaining the Town’s long-standing signage standards. Over the past year and a half, builders have faced increased enforcement of existing regulations, particularly restrictions on signage in the public right-of-way, off-premise signs, and wind signs such as flutter flags and balloons—resulting in multiple citations. While these rules have been part of the municipal code for many years, enforcement intensified in 2024 following a rise in complaints and direction from the Council. The Town’s earlier decision not to renew its Sign Plaza program further limited marketing and wayfinding options for builders.

In response, the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver worked closely with area builders, town staff, council members, and Fusion Signs to develop a balanced solution. That collaboration resulted in the newly approved ordinance establishing a 12-month pilot wayfinding program designed to provide builders with more effective tools to direct prospective buyers while preserving community aesthetics and safety. The measure, which was formally discussed by Council last summer and refined over several months, represents a collaborative effort to find common ground. The HBA appreciates all of our Castle Rock builders who helped provide much needed outreach and testimony to finally get this ordinance approved.

Lakewood Residents Reject Zoning Overhaul in Special Election, Undercutting Housing Density Plans

Voters in Lakewood overwhelmingly rejected a set of zoning reforms in yesterday’s special election, restoring the city’s previous land-use rules and dealing a setback to efforts aimed at increasing housing density to address affordability.

The four ballot measures—each repealing portions of a 2025 zoning overhaul—passed by roughly 2-to-1 margins, with about 16,000 votes in favor of repeal and 9,000 against. The result followed months of debate over how best to respond to rising home prices in the Denver metro area, where single-family homes have remained out of reach for many working-class residents.

The now-reversed zoning code was adopted by the City Council after years of community input. It was designed to allow a wider range of “missing middle” housing types—including duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, accessory dwelling units and cottage courts—across the city. Supporters argued the changes would gradually expand housing supply, create entry-level homeownership opportunities in the $300,000 range, and modernize regulations such as minimum lot sizes that critics say have historically excluded lower-income buyers.

Backers of the reforms, Make Lakewood Livable, also emphasized that the changes were intended to balance affordability with neighborhood character, not dramatically transform communities overnight. Their campaign drew significant support from housing and sustainability groups, including the HBA of Metro Denver.

Last night’s Lakewood decision reflects a broader tension playing out across Colorado, where policymakers and communities continue to grapple with how to balance growth, affordability and neighborhood preservation in one of the country’s most competitive housing markets. A similar zoning code measure was also struck down by voters last fall in Littleton.

HBA of Metro Denver Issue Tracker

Questions on what is happening in a specific city or county? The HBA is regularly monitoring the council and board activities in every political subdivision in the metro Denver area. Our Issue Tracker offers a great resource to learn about the issues being deliberated with links to agendas, packets and ordinances. The HBA of Metro Denver HBA Issue Tracker is available  to all members here.

HBA is looking for Members to Participate in Advocacy, Regulatory and Technical Committees in 2026

As a volunteer-driven organization, the HBA's Jobsite Safety Committee, Permitting Committee, Regulated Utilities Committee and Stormwater Management Committee help guide the HBA's events and activities throughout the year. Consider joining one, or more, if you want to build strong, long-lasting relationships and make a difference to your fellow HBA members, while sharpening your leadership skills. Please visit the HBA website for more information or reach out to Morgan Cullen if you are ready to participate.

Thank you to HBA's 2026 Organizational Partners:

Corporate Partners:

Contact Connie Dahl for more info on becoming an HBA Sponsor, or visit hbadenver.com/sponsorships for more information!