10/07/2026
Fort Collins just approved its new “Housing by Right” ordinance, and it could have a meaningful impact on future housing development in the city.
In simple terms, if a housing project already meets the existing zoning and development standards, it may now be approved administratively instead of going through a more discretionary public hearing process.
This does NOT mean developers can suddenly build whatever they want, wherever they want. Projects still have to meet zoning, density, height, setback, parking, infrastructure, and other city requirements.
What it could mean is a faster, more predictable approval process for housing that is already allowed under current zoning.
From a real estate standpoint, that could make certain infill, redevelopment, townhome, multifamily, and mixed-use properties more attractive to builders and developers by reducing some of the uncertainty and time involved in the approval process.
I’ll be watching closely to see how this impacts development activity, housing supply, and property values throughout Fort Collins.