Colorado Bill Updates Accessible Housing Building Code Standards

Detected March 11th, 2026

Summary

Colorado's SB26-109 proposes updates to building code standards for accessible housing supported by public funds. The bill aims to clarify definitions, permit alternative appeal processes, and require developers to create implementation plans for accessible units.

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What changed

Colorado Senate Bill 26-109, introduced for the 2026 Regular Session, seeks to amend statutes concerning accessible housing building code standards. Key changes include repealing the definition of "ground story level," updating definitions referencing International Code Council standards, clarifying the law's purpose to serve persons with nonambulatory and semiambulatory disabilities, allowing enforcing agencies to develop alternative appeal processes, and mandating covered developers to create implementation plans for delivering required accessible units.

This bill, if passed, will require construction firms and developers involved in publicly funded housing projects to adhere to updated accessibility standards. Compliance will necessitate the development and execution of specific implementation plans. While the bill is currently in the 'Under Consideration' stage, regulated entities should monitor its progress through the legislative process and prepare for potential new requirements regarding accessible unit delivery and adherence to updated building code interpretations.

What to do next

Monitor the progress of Colorado SB26-109 through the legislative process.
Review updated building code standards and definitions once the bill is enacted.
Develop implementation plans for delivering accessible housing units as required by the new standards.

Source document (simplified)

SB26-109

Building Code Accessibility

| Type | Bill |
| --- | --- |
| Session | 2026 Regular Session |
| Subjects | Housing Local Government State Government |
Concerning building code standards for accessible housing supported by public money.

Recent Bill (PDF) Recent Fiscal Note (PDF) Bill Summary:

The bill makes the following changes to statutes concerning standards for accessible housing:

Repeals the definition of "ground story level";
Updates and clarifies definitions that reference International Code Council standards;
Clarifies that the intent and purpose of the standards for accessible housing law is to serve persons with nonambulatory and semiambulatory disabilities;
Permits covered enforcing agencies to develop alternative processes to resolve appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the enforcing agency regarding the application and interpretation of the standards for accessible housing law; and
Requires covered developers to create an implementation plan to deliver accessible units as required by the standards for accessible housing law. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

Prime Sponsors

Senator

Tony Exum
Senator

Lisa Cutter
Representative

Junie Joseph
Representative

Naquetta Ricks

Committees

Senate

Local Government & Housing

If you require reasonable accessibility accommodation to access this content, please email accessibility@coleg.gov.

Status

Under Consideration

Introduced

Under Consideration

Upcoming Schedule

1 meeting

Wed

Mar 11

Senate Third Reading of Bills - Final Passage

9:00 AM Senate Chamber

Related Documents & Information

| Date | Version | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 03/10/2026 | Engrossed | PDF |
| 02/11/2026 | Introduced | PDF |

| Date | Version | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 03/06/2026 | PA1 | PDF |

| Date | Version | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 02/25/2026 | Initial Fiscal Note | PDF |

| Activity | Vote | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Adopt amendment L.001 | The motion passed without objection. | Vote summary |
| Adopt amendment L.002 | The motion passed without objection. | Vote summary |
| Refer Senate Bill 26-109, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole. | The motion passed on a vote of 4-3. | Vote summary |
Hearing Summary | Committee Report: PDF
| Date | Amendment Number | Committee/ Floor Hearing | Status | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 03/05/2026 | L.002 | SEN Local Government & Housing | Passed [] | PDF |
| 03/05/2026 | L.001 | SEN Local Government & Housing | Passed [] | PDF |
* Amendments passed in committee are not incorporated into the measure unless adopted by the full House or Senate.

** The status of Second Reading amendments may be subsequently affected by the adoption of an amendment to the Committee of the Whole Report. Refer to the House or Senate Journal for additional information.

| Date | Location | Action |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 03/10/2026 | Senate | Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee |
| 03/05/2026 | Senate | Senate Committee on Local Government & Housing Refer Amended to Senate Committee of the Whole |
| 02/11/2026 | Senate | Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Local Government & Housing |
Prime Sponsor

Sen. L. Cutter | Sen. T. Exum

Rep. J. Joseph | Rep. N. Ricks

Sponsor

(None) Co-Sponsor

(None)