Governmental Affairs Update
April 10, 2026
Parks Impact Fee. The Parks Impact Fee was discussed at the City Council Workshop on March 30th. The Council gave direction to bring forward a new fee in the near future. In short, it is based on appraised value for the data set used to calculate land costs for parks acquisition, which is about $89,000 per acre. That is a significantly lower amount than the original purchase price figure of $147,000 that was used to initially calculate the parks fee.
In addition, the Council approved moving forward with the following code changes:
- Removing the set requirement for a review and update of the impact fee study within 6–8 years to require a “periodic review” (as requested)
- Fee offset for previous open space dedication/in-lieu fee payment will have three options:
- Applied at time of planning clearance
- Calculated as value of open space dedication and/or in-lieu fee divided by number of lots/MF units
- Applicant may request a cash payment for fee offset at the discretion of the City Manager and subject to budgetary considerations
- Refund of the difference for parks fees paid from January 1, 2026 to the effective date of the new ordinance
Overall, we came close to getting what we asked for due to incredible persistence by HBA with an assist from GJARA. The code changes will need to go before Planning Commission prior to coming to Council for action.
Why This Matters. The new fee will provide significant savings on the Parks Impact Fee for new home construction. While the fee is calculated on a square foot basis, it ranges from a cost savings of $323 for 800 s.f. to $1,351 for a 3,500+ s.f. structure. Based on building permit activity in 2025 and using an average of $821 per home, the total annual savings are $311,000.
Joint Grand Junction/Mesa County Housing Needs Assessment. Due to pressure from the industry, Root Policy Research expanded the number and length of targeted stakeholder sessions with key housing partners in our community this month. The first session for developers, homebuilders, and realtors was held on April 7th with 13 people in attendance, including Keith Ehlers, Shayna Heiney, and Rip Ripley. The second session is April 16th and will include Ron Abeloe and Diane Schwenke.
Those in the first session reported that, contrary to initial thoughts, this was not a “check the box” exercise. Feedback included that the survey many people completed did not include questions about market-based housing. It was suggested that those participating on April 16th be prepared to answer questions about the role of government in incentivizing affordable housing.
Why This Matters. The Housing Needs Assessment and new Housing Action Plan can either help developers create more housing (through incentives, etc.) or harm (through strategies like inclusionary zoning). It is important that the industry has a seat at the table to help guide these documents from the beginning to ensure a favorable outcome for homebuilders and homebuyers.
2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC). The City of Grand Junction adopted the 2025 WUI code in March and set fees for inspections related to compliance at about $200 during their April 1st meeting. Lower Valley Fire District has chosen to do its own enforcement, while others will likely work with the Mesa County Building Department.
In essence, the code will mandate the types of building materials that can be used on structures and impose landscaping clearance standards based on which zone (red, orange, or yellow) a property is in. To view the code map and check property status, visit the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Map.
CAHB worked with other stakeholders to introduce a bill to delay implementation of the code by one year, among other changes. That bill was killed in committee on April 7th, so implementation and enforcement will begin on July 1, 2026.
Why This Matters. The code, as currently written, is inconsistent with the International Wildfire Resiliency Code and will likely disrupt supply chains, potentially leading to material shortages. In high-risk areas (red), it will drive up the cost of home construction and remodels. Since insurance providers were not part of the code-writing process, the stated goal of reducing home insurance rates is uncertain.
Housing Affordability Task Force. The task force continues to meet and currently has small subcommittees reviewing and preparing recommendations related to TEDS and significant trees. Bicycle storage received considerable staff scrutiny and is being sent back to the task force for further deliberation.
Through Chairman Kelly Maves, the task force has applied for a grant through the National Association of Home Builders to fund a consultant who could assist with technical aspects of review and recommendations. It is significant that the task force will control the timing of proposed changes going before Planning Commission and City Council.
Why This Matters. The City Council has made affordable housing a priority, and a majority of council members are favorably inclined to make changes based on industry recommendations. This could help lessen regulatory burdens and reduce costs locally.
AMGD. Riley Scott from Congressman Hurd’s office presented at the April 2nd AMGD meeting, outlining federal-level actions. There are currently two similar bills (one in the Senate and one in the House) aimed at increasing affordable housing nationwide. Several Executive Orders have also been issued.
Key elements include:
- Expanding the use of CDBG funding, including for construction
- Allowing categorical exclusions in the NEPA process to assist with permitting
- Streamlining HUD and USDA requirements, including lending for manufactured housing
Executive Orders include:
- Restrictions on institutional investors
- Reducing regulatory burdens, particularly related to stormwater and wetlands
- Supporting increased construction lending and access to capital for mortgage lenders
Why This Matters. Many regulations impacting homebuilding are federal. Reducing these barriers can lower compliance costs for local builders.
SWMM Update. Various chapters of this update are being released with opportunities for industry comment. The Open Channels chapter is now available for review and comment through May 1st: https://www.mesacountyswmm.com/draft-chapters
Josh Martinez from Mesa County will discuss proposed changes and timelines at the HBA Membership Luncheon on April 22nd.
Why This Matters. SWMM requirements directly impact the process and cost of new home construction.
WCHI. WCHI has reactivated as a voice for the housing industry after a hiatus following last year’s City Council election. They have added new board members and contracted Diane Schwenke to assist with administration and fundraising.
Their focus is on supporting the election of leaders who champion private sector efforts to build attainable, market-rate housing and educating the public on how government policy can support affordable housing.
Why This Matters. While HBA and GJARA have been effective in shaping housing policy, much of this work goes unnoticed by the general public. WCHI can serve as a strong partner in communicating these efforts more broadly.