Colorado's “vexing construction defects law” has hampered the building of new condominiums in the state, according to an editorial in the Denver Post.
State lawmakers have unsuccessfully tried to change the 2005 law blamed for creating an “overly litigious environment around construction defects claims,” the newspaper says. The result of the law has been “a dearth of new, affordable condos or townhomes.”
In the past, this had been a fight between attorneys and builders. Increasingly, though, Colorado communities have taken steps to challenge the state law. The law now allows a majority of a homeowners association board — not homeowners themselves — to approve litigation against a builder. “The problem is, once a lawsuit is filed, homeowners often have trouble selling or refinancing units,” the newspaper says.
The most recent figures show condos represented only 4.6% of the total new home starts in metro Denver, compared to 26% in 2008, the Post says.
(http://www.denverpost.com/editorials/ci_26794194/state-must-fix-rules-colorado-condo-construction)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2020
White paper focuses on Metal Composite Material labeling
Document part of effort to uphold industry standards for the product.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2019
Hard Rock Hotel collapse in New Orleans puts spotlight on undocumented workers
Having helped rebuild the city after Hurricane Katrina, many under threat of deportation.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2019
Maryland lawmakers take on blocked sidewalks during construction projects
Legislation clarifies developers’ responsibilities.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2019
New York City passes legislation to prevent bird strikes on buildings
Requires bird-safe materials on first 75 feet of a structure.
Codes and Standards | Dec 16, 2019
New Buildings Institute seeks entries for Zero Buildings Database
Listing illustrates feasibility of ultra low-energy buildings.
Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2019
USGBC launches new tool to prioritize sustainability strategies
Highlights building design features that can lead to better performance.
Codes and Standards | Dec 12, 2019
Coalition calls for consistent building data disclosure regulations in Canada
Major real estate firms are driving the effort.
Codes and Standards | Dec 10, 2019
Utilities rolling out more grid-interactive efficient building programs
Focus is on energy savings and demand flexibility.
Codes and Standards | Dec 9, 2019
Canada’s Zero Carbon Building Standard reports first 10 certifications
Projects include new and existing offices, schools, and warehouses.
Codes and Standards | Dec 6, 2019
New research examines flood mitigation policies in the U.S.
Thirteen states or cities have adopted effective measures; some restricting development in vulnerable areas.