
Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
A high-profile, yearslong debate around Denver's group living policy is now directly in the hands of the city's voters.
Ballot measure 2F asks voters to repeal a rule the city passed in February that made it legal for up to five unrelated adults to live together, instead of just two.
- The group living amendment allowed residential care facilities like halfway houses to operate in more parts of Denver — a particular pain point for opponents.
What it means: If voters approve 2F on Nov. 2, it will once again be illegal for three or more unrelated people to share a home in Denver.
- Locations for homeless shelters and community corrections facilities also would be restricted to industrial areas instead of commercial and mixed-use corridors as the current amendment allows.
State of play: 2F proponents, including groups Safe and Sound Denver and Defend Colorado, say the amendment endangers kids by eliminating the 1,500-foot buffer zones between halfway houses and schools.
- They also argue the amendment would "change Denver for the worse" and introduce parking, congestion and traffic issues.
The other side: 2F's primary opposition group, Keep Denver Housed, says the amendment is needed to combat the city's soaring home prices and expand housing options for people experiencing homelessness.
- Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, nearly all 13 city council members, affordable housing advocates and homeless service providers oppose the measure.
The bottom line: For years now, people lived together in excess of the limit. The February ordinance made it legal.

Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Denver.
More Denver stories
No stories could be found

Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Denver.