Thornton City Council supports lawsuit defending home rule authority over land use

In the heart of Thornton City Hall, a pivotal moment unfolded as the City Council convened on July 8, 2025, to address a significant resolution concerning local governance. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as council members prepared to discuss the implications of home rule authority over land use and zoning.

The council's agenda featured a resolution supporting home rule municipalities in their ongoing litigation against the state of Colorado. This legal battle centers around recent state legislation that some local leaders argue undermines their authority to manage land use and zoning decisions. Mayor Pro Tem Pegola initiated the discussion, inviting Council Member Sandgren to read the resolution in full, which outlined the city's commitment to local governance.

The resolution emphasized that the residents of Thornton, through a special election in 1967, had chosen to become a home rule municipality, granting them the power of local self-government. It highlighted the importance of local control in evaluating land use impacts, ensuring adequate public services, and aligning development with community goals. The council expressed strong belief that these responsibilities are best handled by listening to the voices of the residents most affected by such decisions.

Central to the discussion were two specific pieces of legislation: House Bill 24-1304, which imposes minimum parking requirements, and House Bill 24-1313, which pertains to housing and transit-oriented communities. The council voiced concerns that these laws, along with an executive order from Governor Polis, threaten to impose statewide mandates that could hinder local decision-making.

In a show of solidarity, the Thornton City Council resolved to support the six home rule municipalities currently engaged in a lawsuit against the state, asserting that the contested bills violate the Colorado Constitution. The resolution aims to affirm Thornton's commitment to home rule authority and to advocate for the rights of local governments to govern their land use and zoning matters without state interference.

As the council moved to approve the resolution, the discussion underscored a broader struggle for local autonomy in the face of state legislation. The outcome of this litigation could have lasting implications for how municipalities across Colorado manage their land use and zoning, making this a critical moment for Thornton and its neighboring communities.