CO HB1313

Authorizes county, regional, and municipal master plans to incorporate water conservation and water management goals specified in the state water plan adopted under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 37-60-106(1)(u).

Permits local governments to include policies that condition development approvals on implementation of water goals, applicable to subdivisions, planned unit developments, special use permits, and zoning changes.

Clarifies that master plans remain advisory documents to guide land development decisions but may be made binding through inclusion in adopted land development regulations after satisfying notice, due process, and hearing requirements.

Includes explicit protections stating the bill does not create mandates, affect existing water policy, supersede water allocation under state constitution or law, impair beneficial water use rights under decrees or contracts, or affect water facility operation and maintenance.

Takes effect August 10, 2016, subject to potential referendum petition and voter approval at the November 2016 general election.