CO HB1095

Master plans for counties and municipalities must include water conservation policies that may incorporate goals from the state water plan and can be enforced as conditions of development approvals including subdivisions, planned unit developments, special use permits, and zoning changes.

Counties and municipalities with existing water supply elements in their master plans must adopt water conservation policies by July 1, 2025, or at their first master plan amendment after the bill's effective date, whichever occurs first.

Planning commissions must consult with water supply entities to ensure coordination on water supply and facility planning, and water supply elements must identify supplies and facilities sufficient for reasonably anticipated public and private infrastructure needs.

The Department of Local Affairs may hire one full-time employee to provide educational resources and assistance to counties and municipalities implementing water conservation policies in their master plans.

The bill appropriates $26,215 for fiscal year 2020-21 ($24,066 for personal services at 0.5 FTE and $2,149 for operating expenses) and applies to master plans adopted or amended after the bill's effective date.