The City of Rifle is teaming up with Points Consulting to conduct a housing needs assessment that will provide insight into the local housing market and guide future developments.

“We felt that it was appropriate to find out what kind of housing is of the highest and greatest demand. We’re trying to address what’s coming our way, because (the housing shortage) has already hit up valley really hard,” Geir Sverdrup, senior planner for the City of Rifle, said. “It’s time to do it, and we’d rather catch it now than be caught short.”

The assessment, expected to take six to eight months to complete, will offer Rifle a comprehensive overview of its existing housing options and identify community needs for future projects.

“It’s going to give us direction when someone comes in and says, hey, we want to do a small apartment complex. Does that fit what the needs are for Rifle and the greater Colorado River Valley?” Sverdrup said. “Because we’re such a transient population, we need to find out who needs what kind of housing.”

The assessment will use housing, socio-economic, land use and zoning data, along with feedback from the Rifle community, to guide its findings.

“We’re holding up a mirror to the city and saying, ‘This is what most of your community members want this place to be. Here’s some ideas about how you get there, and some barriers and hazards that you may meet along the way,'” Brian Points, a Rifle project manager at Points Consulting, said. “Ultimately, if it results in more housing that’s suited for that community, that’s the goal that we’re aiming for.”

Residents living within three miles of the municipality or commuting to work in the area are invited to participate in a community survey assessing housing stock, cost and rentals. The survey will close on Jan. 20. Around 120 responses have been collected thus far. 

The assessment is expected to be completed by June, according to Points, and will provide a roadmap for future housing developments in Rifle. Recommendations may include reducing lot sizes, altering accessory dwelling unit regulations, pursuing state grants, or streamlining the permitting process for private housing developers. The city may also use the findings to update its comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances.

“We really look at the community’s tolerances and what’s going to actually be effective for that location,” Points said. “It relates to all kinds of things like short term rentals and density and housing types and locations of housing processes, or anything involving the planning commission, that’s all on the table for us for recommendations.”

The housing assessment could be a crucial step in increasing private and subsidized developments, according to Points. A housing assessment created by Points Consulting for Montrose helped the city secure a state grant to boost affordable housing efforts.

In February or March, Rifle will present initial findings to stakeholders and move into the next phase of the assessment with a “gaps and barriers” analysis. The city will “look at where we are lacking and where we’re strong, and figure out what we need, and start developing some strategies,” Sverdrup said. 
To complete the Rifle housing needs assessment community survey, go to https://www.surveylegend.com/s/5s1r.