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In observance of the Juneteenth federal holiday, all Douglas County Government offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19. Offices will reopen on Friday, June 20, for normal business. Ballot drop boxes and VSPC Services (opening Monday, June 16) will still be available. Many County services are available 24/7 by visiting online services.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Home Rule in Douglas County

Do you have questions about Home Rule in Douglas County? We have answers!

Don’t see your question? Submit your own using the form at the bottom of our Home Rule Charter page.

Are there other counties in Colorado that have their own Home Rule Charter?

Yes. Weld, Pitkin, Denver and Broomfield.

How does Home Rule grant greater local control?

A Home Rule Charter provides the flexibility to address address local challenges at the local level.

Colorado law provides 47 topics of authority for home rule counties, including limits on debt, tax and the use of parks and open space, for example. Ultimately, if approved by voters, the elected Home Rule Charter Commission would determine the topics included in the Charter.

What will it cost the County to implement this?

There is a cost for the special election, which could be as much as $500,000. Because the Nov. 4 Coordinated Election is already scheduled, there is no additional cost to the County.

Which of the municipalities in Douglas County are home rule municipalities?

All cities and towns in Douglas County are home rule municipalities, including the City of Castle Pines, City of Lone Tree, Town of Castle Rock, Town of Larkspur, and Town of Parker. Highlands Ranch is a metro district located in unincorporated Douglas County.

If all municipalities in Douglas County are Home Rule, why does Douglas County need to be Home Rule?

There are more than 200,000 people who live in unincorporated Douglas County, including residents of Highlands Ranch, Sterling Ranch, rural areas of the county and planned developments like Stonegate (near Parker.) For them, Douglas County is their most local government, providing services like public safety, road maintenance, parks, land use and zoning. Additionally, there are several services the County provides for all residents – regardless of whether they live in an incorporated city or town. These services include property tax assessments, public health, elections, recording, and local motor vehicle services.

Who nominates the Charter Commission members?

Voters will elect Charter Commission members during a Special Election on June 24, 2025. See who is on the ballot on our Home Rule Charter page.

Candidates appearing on the June 24, 2025, Special Election ballot to become a Charter Commission Member completed the official Candidate Nomination Petition process. The deadline for completed petitions to be returned to the Douglas County Elections office was 5 p.m. on April 24, 2025.

How can I be involved in the Home Rule process?

There are several ways to stay engaged in this process. There is an upcoming Home Rule Q&A event on Tuesday, June 17 at 6 p.m., and if voters vote to move forward with the Home Rule Charter on June 24, at least 3 additional public meetings will be held. In addition, you can submit comments and questions on our Home Rule Charter page.

Finally, if formed, Charter Commission meetings will be open to the public. Meeting notices, agendas and minutes will be posted on our Home Rule Charter page.

How to Join the Home Rule Q&A Event

Why is this event being held virtually?
Colorado Election Law (C.R.S. 1-13-714) prohibits electioneering within 100 feet of polling centers and ballot drop box locations. This includes campaigning for or against any candidate or measure on the ballot. Because the ballot drop box in front of the Douglas County Government building, where the hearing room is located, is now open, our Douglas County Clerk and Recorder, who is responsible for the statutory conduct of elections, has advised of the potential for electioneering violations, whether intentional or not.

How would Home Rule affect current gun laws?

Colorado law permits a Home Rule County to design its structure of government and its function as it relates to the internal affairs of the county, where such function is not prohibited by the Constitution or state law.

Ultimately, the Charter Commission will determine what laws, issues, and topics are included in the County Charter. However, property rights including some laws related to guns could be included.

Under Home Rule, would there be any disruptions in the state funding for the County?

No. Becoming a Home Rule Charter will not affect Douglas County’s ability to receive state funding

Are there any specific issues that the Board is planning to address with Home Rule?

If elected, the Charter Commission will operate independently from the Board of County Commissioners. The goal is to tailor county governance to better reflect the unique needs and values of the Douglas County Community.

Can residents expect to see additional sales taxes because of Home Rule?

No.

Will Home Rule apply to Highlands Ranch Metro District?

Yes. Highlands Ranch is an unincorporated area within Douglas County, and is not served by a city. Instead, Highlands Ranch is served by Highlands Ranch Metro District, Highlands Ranch Community Association and Douglas County.

What role will the Charter Commission members fill?

If voters approve the formation of a Charter Commission in the June 24, 2025 Special Election, the Charter Commission will play a central role in shaping Douglas County’s potential Home Rule government.

The role of the Home Rule Charter Commission Members includes:

  • Study current county government
  • Research other Home Rule counties and best practices
  • Draft a proposed charter that reflects local values and priorities
  • Conduct at least three public meetings
  • Submit the final charter by the legal deadline.

How will checks and balances for the Board remain in place under Home Rule?

The Home Rule Charter Commission will draft the charter, which will include the structure of government for Douglas County. It will be up to the elected Commission to establish checks and balances.

Under Home Rule, who would write and decide on new regulations?

The elected Home Rule Charter Commission would write the County’s charter – which would then go to voters for approval.

Should citizens vote to draft the Home Rule Charter on June 24, when will the charter be available for the public to review?

If approved, Colorado law allows up to 240 days to draft a Home Rule Charter, with at least three public meetings during this period. The draft Charter would be posted for public review at least 10 days before the election.

Can you differentiate between the capabilities of a county Home Rule vs municipal Home Rule?

Home Rule Counties and Home Rule Municipalities are separate and distinct types of local government; the two forms of local government should not be confused. Home Rule Municipalities are governed by Article 20, Section 6 of the Colorado Constitution, while Home Rule Counties are governed by Article 14, Section 16 of the Colorado Constitution. Home Rule municipalities have broader authority and discretion, while Home Rule Counties are given the authority to self-regulate and address internal matters of local concern; Home Rule Counties must still perform mandatory county functions.

Will there be a public meeting on Home Rule before June 24?

Yes. On Tuesday, June 17 at 6 p.m. the Board will host a Home Rule Q&A event. To answer as many voter questions as possible, this event will be hosted online and via phone. Commissioners are prepared to go longer than one hour and answer your questions.

If voters decide to move forward with Home Rule, there will be an additional three meetings before the November election.

How to Join the Home Rule Q&A Event

Why is this event being held virtually?
Colorado Election Law (C.R.S. 1-13-714) prohibits electioneering within 100 feet of polling centers and ballot drop box locations. This includes campaigning for or against any candidate or measure on the ballot. Because the ballot drop box in front of the Douglas County Government building, where the hearing room is located, is now open, our Douglas County Clerk and Recorder, who is responsible for the statutory conduct of elections, has advised of the potential for electioneering violations, whether intentional or not.

Why is the County having a Special Election?

Pursuant to Colorado law, the Home Rule Charters process requires two separate elections. Absent a special election, the earliest Douglas County could become a Home Rule County is 2027.

What problems will Home Rule solve?

While Colorado’s economic growth fell from 5th to 41st among states in the nation and Denver experienced a decade of increased violent crime, Douglas County remains the healthiest, safest, and most prosperous county in Colorado. The goal of Home Rule is to protect Douglas County from these trends affecting the rest of the state.

Why does the process seem “rushed” or different than when Weld County adopted Home Rule?

Weld County became a Home Rule County in 1975, decades before the advent of the internet, e-mail, social media, or video conferencing. Communication and public involvement in Douglas County’s process to become a Home Rule County is going to look very different than the process Weld County used a half a century ago.

Douglas County has already had two public meetings about the process. County leaders are answering questions and discussing the process across the County. After the Charter Commission is elected, it is required by law to schedule public meetings and the public will have modern means of communication with the Charter Commission.

What freedoms does the County actually gain?

Ultimately, the elected Home Rule Charter Commission will determine what topics get included in the Charter. However, a Home Rule Charter permits the voters to define the structure of county government. Home Rule Counties can make laws related to local concerns that are not prohibited by the State Constitution and Colorado Ordinance.

Other Home Rule counties have used to their charter to solidify their county’s identity and priorities, including limits on debt, tax, and the use of parks and open space. Colorado Revised Statute §30-35-201 provides 47 topics of authority, including local rules for licenses, franchises, and land use that are unique to Home Rule Counties. Numerous Colorado laws exclude Home Rule Counties from state regulation on a broad range of subjects, including county employee unions. Find all 47 topics of authority here.

Where is the detailed analysis?

This question is premature. Pursuant to Colorado law, the elected Charter Commission are charged with conducting a comprehensive study of the operation of county government and of the ways in which the conduct of county government might be improved or reorganized.

Is there legal action related to Home Rule? What happens next?

State Rep. Bob Marshall and Douglas County residents Lora Thomas and Julie Gooden filed legal action against the Board of Douglas County Commissioners on April 22, seeking to halt the Home Rule special election. They filed for a temporary restraining order on April 22, which the judge did not grant. On May 20, the judge denied a preliminary injunction, also seeking to halt the election while their legal action is pursued.

When is the next public meeting on Home Rule?

There is an upcoming Home Rule Q&A event on Tuesday, June 17 at 6 p.m. To answer as many voter questions as possible, this event will be hosted online and via phone. Commissioners are prepared to go longer than one hour and answer your questions.

If voters decide to move forward with Home Rule, there will be an additional three public meetings before the November election.

How to Join the Home Rule Q&A Event

Why is this event being held virtually?
Colorado Election Law (C.R.S. 1-13-714) prohibits electioneering within 100 feet of polling centers and ballot drop box locations. This includes campaigning for or against any candidate or measure on the ballot. Because the ballot drop box in front of the Douglas County Government building, where the hearing room is located, is now open, our Douglas County Clerk and Recorder, who is responsible for the statutory conduct of elections, has advised of the potential for electioneering violations, whether intentional or not.

What additional costs will there be to taxpayers going forward for the Home Rule Charter (besides the $500k for the election)?

The only cost for the process to become a Home Rule Charter County is the election. If there is a Home Rule Commission elected and their charter includes additional government functions or ideas, there may be an additional cost.

Under Home Rule, would additional commissioners be added to the existing three?

This would be up to the elected Charter Commission to consider including in the Home Rule Charter. Then, voters would be asked to vote on that Charter.

Under Home Rule, could County Commissioners increase their, or other elected officials’, salaries without voter approval under Home Rule?

This depends on how the elected Charter Commission writes the Charter. Currently, elected salaries are set by the state. Salaries are set at the beginning of each term and locked in for that term.

Under Home Rule, could County Commissioners change their, or other elected officials’, number or length of terms under Home Rule?

This depends on how the elected Charter Commission writes the new charter. The current Board is not interested in expanding terms.

Is there any funding behind the campaign for Home Rule, public or private?

As with all elections, campaigns on the issue of Home Rule must register with the Secretary of State, where anyone can see reported campaign contributions. For candidates who are running to be on the Charter Commission, campaign finance reporting does not apply because serving on the Charter Commission is not a statutory elected office.

In the future, if the Home Rule Charter needs to be amended, what does that process look like?

The voters of Douglas County can petition, or the Board of County Commissioners can pass a resolution to have a charter amendment added to the ballot and voted on by the people of Douglas County.

Under Home Rule, would The Board of Douglas County Commissioners be able to pass bonds without voter approval?

No. Other counties have placed additional limitations on debt.

Under Home Rule, would The Board of Douglas County Commissioners be able to change elected positions to appointed positions?

No, the Board could not make this change. It would be up to the Charter Commission to include appointed offices in the Charter.

I heard a closed-door session was held to discuss Home Rule. Is that true?

No. The Board’s decision to initiate the nine-step process to become a Home Rule Charter was made during a public meeting on March 25.

There is an upcoming Home Rule Q&A event on Tuesday, June 17 at 6 p.m. To answer as many voter questions as possible, this event will be hosted online and via phone. Commissioners are prepared to go longer than one hour and answer your questions.

Additionally, if voters decide to move forward with Home Rule, there will be three public meetings before the November election.

How to Join the Home Rule Q&A Event

Why is this event being held virtually?
Colorado Election Law (C.R.S. 1-13-714) prohibits electioneering within 100 feet of polling centers and ballot drop box locations. This includes campaigning for or against any candidate or measure on the ballot. Because the ballot drop box in front of the Douglas County Government building, where the hearing room is located, is now open, our Douglas County Clerk and Recorder, who is responsible for the statutory conduct of elections, has advised of the potential for electioneering violations, whether intentional or not.

Do all three County Commissioners support Home Rule in Douglas County?

Yes. Commissioners Abe Laydon, George Teal, and Kevin Van Winkle all support Home Rule for Douglas County.

Are elected officials eligible to be elected to the Charter Commission?

Yes. All candidates who appear on the ballot followed the same process and were required to submit a petition with 25 valid voters’ signatures to appear on the ballot.

If both an incorporated municipality and the County are home rule, which ordinance prevails if there’s a conflict?

Per state statute, C.R.S. 30-35-103, the home rule law would govern.

Would Roxborough State Park fall under Douglas County Home Rule if implemented?

Yes, as an unincorporated aera in Douglas County, Roxborough would fall under Douglas County Home Rule.

How can I learn about the individuals on the ballot for the Charter Commission?

The Douglas County Office of Clerk and Recorder is responsible for the conduct of each election, but individual candidates are responsible for providing information about themselves and their campaigns. Please search online for a candidate website or contact a candidate directly for information about the candidate.

We recommend checking out this article by Colorado Community Media, which provides an overview of the candidates: A look at the candidates running for a spot on the home rule commission.

Why did not everyone get to ask a question at the Live Town Hall on May 28? Why couldn’t the meeting be extended?

The County’s Live Town Halls are typically one hour. On Tuesday, June 17 at 6 p.m., the Board will host a Home Rule Q&A event. To answer as many voter questions as possible, this event will be hosted online and via phone. Commissioners are prepared to go longer than one hour and answer your questions.

How to Join the Home Rule Q&A Event

Why is this event being held virtually?
Colorado Election Law (C.R.S. 1-13-714) prohibits electioneering within 100 feet of polling centers and ballot drop box locations. This includes campaigning for or against any candidate or measure on the ballot. Because the ballot drop box in front of the Douglas County Government building, where the hearing room is located, is now open, our Douglas County Clerk and Recorder, who is responsible for the statutory conduct of elections, has advised of the potential for electioneering violations, whether intentional or not.

What will the procedure be to decide what state laws to challenge, and where will the funds come from to legally challenge the state?

The Charter Commission will have ultimate discretion on the content of the charter. Douglas County has a legal department which represents the County.  

Will the Home Rule Charter Commission Members receive compensation?

No.

Why is the timeline to potentially become a Home Rule County by 2026 beneficial to residents?

It prevents the cost of a second special election and permits the County to gain local control a year sooner – before another state legislative session.

Is the June 24 Special Election partisan or nonpartisan?

The Special Election is for nonpartisan Douglas County Home Rule Charter Commission Member seats. Serving on the Commission is not an elected office and campaign finance reporting does not apply to Commission candidates.

Does a Home Rule Charter change standing when the County is challenging an issue with the State?

Yes. Home Rule provides different arguments to permit the County to challenge State regulation. In addition, historically the County has been forced to sue the State to challenge the legality of State laws; however, in matters included the Home Rule Charter, there is a burden shift and those outside the County will have to sue the County to comply with regulation outside the Charter.

What are the pros and cons of Home Rule?

Learn the positives and negatives of adopting Home Rule in Douglas County, as explained by parties on both sides, by visiting our Pros and Cons webpage.

I have heard in the media that Home Rule Counties are no different than other counties or becoming Home Rule doesn’t really do anything. Is this true?

No, that’s not true.

Colorado Revised Statutes Title 30, Article 35 provide Home Rule Counties powers and authority unique from other counties. There are dozens of Colorado laws and more adopted every year that exclude Home Rule Counties from state regulations.

In addition, the Colorado Supreme Court has held Home Rule Counties are empowered to control matters related to the structure of their government and the internal affairs of the county.

Finally, a Home Rule Charter adoption permits the voters of Douglas County to document priorities important to the county, including property rights, public safety, tax limits, and cooperating with the federal government and ensuring future county leaders adhere to these priorities.

How is the Special Election being funded? Are other programs affected?

The County has contingency dollars for initiatives not included in the Adopted Budget.  The funding for Home Rule will come from these contingency dollars in the General Fund.  No programs have been affected. As for any additional support costs, county staff will incorporate into their existing responsibilities so no additional costs will be incurred.

How could a Home Rule Charter be used to legally address issues in Douglas County?

That would depend on the issues the Home Rule Charter Commission chooses to address, and then finding which Home Rule power the solution to each issue can be drafted under. For example:

  • Is the issue a topic expressly enumerated under C.R.S. §30-35-201?
    • Examples – Taxes, debt, zoning, and licensing. For instance, Douglas County could create its own massage license requirement with a background check without the State.
  • Can the issue be related back to the structure of the government under C.R.S. §30-35-103?
    • Examples – The number of deputies in Douglas County and the specified duties that are the responsibility of each County office.
  • Is there a state law exempting Home Rule counties if the exemption is in the county’s charter?
    • Examples – County employee collective bargaining.
  • Is the matter an internal affair that does not affect any other part of the state outside the county and the state has not identified it as a “state concern”?
    • Examples- Conditions of employment, county regulations, county meeting requirements.
  • Is there no state law on the issue?
    • Examples – Limiting the sale of open space and a mandatory budget for the Sheriff’s Office.

 

What are some examples of ways the Home Rule Charter could address important issues in Douglas County?

Public Health

  • The Home Rule Charter could codify the authority of the Douglas County Health Department.

Homelessness

  • The Home Rule Charter could require the zoning resolution limit homeless shelters in the county. Zoning is enumerated in C.R.S. §30-35-201.
  • The Charter could codify the County’s “Housing Plus” intervention policy, because there is no state law on the issue.

Immigration

  • A significant portion of the State’s anti-ICE regulation relates to county contracts. A Home Rule Charter would give Douglas County an enhanced right to contract.
  • A Charter is not a contract. As a result, Douglas County could codify policies in its charter of supporting and sharing information with ICE that would not be regulated by current state laws limiting contracting.

Public Safety

  • The Home Rule Charter Commission could create a minimum Sheriff’s Full Time Employee count and budget, due to there being no state law on the issue.
  • The Charter could codify the HEART Team as part of the Sheriff’s Office, due to there being no state law on the issue.
  • The Charter Commission could create county ordinances punishable by up to 90 days in jail. This issue is enumerated in C.R.S. §30-35-201.

Taxation

  • The Home Rule Charter could exempt Douglas County from taxes that solely fund the county, because it is considered an internal affair.
  • C.R.S. §30-35-201 permits Home Rule counties the authority to create local tax limits, which the Charter Commission could choose to include in the Charter.
  • The Commission could choose to include RE-Tabor.
  • The Charter could include the elimination of Personal Property Tax for all Douglas County residents.

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