Douglas County continues to experience a growing need for increased housing construction to provide homeownership opportunities for families of every size and at every stage of life.
However, obstacles such as construction defect litigation often discourage the development of new homes of varying sizes, such as condos or townhomes, which can negatively impact first-time homebuyers seeking entry into the market and older adults looking to downsize.
To address these challenges, the Board of County Commissioners voted to approve a new ordinance during a Business Meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The ordinance is designed to reduce barriers to new housing construction in Douglas County while continuing to ensure homeowner safety and construction quality.
The Board’s vote followed a period of public comment after the ordinance’s first reading on Nov. 18. The ordinance will go into effect on Jan. 16, 2026.
The ordinance will shift construction defect disputes away from immediate litigation and toward transparency, homeowner consent, and early inspection and repair, while limiting the use of county laws and regulations as the basis for lawsuits.
“This ordinance strikes a fair balance between holding builders accountable for quality work and discouraging costly litigation that delays solutions,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon. “This ordinance puts the focus where it belongs: fixing real issues, protecting residents, and supporting our community’s future.”
“This ordinance is about giving homeowners a real voice and real information before major legal decisions are made on their behalf,” said Commissioner George Teal. “It increases transparency, protects safety, and ensures problems are addressed quickly and responsibly.”
“Douglas County needs more housing options for families at every stage of life,” said Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle. “By encouraging repairs over lawsuits and removing unnecessary barriers to construction, this ordinance supports safe homes, a stronger housing supply, and a healthier local economy.”
Learn more and read the full ordinance by visiting our webpage: Construction Defect Litigation Ordinance – Douglas County