County lacks affordable homes. (Douglas County, Colorado) (The Metro Market Report: Growth and Trends Around the Six-County Denver Metro Area)

Douglas officials fear label as 'Orange County of Colorado'

Is metro Denver's premier "bedroom community" on its way to becoming the Orange County of Colorado?

That's what some Douglas County planners fear may happen in the near future if a more diversified housing inventory isn't developed to support a broader range of economic and commercial growth. From Highlands Ranch to Castle Rock to The Pinery, the horizon reveals a sea of large, single-family detached structures set upon huge lots.

"We need to provide housing not only for executives, managers and professionals, but also for street-crew workers, policemen and teachers," said John Johnson, assistant director of the Douglas County Planning Division.

While many residents of Douglas County commute to Denver to …