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  • January: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    January: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    The Board of County Commissioners has approved amendments to the Boulder County Land Use Code to streamline the process for building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on residential properties in unincorporated areas. Changes include reduced setback requirements, simplified design standards, and by-right approval for units under 800 square feet.

    Colorado state law requires all counties to provide these services to eligible residents. Boulder County exceeds minimum state requirements by offering expanded hours, multilingual support, and online access. In 2026, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 23 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 19% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Foothills Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    How to Participate

    According to Sarah Mitchell, director of Sheriff’s Office, this program served 75% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Erie and the surrounding area,” Sarah Mitchell said.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $353,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Contact Information

    The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,888 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-1662 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • May: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects

    May: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects

    Boulder County has awarded $6.3 million in Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership funds to 12 affordable housing, childcare, and human services projects throughout the county. Funded projects include new affordable rental construction, homebuyer assistance, and childcare facility improvements.

    For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience: (303) 441-1749 or email Sustainability, Climate Action & [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Boulder office without an appointment.

    The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience processed over 5,550 applications last year, with an average processing time of 5 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Eligibility

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 25 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    The project includes improvements along CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway between Boulder and the intersection with 75th Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

    Timeline

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 93% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,437 responses from residents across the county.

  • May: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections

    May: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has issued a resolution reaffirming the county’s commitment to protecting immigrant community members and ensuring equal access to county services regardless of immigration status. The resolution directs county staff to review and strengthen existing policies.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $101,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 40% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,354 responses from residents across the county.

    What You Need to Know

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,462 affordable housing units since its inception, with 212 additional units in the development pipeline.

    The Transportation processed over 10,463 applications last year, with an average processing time of 9 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Update: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal (2024)

    Update: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal (2024)

    Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting has launched an updated online building permit portal with improved search functionality, real-time status tracking, and mobile-friendly document uploads. The new system reduces average permit review times by 15% and allows applicants to schedule inspections online.

    Volunteers contributed over 3,499 hours to this program last year. The Community Justice Services coordinates with 9 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Funding of $405,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2024 budget session.

    How to Participate

    The project includes improvements along Flagstaff Road between Erie and the intersection with Coal Creek Canyon Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 9 months.

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 5 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 22% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Flagstaff Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

  • Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review Near Lafayette

    Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review Near Lafayette

    The Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting Department has proposed comprehensive updates to the Land Use Code’s site plan review process. Key changes include new stormwater management requirements, updated landscape standards, enhanced wildfire mitigation provisions, and expanded public notification procedures.

    Funding of $10,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2024 budget session.

    According to James Rodriguez, director of Transportation, this program served 62% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Superior and the surrounding area,” James Rodriguez said.

    How to Participate

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $10,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Residents in the Superior area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Transportation at (303) 441-9454 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Related Programs

    Colorado state law requires all counties to provide these services to eligible residents. Boulder County exceeds minimum state requirements by offering expanded hours, multilingual support, and online access. In 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

  • Update: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment (2025)

    Update: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment (2025)

    The Board of County Commissioners has approved amendments to the Boulder County Land Use Code to streamline the process for building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on residential properties in unincorporated areas. Changes include reduced setback requirements, simplified design standards, and by-right approval for units under 800 square feet.

    The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 1,914 acres and features 13 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    For questions about this program, contact Kevin Larsen at Public Health: (303) 441-9590 or email Public [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Superior office without an appointment.

    How to Participate

    The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,723 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    The application deadline is April 25, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 24 business days.

    Resources

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 23% of properties in the Superior area are within the wildland-urban interface. Free home assessments are available through the Wildfire Partners program, with rebates of up to $2,500 for mitigation improvements.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $276,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • September: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter

    September: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter

    The February edition of the Boulder County Resource Conservation newsletter features updates on the 2026 composting grant program, tips for reducing food waste at home, upcoming zero waste events, and a spotlight on local businesses achieving zero waste certification.

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-119 Diagonal Highway found 7 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Assessor’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Water quality monitoring at 12 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Assessor’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Resources

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 35% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,951 responses from residents across the county.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Assessor’s Office, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

  • Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Louisville

    Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Louisville

    Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

    According to Emily Chen, director of Public Works, this program served 90% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Boulder and the surrounding area,” Emily Chen said.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 746 affordable housing units since its inception, with 175 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Next Steps

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Public Works, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

    Volunteers contributed over 9,559 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 18 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Community Impact

    Environmental review of the project area near Nelson Road found 4 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Works worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 14 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Lyons Area

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Lyons Area

    Boulder County is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Parks & Open Space Director. The incoming director brings over 20 years of experience in public land management and conservation. They will oversee the department’s 100,000+ acres of protected land and 150 miles of multi-use trails.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 13 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Human Services at (303) 441-2398 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Resources

    Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 12 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Human Services, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

  • Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — Jamestown Area

    Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — Jamestown Area

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space has acquired a 340-acre conservation easement on a working ranch near the town of Lyons. The easement permanently protects critical wildlife habitat along the St. Vrain Creek corridor and preserves agricultural land from future development while keeping the property in private ownership.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 30% of properties in the Gunbarrel area are within the wildland-urban interface. Free home assessments are available through the Wildfire Partners program, with rebates of up to $2,500 for mitigation improvements.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $106,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    What You Need to Know

    The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,743 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Public Health, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

    Timeline

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,784 affordable housing units since its inception, with 252 additional units in the development pipeline.