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  • March 2026: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment

    March 2026: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment

    The Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting Department has proposed updates to the General Floodplain Development Permit process. Changes include streamlined review timelines, updated fee structures, and new requirements for climate-adjusted flood risk assessments. Comments are due by April 30.

    The application deadline is August 2, 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 23 business days.

    Residents in the Nederland area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Human Services at (303) 441-9670 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Community Impact

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,275 affordable housing units since its inception, with 133 additional units in the development pipeline.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 21 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Next Steps

    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.

    Historical context: Boulder County was established in 1861 and covers 741 square miles of diverse terrain from the Great Plains to the Continental Divide. The county’s population of approximately 330,000 residents is served by 2126 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

  • Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — August 2024

    Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — August 2024

    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.

    The application deadline is June 18, 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 14 business days.

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

    How to Participate

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Housing & 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.

    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 Left Hand Canyon Drive and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

  • July 2025: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    July 2025: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    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.

    The project includes improvements along South Boulder Road between Superior and the intersection with 75th Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 17 months.

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

    Details

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Transportation, 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.

    The Betasso Preserve open space property encompasses 587 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 46% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,601 responses from residents across the county.

    The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,761 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    Boulder County’s Wildfire Partners program is accepting registrations for the 2026 community chipping season. Residents in the wildland-urban interface can have tree limbs, brush, and other woody debris chipped at no cost. Last year the program processed over 2,400 loads of material from 1,100 properties across the county.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $87,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    For questions about this program, contact Robert Kim at Public Health: (303) 441-5844 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 Lyons office without an appointment.

    Contact Information

    Water quality monitoring at 19 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Public Health publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    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 10 business days.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Niwot Area

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Niwot 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.

    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.

    Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-5097 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Next Steps

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 85% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,202 responses from residents across the county.

    Environmental review of the project area near Foothills Highway found 3 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Justice Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    How to Participate

    Funding of $246,000 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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $246,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • March 2024: Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026

    March 2024: Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026

    The Board of County Commissioners has adopted the 2026 Boulder County budget totaling $745 million. Key investments include $42 million for affordable housing initiatives, $28 million for transportation infrastructure, and $15 million for wildfire mitigation and climate resilience programs.

    According to James Rodriguez, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 54% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Erie and the surrounding area,” James Rodriguez said.

    Water quality monitoring at 20 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Housing & Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Contact Information

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-7245 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Funding of $482,000 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 2025 budget session.

  • Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month — Follow-Up Report

    Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month — Follow-Up Report

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed March 2026 as Women’s History Month, recognizing the contributions of women leaders, activists, and community builders throughout Boulder County’s history. Special events and exhibitions will be held at libraries and community centers throughout the month.

    Volunteers contributed over 2,548 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    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.

    Related Programs

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,044 affordable housing units since its inception, with 88 additional units in the development pipeline.

    According to Rachel Stein, director of Assessor’s Office, 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 Lyons and the surrounding area,” Rachel Stein said.

    Eligibility

    Environmental review of the project area near Foothills Highway found 8 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Assessor’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

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

    Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Superior

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Emily Chen at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-1192 or email Area Agency on [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Gunbarrel office without an appointment.

    Transportation access remains a key concern. Boulder County’s Via mobility program provides door-to-door transit service for residents in Gunbarrel and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.

    Next Steps

    The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 2,073 acres and features 8 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Area Agency on Aging at (303) 441-1192 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Near Gunbarrel

    Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Near Gunbarrel

    Boulder County has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to install electric vehicle charging stations at county facilities and public trailheads. The project will add 40 Level 2 chargers and 8 DC fast chargers at 12 locations across the county, with priority given to underserved communities.

    The application deadline is June 22, 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 13 business days.

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

    Community Impact

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 31% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,916 responses from residents across the county.

    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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 26% of properties in the Louisville 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.

  • Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits Near Niwot

    Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits Near Niwot

    Boulder County Human Services has awarded $2.1 million through the Safety Net Initiative to 18 local nonprofit organizations. Funded programs provide food assistance, emergency shelter, behavioral health services, legal aid, and transportation assistance to vulnerable populations throughout Boulder County.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Housing & 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.

    The project includes improvements along 75th Street between Niwot and the intersection with Foothills Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 7 months.

    Next Steps

    Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-4542 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    According to David Thompson, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 48% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” David Thompson said.

    Details

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 48% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,177 responses from residents across the county.

    Environmental review of the project area near 75th Street found 3 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Housing & Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.