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  • Eldora Community Briefing: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter

    Eldora Community Briefing: 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.

    Funding of $36,000 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.

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

    Eligibility

    The Clerk & Recorder processed over 9,405 applications last year, with an average processing time of 13 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 33 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 17% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Sunshine Canyon Drive and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Background

    The Pella Crossing open space property encompasses 1,241 acres and features 12 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 552 affordable housing units since its inception, with 234 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Update: Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month (2024)

    Update: Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month (2024)

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 29% of properties in the Lyons 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.

    The application deadline is May 27, 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.

    Related Programs

    For questions about this program, contact Amanda Foster at Parks & Open Space: (303) 441-2477 or email Parks & Open [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.

    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 2487 county employees across 37 departments and offices.

    How to Participate

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 16 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    The Rabbit Mountain open space property encompasses 172 acres and features 3 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

  • Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway — Follow-Up Report

    Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County Public Works announces a temporary median closure on Niwot Road near the CO-119 Diagonal Highway intersection for utility infrastructure improvements. The closure will affect left turns from Niwot Road onto the Diagonal Highway for approximately six weeks. A signed detour route will be in place.

    Funding of $177,000 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 10,228 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 12 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Details

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 3 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,131 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Timeline

    Environmental review of the project area near Left Hand Canyon Drive found 5 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Housing & Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Update: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (2025)

    Update: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (2025)

    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.

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

    According to Jennifer Walsh, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 38% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Jennifer Walsh said.

    Background

    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 7 business days.

    The Parks & Open Space processed over 7,541 applications last year, with an average processing time of 5 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Update: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment (2024)

    Update: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment (2024)

    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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 4 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $48,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    How to Participate

    The application deadline is May 5, 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 26 business days.

    The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,549 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Resources

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 63% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,691 responses from residents across the county.

    Residents in the Superior area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Planning & Permitting at (303) 441-8093 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment — Follow-Up Report

    New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment — Follow-Up Report

    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 Anne U. White open space property encompasses 764 acres and features 3 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Safety data from the Nederland area shows 15 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 15% 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.

    What You Need to Know

    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.

    The Nederland Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,603 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Background

    The Assessor’s Office processed over 10,642 applications last year, with an average processing time of 4 business days. Staff are available at the Nederland office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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

    Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Near Erie

    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.

    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 2258 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

    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) 441-8465 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Resources

    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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,960 affordable housing units since its inception, with 158 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Next Steps

    Volunteers contributed over 13,080 hours to this program last year. The Transportation coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment — Follow-Up Report

    New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 86% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,386 responses from residents across the county.

    The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,219 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Next Steps

    The Area Agency on Aging processed over 5,014 applications last year, with an average processing time of 21 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 86% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Background

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $147,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — Follow-Up Report

    Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Safety data from the Louisville area shows 19 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 5% 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.

    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 2374 county employees across 49 departments and offices.

    How to Participate

    A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Sunday, April 19 at 5:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 22 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

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

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

    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.

    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.

    The project includes improvements along Nelson Road between Louisville and the intersection with South Boulder Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

    Community Impact

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

    A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Friday, May 15 at 7:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    Details

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $62,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

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