Author: cmcantrell

Update: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review (2026)

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.

Safety data from the Longmont area shows 41 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 23% 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.

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.

Timeline

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 2417 county employees across 50 departments and offices.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $46,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

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.

Volunteers contributed over 12,513 hours to this program last year. The Community Justice Services coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 78% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,292 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Environmental review of the project area near 75th Street found 12 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Justice Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

September: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment

The City of Boulder and Boulder County have released the draft 2026 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update for public review and comment. The plan addresses land use, housing, transportation, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. Public comments will be accepted through May 15.

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

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 33% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,603 responses from residents across the county.

What You Need to Know

Volunteers contributed over 9,926 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 8 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 2025, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

Contact Information

A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Sunday, April 19 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.

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 30% 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.

November 2024: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move

The Boulder County Assessor’s Office reminds qualifying seniors that Colorado’s property tax exemption portability provision allows them to transfer their exemption to a new primary residence within the county. Seniors who have moved should contact the Assessor’s Office to ensure their exemption transfers correctly.

The project includes improvements along 63rd Street between Lafayette and the intersection with Flagstaff Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 10 months.

The application deadline is May 17, 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.

Details

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 93% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Volunteers contributed over 8,168 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 13 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Next Steps

Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Parks & Open Space at (303) 441-8554 to verify eligibility and requirements.

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 $55,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road Near Allenspark

The Boulder County Planning Commission has approved a rezoning request to allow construction of a 48-unit affordable housing development on Arapahoe Road near the intersection with 63rd Street. The project will provide permanently affordable rental units for households earning 30-60% of area median income.

Water quality monitoring at 19 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Housing & Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

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 1846 county employees across 48 departments and offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Funding of $83,000 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.

Safety data from the Niwot area shows 17 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 5% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Coal Creek Canyon Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Update: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road (2024)

The Boulder County Planning Commission has approved a rezoning request to allow construction of a 48-unit affordable housing development on Arapahoe Road near the intersection with 63rd Street. The project will provide permanently affordable rental units for households earning 30-60% of area median income.

The project includes improvements along SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Superior and the intersection with South Boulder Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

According to Diana Orozco, director of Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, this program served 39% 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,” Diana Orozco said.

Details

Funding of $356,000 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.

The Betasso Preserve open space property encompasses 1,394 acres and features 6 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — Follow-Up Report

The City of Boulder and Boulder County have released the draft 2026 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update for public review and comment. The plan addresses land use, housing, transportation, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. Public comments will be accepted through May 15.

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 2105 county employees across 45 departments and offices.

The Anne U. White open space property encompasses 1,672 acres and features 5 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Related Programs

Residents in the Superior area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Works at (303) 441-1734 to verify eligibility and requirements.

The project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Superior and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 16 months.

Community Impact

Funding of $222,000 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.

The Public Works processed over 8,886 applications last year, with an average processing time of 9 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.