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

    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.

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Monday, May 11 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.

    Community Impact

    Environmental review of the project area near Arapahoe Road found 5 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Planning & Permitting worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 1,929 acres and features 14 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Background

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 68% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    The Community Planning & Permitting processed over 4,238 applications last year, with an average processing time of 16 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • March 2024: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment

    March 2024: 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,571 affordable housing units since its inception, with 297 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 54% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,938 responses from residents across the county.

    Contact Information

    According to Emily Chen, director of Sheriff’s Office, this program served 54% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Nederland and the surrounding area,” Emily Chen said.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 2 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Details

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $221,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    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 2404 county employees across 44 departments and offices.

  • Hygiene Community Briefing: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events

    Hygiene Community Briefing: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office invites residents to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4. Community events will be held in neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Boulder County featuring safety demonstrations, K-9 unit appearances, crime prevention information, and family-friendly activities.

    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 1871 county employees across 44 departments and offices.

    The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,192 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Contact Information

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,204 affordable housing units since its inception, with 88 additional units in the development pipeline.

    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.

  • September: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    September: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 37% of properties in the Lafayette 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.

    A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Saturday, April 18 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.

    Resources

    Water quality monitoring at 13 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 5 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • May: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment

    May: 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.

    For questions about this program, contact Carlos Rivera at Transportation: (303) 441-8307 or email [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Lafayette office without an appointment.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,027 affordable housing units since its inception, with 292 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Resources

    According to Carlos Rivera, director of Transportation, this program served 15% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” Carlos Rivera said.

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-119 Diagonal Highway found 11 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The project includes improvements along SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Lafayette and the intersection with Sunshine Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 16 months.

  • Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month

    Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month

    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.

    The Lyons Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,249 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    The Community Justice Services processed over 3,519 applications last year, with an average processing time of 16 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Details

    According to Kevin Larsen, director of Community Justice Services, this program served 47% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons and the surrounding area,” Kevin Larsen said.

    The project includes improvements along Sunshine Canyon Drive between Lyons and the intersection with Coal Creek Canyon Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 16 months.

    Related Programs

    Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-7157 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    For questions about this program, contact Kevin Larsen at Community Justice Services: (303) 441-7157 or email Community Justice [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.

  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — Superior Area

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — Superior Area

    Due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. Open burning, campfires outside designated fire grates, and the use of explosive fireworks are prohibited. Violations may result in fines up to $600.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $33,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience at (303) 441-8065 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Eligibility

    Water quality monitoring at 15 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The Rabbit Mountain open space property encompasses 620 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.

    Related Programs

    The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience processed over 6,226 applications last year, with an average processing time of 9 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Environmental review of the project area near Foothills Highway found 10 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    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.

    Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-1494 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    What You Need to Know

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 69% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    For questions about this program, contact Emily Chen at Sheriff’s Office: (303) 441-1494 or email Sheriff’s [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.

    Background

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

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 32% 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.

  • Gold Hill Community Briefing: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons

    Gold Hill Community Briefing: 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.

    Funding of $307,000 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.

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

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 28% 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 10 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Public Health publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Resources

    The application deadline is April 24, 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 8 business days.

  • New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment Near Erie

    New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment Near Erie

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $374,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

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

    Related Programs

    Safety data from the Lyons area shows 44 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 9% 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.

    The project includes improvements along Sunshine Canyon Drive between Lyons and the intersection with South Boulder Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

    Eligibility

    According to Robert Kim, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 40% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons and the surrounding area,” Robert Kim said.