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  • Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review — Follow-Up Report

    Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Friday, May 15 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.

    Funding of $450,000 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.

    Background

    The Bald Mountain open space property encompasses 2,074 acres and features 9 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 46% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • January: Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election

    January: Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election

    The registration deadline for the June 2026 Colorado Primary Election is May 25. Boulder County residents can register online at GoVoteColorado.gov, by mail, or in person at any Voter Service and Polling Center. Same-day registration is available during early voting and on Election Day with valid ID.

    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.

    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.

    Timeline

    Funding of $146,000 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 2026 budget session.

    Volunteers contributed over 3,297 hours to this program last year. The Transportation coordinates with 6 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Next Steps

    The project includes improvements along 75th Street between Longmont and the intersection with Arapahoe Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 12 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.

  • All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Jamestown Area

    All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Jamestown Area

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space has closed all trails and trailheads west of Highway 36 due to sustained winds exceeding 80 mph and extreme fire danger conditions. The closure includes all mountain parks, open space properties, and county trails in the foothills. Closures will be reassessed when wind conditions subside.

    Water quality monitoring at 17 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Parks & Open Space publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Safety data from the Superior area shows 29 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 7% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along 63rd Street and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Next Steps

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $497,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The project includes improvements along 63rd Street between Superior and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 6 months.

  • Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal Near Gold Hill

    Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal Near Gold Hill

    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.

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

    Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience at (303) 441-1505 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Volunteers contributed over 1,873 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 5 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 30 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Contact Information

    According to Brian Nakamura, director of Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, this program served 56% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Louisville and the surrounding area,” Brian Nakamura said.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 56% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,388 responses from residents across the county.

  • July 2026: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    July 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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 24% of properties in the Boulder 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 Boulder library on Friday, June 5 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

    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 $77,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    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.

    What You Need to Know

    For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Sheriff’s Office: (303) 441-5336 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 Boulder office without an appointment.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 243 affordable housing units since its inception, with 183 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Update: Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits (2025)

    Update: Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits (2025)

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 40% 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.

    The application deadline is June 3, 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.

    Eligibility

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 53% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Funding of $236,000 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.

  • July 2025: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

    July 2025: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

    Boulder County Housing & Human Services announces a new funding opportunity for projects that create or preserve affordable, accessible housing for people with disabilities. Up to $500,000 is available for capital improvements, accessibility modifications, and supportive housing development. Applications are due May 1.

    The Human Services processed over 7,981 applications last year, with an average processing time of 9 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,386 affordable housing units since its inception, with 295 additional units in the development pipeline.

    What You Need to Know

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $206,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

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

  • Update: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work (2026)

    Update: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work (2026)

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space announces a temporary closure of the Boulder Canyon Trail between Elephant Buttresses and the Dome trailhead for rockfall mitigation work. Crews will be scaling loose rock and installing mesh netting along a 400-foot section of cliff face above the trail. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

    The Betasso Preserve open space property encompasses 1,116 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.

    The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience processed over 11,257 applications last year, with an average processing time of 11 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Details

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

    Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience at (303) 441-9345 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Community Impact

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,789 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 71% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,874 responses from residents across the county.

  • Pine Brook Hills Community Briefing: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal

    Pine Brook Hills Community Briefing: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal

    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.

    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 1912 county employees across 49 departments and offices.

    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 $68,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Community Impact

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $104,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 51% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,336 responses from residents across the county.

    Resources

    Funding of $104,000 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 2026 budget session.

    According to Carlos Rivera, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 51% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Louisville and the surrounding area,” Carlos Rivera said.

  • Update: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move (2026)

    Update: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move (2026)

    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.

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

    The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 2,200 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.

    Timeline

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 26 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    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.