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  • Hygiene Community Briefing: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment

    Hygiene Community Briefing: 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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 8 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Resource Conservation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 18 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 28% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Baseline Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Community Impact

    The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,355 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    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 16 business days.

    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.

  • Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — December 2025

    Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — December 2025

    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 Betasso Preserve open space property encompasses 918 acres and features 10 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 46% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,099 responses from residents across the county.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $468,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Volunteers contributed over 13,287 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 8 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Background

    For questions about this program, contact James Rodriguez at Parks & Open Space: (303) 441-8536 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 Niwot office without an appointment.

    The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,401 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • September: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter

    September: 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.

    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.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $112,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,300 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Volunteers contributed over 3,676 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 25 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move — August 2024

    Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move — August 2024

    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 Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,733 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    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.

    How to Participate

    The application deadline is July 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 16 business days.

    A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Tuesday, June 2 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.

  • $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — Eldorado Springs Area

    $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — Eldorado Springs Area

    Boulder County has awarded $6.3 million in Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership funds to 12 affordable housing, childcare, and human services projects throughout the county. Funded projects include new affordable rental construction, homebuyer assistance, and childcare facility improvements.

    The Rabbit Mountain open space property encompasses 2,172 acres and features 10 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Funding of $298,000 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.

    What You Need to Know

    Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 10 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Clerk & Recorder worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    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.

  • Update: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway (2024)

    Update: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway (2024)

    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.

    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 SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Longmont and the intersection with South Boulder Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 17 months.

    What You Need to Know

    For questions about this program, contact Robert Kim at Human Services: (303) 441-6616 or email Human [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Longmont office without an appointment.

    Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Human Services at (303) 441-6616 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Background

    Funding of $259,000 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.

  • Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions — Follow-Up Report

    Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County is accepting applications for Youth Corps Team Leader positions for the 2026 season. Team Leaders supervise crews of young adults working on conservation projects including trail construction, habitat restoration, and wildfire fuel reduction across Boulder County open space properties. Positions start in May.

    Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 30 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 20% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Niwot Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,537 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Contact Information

    The Community Justice Services processed over 6,985 applications last year, with an average processing time of 19 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette 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 32% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Background

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 780 affordable housing units since its inception, with 98 additional units in the development pipeline.

    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.

  • January: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    January: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    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 Hall Ranch open space property encompasses 1,667 acres and features 4 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 20% of properties in the Longmont 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.

    How to Participate

    For questions about this program, contact Maria Gonzalez at Assessor’s Office: (303) 441-2437 or email Assessor’s [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Longmont 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 2468 county employees across 35 departments and offices.

  • Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — Nederland Area

    Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — Nederland Area

    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.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 53% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,986 responses from residents across the county.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $252,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    What You Need to Know

    Volunteers contributed over 9,645 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 6 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.

    Community Impact

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their July 6 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 17% of properties in the Erie 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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Flagstaff Road found 7 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Assessor’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Details

    The application deadline is June 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 22 business days.

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Assessor’s Office at (303) 441-8275 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 26 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 8% 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.