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

    September: 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.

    Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 9 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 30% 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 9 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Parks & Open Space publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    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 $96,000, 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.

    What You Need to Know

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 29% 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.

    The Parks & Open Space processed over 2,139 applications last year, with an average processing time of 8 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Nederland Community Briefing: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road

    Nederland Community Briefing: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $184,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The Mud Lake open space property encompasses 1,215 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.

    How to Participate

    The application deadline is June 16, 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 9 business days.

    Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Assessor’s Office at (303) 441-1044 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal Near Nederland

    Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal Near Nederland

    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.

    Residents in the Nederland area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-7082 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their July 7 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    How to Participate

    Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 8 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sheriff’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The application deadline is May 16, 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 13 business days.

  • Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — Erie Area

    Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — Erie Area

    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.

    The project includes improvements along Left Hand Canyon Drive between Longmont and the intersection with 75th Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

    Funding of $286,000 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.

    Contact Information

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 66% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,407 responses from residents across the county.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,828 affordable housing units since its inception, with 215 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Next Steps

    The Caribou Ranch open space property encompasses 2,113 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.

    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 $104,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director Near Sunshine Canyon

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director Near Sunshine Canyon

    Boulder County is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Parks & Open Space Director. The incoming director brings over 20 years of experience in public land management and conservation. They will oversee the department’s 100,000+ acres of protected land and 150 miles of multi-use trails.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Community Justice 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.

    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 $96,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Resources

    The Mud Lake open space property encompasses 1,583 acres and features 15 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 project includes improvements along Sunshine Canyon Drive between Superior and the intersection with Coal Creek Canyon Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 11 months.

    Next Steps

    Water quality monitoring at 20 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Community Justice Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

  • May: Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits

    May: Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-119 Diagonal Highway found 5 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The Transportation processed over 2,904 applications last year, with an average processing time of 18 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Contact Information

    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.

    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.

    How to Participate

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $223,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 21% 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.

  • March 2024: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    March 2024: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 12 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Works worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    For questions about this program, contact James Rodriguez at Public Works: (303) 441-5769 or email Public [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Nederland office without an appointment.

    Background

    The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 255 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.

    The project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Nederland and the intersection with Baseline Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 13 months.

    Community Impact

    According to James Rodriguez, director of Public Works, this program served 24% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Nederland and the surrounding area,” James Rodriguez said.

  • Update: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County (2026)

    Update: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County (2026)

    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.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 14% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,047 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 $419,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Contact Information

    The project includes improvements along SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Gunbarrel and the intersection with 75th Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

    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 $118,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Next Steps

    The application deadline is July 9, 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 28 business days.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 29 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election — Ward Area

    Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election — Ward Area

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Tuesday, May 5 at 6:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 28% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Contact Information

    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 Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-3677 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections — Sunshine Canyon Area

    Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections — Sunshine Canyon Area

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has issued a resolution reaffirming the county’s commitment to protecting immigrant community members and ensuring equal access to county services regardless of immigration status. The resolution directs county staff to review and strengthen existing policies.

    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 Resource Conservation processed over 4,280 applications last year, with an average processing time of 6 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Community Impact

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

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Resource Conservation at (303) 441-7459 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Related Programs

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 21% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,747 responses from residents across the county.