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  • September: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work

    September: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work

    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 application deadline is May 6, 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 11 business days.

    The project includes improvements along Coal Creek Canyon Road between Boulder and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 11 months.

    Eligibility

    The Clerk & Recorder processed over 1,756 applications last year, with an average processing time of 7 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Funding of $410,000 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.

    What You Need to Know

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

  • Update: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 (2025)

    Update: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 (2025)

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the 2026 Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Program. Grants fund equipment, training, and trail safety improvements for volunteer search and rescue teams and trail patrol organizations operating in Boulder County.

    Volunteers contributed over 4,209 hours to this program last year. The Human Services coordinates with 8 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    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.

    Next Steps

    Water quality monitoring at 10 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 560 affordable housing units since its inception, with 238 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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 1831 county employees across 35 departments and offices.

    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 $49,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Update: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment (2024)

    Update: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment (2024)

    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.

    The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 1,842 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.

    According to Brian Nakamura, director of Sheriff’s Office, this program served 50% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Erie and the surrounding area,” Brian Nakamura said.

    Contact Information

    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 1971 county employees across 36 departments and offices.

    The project includes improvements along Nelson Road between Erie and the intersection with Left Hand Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 13 months.

    Timeline

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-8556 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 50% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events Near Ward

    Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events Near Ward

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Wednesday, May 6 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.

    The Parks & Open Space processed over 6,581 applications last year, with an average processing time of 13 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Timeline

    Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Parks & Open Space at (303) 441-6399 to verify eligibility and requirements.

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

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

    Louisville Community Briefing: 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 73% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    The Hall Ranch open space property encompasses 1,856 acres and features 7 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Next Steps

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $460,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Volunteers contributed over 6,829 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 20 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    What You Need to Know

    Water quality monitoring at 8 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Area Agency on Aging publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

  • Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — April 2024

    Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — April 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.

    A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Friday, April 24 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.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Area Agency on Aging, 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 19% 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 284 affordable housing units since its inception, with 189 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Background

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $233,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — August 2024

    Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — August 2024

    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 application deadline is May 8, 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 15 business days.

    Safety data from the Nederland area shows 7 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 21% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along 75th Street and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Contact Information

    Residents in the Nederland area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Parks & Open Space at (303) 441-3677 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    The Mud Lake open space property encompasses 1,023 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.

    How to Participate

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

  • 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.

    According to Amanda Foster, director of Sheriff’s Office, this program served 84% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Erie and the surrounding area,” Amanda Foster said.

    The application deadline is May 20, 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 5 business days.

    Related Programs

    Environmental review of the project area near Nelson Road found 12 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sheriff’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    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.

  • Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review — August 2026

    Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review — August 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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 1 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    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.

    Details

    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 2205 county employees across 41 departments and offices.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,368 affordable housing units since its inception, with 159 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Community Impact

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 41% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Monday, April 20 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.

  • Update: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal (2024)

    Update: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal (2024)

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $474,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Volunteers contributed over 14,994 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    How to Participate

    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 2183 county employees across 49 departments and offices.

    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.