Category: Property & Land

Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review Near Gunbarrel

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.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 36% 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.

The Pella Crossing open space property encompasses 761 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.

Next Steps

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

For questions about this program, contact Jennifer Walsh at Transportation: (303) 441-6335 or email [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Erie office without an appointment.

Contact Information

The Transportation processed over 8,642 applications last year, with an average processing time of 19 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal (2026)

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.

A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Monday, May 25 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.

For questions about this program, contact Sarah Mitchell at Human Services: (303) 441-5246 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 Erie office without an appointment.

Eligibility

Environmental review of the project area near Nelson Road found 11 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 59% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Timeline

Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Human Services at (303) 441-5246 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — Follow-Up Report

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.

For questions about this program, contact Michael Kowalski at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-5527 or email Area Agency on [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Gunbarrel office without an appointment.

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 $76,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to Participate

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 27% of properties in the Gunbarrel 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.

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.

Timeline

Volunteers contributed over 1,864 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

March 2026: 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.

Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 6 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sheriff’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

According to Sarah Mitchell, director of Sheriff’s Office, this program served 68% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Boulder and the surrounding area,” Sarah Mitchell said.

Community Impact

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.

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.

Eligibility

Water quality monitoring at 17 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Sheriff’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

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

Environmental review of the project area near Left Hand Canyon Drive found 8 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 347 affordable housing units since its inception, with 172 additional units in the development pipeline.

Contact Information

According to Maria Gonzalez, director of Human Services, this program served 27% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Superior and the surrounding area,” Maria Gonzalez said.

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.

Details

Volunteers contributed over 9,518 hours to this program last year. The Human Services coordinates with 21 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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.

According to Carlos Rivera, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 73% 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.

The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 483 acres and features 11 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Community Impact

The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,563 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Resource Conservation at (303) 441-4524 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Eligibility

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

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.

Sunshine Canyon Community Briefing: 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.

The Housing & Human Services processed over 7,409 applications last year, with an average processing time of 10 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-7874 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Next Steps

Safety data from the Lyons area shows 26 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 27% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-7 / Ute Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $175,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — Fourmile Canyon 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 Transportation processed over 2,854 applications last year, with an average processing time of 14 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 23% 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.

Background

The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,809 seniors participated in center programs last year.

The project includes improvements along Flagstaff Road between Erie and the intersection with 63rd Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 9 months.

New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment Near Fourmile Canyon

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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,310 affordable housing units since its inception, with 75 additional units in the development pipeline.

Water quality monitoring at 12 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Related Programs

The application deadline is May 19, 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 12 business days.

A community information session will be held at the Nederland library on Saturday, May 23 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.

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.

The project includes improvements along Left Hand Canyon Drive between Nederland and the intersection with Nelson Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

Safety data from the Nederland area shows 7 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 27% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Left Hand Canyon Drive and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Related Programs

For questions about this program, contact Emily Chen at Parks & Open Space: (303) 441-2987 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 Nederland office without an appointment.

The application deadline is August 1, 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.

Details

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 35% of properties in the Nederland 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.