Category: Property & Land

Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — August 2025

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 Longmont library on Monday, June 1 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.

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.

Background

Funding of $473,000 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 2025 budget session.

Environmental review of the project area near Arapahoe Road found 4 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Clerk & Recorder worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

March 2026: 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.

The application deadline is August 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 23 business days.

Residents in the Nederland area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Human Services at (303) 441-9670 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Community Impact

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,275 affordable housing units since its inception, with 133 additional units in the development pipeline.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 21 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

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.

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 2126 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

July 2025: 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 project includes improvements along South Boulder Road between Superior and the intersection with 75th Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 17 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.

Details

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.

The Betasso Preserve open space property encompasses 587 acres and features 13 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 46% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,601 responses from residents across the county.

The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,761 seniors participated in center programs last year.

May: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move

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 Baseline Road found 11 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Resource Conservation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

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

Background

Residents in the Nederland area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Resource Conservation at (303) 441-9759 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Safety data from the Nederland area shows 13 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 18% 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.

What You Need to Know

A community information session will be held at the Nederland library on Wednesday, June 3 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.

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.

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 $108,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Volunteers contributed over 1,272 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 12 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Details

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

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.

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.

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 70% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $90,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Clerk & Recorder at (303) 441-6857 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Timeline

The Bald Mountain open space property encompasses 2,442 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.

The Boulder Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,241 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Details

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.

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

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 Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,161 seniors participated in center programs last year.

For questions about this program, contact Michael Kowalski at Human Services: (303) 441-4196 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 Superior office without an appointment.

Next Steps

Volunteers contributed over 1,557 hours to this program last year. The Human Services coordinates with 19 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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 $82,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Background

Environmental review of the project area near Nelson Road found 4 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

The Anne U. White open space property encompasses 2,399 acres and features 14 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment — April 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.

Residents in the Nederland area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Human Services at (303) 441-8650 to verify eligibility and requirements.

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 30 business days.

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.

Safety data from the Nederland area shows 21 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 16% 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.

Resources

A community information session will be held at the Nederland library on Monday, May 4 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.

Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move Near Gold Hill

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 Community Justice Services processed over 6,550 applications last year, with an average processing time of 6 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Sunday, May 17 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Funding of $154,000 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.

The application deadline is June 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 12 business days.

How to Participate

Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-7574 to verify eligibility and requirements.

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

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $49,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Background

The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,454 seniors participated in center programs last year.

The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Lafayette and the intersection with 63rd Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 14 months.

What You Need to Know

Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 8 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Justice Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Funding of $49,000 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.