Category: Property & Land

Niwot Community Briefing: 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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 852 affordable housing units since its inception, with 101 additional units in the development pipeline.

Environmental review of the project area near Flagstaff Road found 9 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Assessor’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Resources

Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Assessor’s Office at (303) 441-5664 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Volunteers contributed over 10,372 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 8 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Next Steps

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.

Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment Near Boulder

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 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.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 30% of properties in the Lyons 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.

Timeline

According to Michael Kowalski, director of Transportation, this program served 29% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons and the surrounding area,” Michael Kowalski said.

The application deadline is June 17, 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 14 business days.

Community Impact

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.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 29% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Jamestown Community Briefing: 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.

According to Maria Gonzalez, director of Public Health, this program served 69% 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,” Maria Gonzalez said.

Safety data from the Nederland area shows 28 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 6% 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.

Resources

The project includes improvements along Flagstaff Road between Nederland and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 6 months.

The Legion Park open space property encompasses 1,468 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.

Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — Nederland Area

The City of Boulder and Boulder County have released the draft 2026 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update for public review and comment. The plan addresses land use, housing, transportation, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. Public comments will be accepted through May 15.

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.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 8 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

What You Need to Know

Safety data from the Niwot area shows 8 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 18% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Arapahoe Road 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 $316,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Details

Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Area Agency on Aging at (303) 441-8986 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 Niwot and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.

Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — April 2026

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.

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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $333,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Details

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) 441-1305 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,629 affordable housing units since its inception, with 92 additional units in the development pipeline.

Resources

The Legion Park open space property encompasses 1,956 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.

Water quality monitoring at 15 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: 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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,454 affordable housing units since its inception, with 201 additional units in the development pipeline.

According to Diana Orozco, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 65% 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,” Diana Orozco said.

Background

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 2466 county employees across 40 departments and offices.

Funding of $493,000 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.

May: 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 Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 2,444 acres and features 5 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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 7 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Eligibility

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 $113,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

For questions about this program, contact Jennifer Walsh at Public Health: (303) 441-8088 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 Lafayette office without an appointment.

Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road Near Louisville

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.

Water quality monitoring at 15 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.

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

Contact Information

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 4 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Safety data from the Boulder area shows 8 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 10% 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.

Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment Near Fourmile Canyon

The City of Boulder and Boulder County have released the draft 2026 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update for public review and comment. The plan addresses land use, housing, transportation, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. Public comments will be accepted through May 15.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 26% of properties in the Louisville 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.

According to Carlos Rivera, director of Assessor’s Office, this program served 76% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Louisville and the surrounding area,” Carlos Rivera said.

Next Steps

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) 441-4790 to verify eligibility and requirements.

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 $45,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Background

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 24 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

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 Assessor’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Update: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment (2025)

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.

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 Longmont Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,882 seniors participated in center programs last year.

What You Need to Know

Volunteers contributed over 14,917 hours to this program last year. The Transportation coordinates with 11 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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.