Category: Property & Land

September: 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.

For questions about this program, contact Robert Kim at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-5282 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 Lyons office without an appointment.

Environmental review of the project area near CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway found 4 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Area Agency on Aging worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Community Impact

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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,837 affordable housing units since its inception, with 177 additional units in the development pipeline.

Timeline

Safety data from the Lyons area shows 43 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 29% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 84% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

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

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.

Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 13% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,221 responses from residents across the county.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 445 affordable housing units since its inception, with 133 additional units in the development pipeline.

Contact Information

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

The application deadline is July 29, 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.

Timeline

The Legion Park open space property encompasses 386 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 June 21 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

November 2025: 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.

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.

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.

Contact Information

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.

The application deadline is May 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 29 business days.

How to Participate

For questions about this program, contact Sarah Mitchell at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-4220 or email Resource [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.

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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $394,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,866 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Next Steps

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,929 affordable housing units since its inception, with 75 additional units in the development pipeline.

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

Details

The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Erie and the intersection with South Boulder Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 7 months.

Water quality monitoring at 16 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Public Works publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

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.

The Clerk & Recorder processed over 2,125 applications last year, with an average processing time of 5 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Volunteers contributed over 12,219 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 19 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Eligibility

Funding of $321,000 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.

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.

Related Programs

Water quality monitoring at 10 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Clerk & Recorder publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 771 affordable housing units since its inception, with 256 additional units in the development pipeline.

Lyons Community Briefing: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal

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.

For questions about this program, contact Diana Orozco at Community Planning & Permitting: (303) 441-1940 or email Community Planning & [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.

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

Related Programs

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $40,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,063 affordable housing units since its inception, with 224 additional units in the development pipeline.

Next Steps

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 $119,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

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.

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

Water quality monitoring at 17 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Community Justice Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

What You Need to Know

According to David Thompson, director of Community Justice Services, this program served 36% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Longmont and the surrounding area,” David Thompson said.

The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 1,108 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.

New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment — Boulder Area

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.

Volunteers contributed over 8,697 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 25 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 33% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,570 responses from residents across the county.

Frequently Asked Questions

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 996 affordable housing units since its inception, with 255 additional units in the development pipeline.

The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 1,752 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.

Resources

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

New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment — Nederland Area

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 Public Works processed over 1,075 applications last year, with an average processing time of 14 business days. Staff are available at the Nederland office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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 $47,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Details

According to Kevin Larsen, director of Public Works, this program served 47% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Nederland and the surrounding area,” Kevin Larsen said.

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

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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $454,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,799 affordable housing units since its inception, with 269 additional units in the development pipeline.

Contact Information

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 53% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,215 responses from residents across the county.

Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 21 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 30% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Sunshine Canyon Drive and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.