Category: Property & Land

Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review — Follow-Up Report

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.

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 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 27% 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.

Background

Volunteers contributed over 12,676 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 5 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

The Betasso Preserve open space property encompasses 2,104 acres and features 10 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — December 2025

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 Carlos Rivera, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 86% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Carlos Rivera said.

The project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Niwot and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

Related Programs

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.

The application deadline is July 15, 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 28 business days.

Background

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 86% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

May: 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 application deadline is May 22, 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 27 business days.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $308,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Community Impact

Environmental review of the project area near SH-7 / Ute Highway found 5 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Parks & Open Space worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

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.

How to Participate

Funding of $308,000 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.

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 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

Update: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment (2025)

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.

The project includes improvements along Flagstaff Road between Longmont and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 38% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Timeline

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 22% of properties in the Longmont 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.

For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Human Services: (303) 441-5817 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 Longmont office without an appointment.

New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment — Follow-Up Report

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.

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 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

The project includes improvements along South Boulder Road between Superior and the intersection with Baseline Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

What You Need to Know

The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience processed over 6,234 applications last year, with an average processing time of 15 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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 15 business days.

How to Participate

Safety data from the Superior area shows 16 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 13% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along South Boulder Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Environmental review of the project area near South Boulder Road found 6 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

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 $219,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 40% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $95,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to Participate

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.

According to Sarah Mitchell, director of Clerk & Recorder, this program served 57% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Erie and the surrounding area,” Sarah Mitchell said.

Contact Information

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 57% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

September: 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.

Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 21 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 7% 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.

Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Human Services at (303) 441-5327 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Resources

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 12% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $409,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Community Impact

The application deadline is July 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 20 business days.

September: 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.

According to Emily Chen, director of Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, this program served 19% 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,” Emily Chen said.

A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Monday, May 11 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.

Community Impact

Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 19% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,317 responses from residents across the county.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 37% 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.

New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment Near Erie

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 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 29 business days.

A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Saturday, May 30 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $110,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Volunteers contributed over 2,760 hours to this program last year. The Community Justice Services coordinates with 14 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

January: 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.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 16% 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.

Funding of $375,000 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.

Next Steps

Volunteers contributed over 11,858 hours to this program last year. The Community Planning & Permitting coordinates with 16 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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

Related Programs

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 1875 county employees across 38 departments and offices.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 9 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.