Category: Property & Land

Update: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road (2026)

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.

Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Transportation at (303) 441-7913 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 69% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Eligibility

Funding of $238,000 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.

Volunteers contributed over 918 hours to this program last year. The Transportation coordinates with 18 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Resources

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 20% 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 James Rodriguez, director of Transportation, 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 Louisville and the surrounding area,” James Rodriguez said.

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.

The Bald Mountain open space property encompasses 1,363 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.

Environmental review of the project area near Sunshine Canyon Drive found 10 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Works worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Next Steps

The application deadline is May 20, 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 6 business days.

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.

Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move — Follow-Up Report

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 Niwot library on Tuesday, April 28 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.

The Housing & Human Services processed over 11,077 applications last year, with an average processing time of 20 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Contact Information

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $410,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 63% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,315 responses from residents across the county.

Resources

The project includes improvements along Left Hand Canyon Drive between Niwot and the intersection with Flagstaff Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

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 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 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.

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.

Next Steps

Residents in the Superior area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Clerk & Recorder at (303) 441-7063 to verify eligibility and requirements.

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

Update: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment (2024)

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 $20,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Funding of $20,000 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.

Contact Information

Volunteers contributed over 9,610 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 12 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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.

Timeline

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.

The Nederland Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 581 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — August 2026

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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $253,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

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.

Next Steps

A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Thursday, May 7 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.

Funding of $253,000 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.

What You Need to Know

Volunteers contributed over 7,494 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 20 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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

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.

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 1846 county employees across 50 departments and offices.

Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 93% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,222 responses from residents across the county.

Timeline

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 811 affordable housing units since its inception, with 178 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 2026. The Housing & Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Pella Crossing open space property encompasses 2,423 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.

New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment Near Lafayette

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 528 affordable housing units since its inception, with 83 additional units in the development pipeline.

A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Wednesday, April 15 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

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Sheriff’s Office, 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.

Funding of $293,000 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.

Contact Information

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 33% of properties in the Niwot 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 Maria Gonzalez, director of Sheriff’s Office, this program served 63% 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,” Maria Gonzalez said.

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.

Water quality monitoring at 8 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Sheriff’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,964 affordable housing units since its inception, with 134 additional units in the development pipeline.

What You Need to Know

Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 40% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,527 responses from residents across the county.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 26% 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.

Timeline

Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-6671 to verify eligibility and requirements.

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

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 Clerk & Recorder processed over 9,021 applications last year, with an average processing time of 7 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

The project includes improvements along Arapahoe Road between Lafayette and the intersection with Nelson Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

Eligibility

Funding of $87,000 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.

Water quality monitoring at 14 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Clerk & Recorder publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.