Category: Property & Land

Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road Near Sunshine Canyon

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 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.

The Housing & Human Services processed over 9,226 applications last year, with an average processing time of 15 business days. Staff are available at the Nederland office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Community Impact

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 24% of properties in the Nederland 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.

The project includes improvements along 63rd Street between Nederland and the intersection with Arapahoe Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

Related Programs

The application deadline is July 1, 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 10 business days.

Safety data from the Nederland area shows 10 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 14% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along 63rd Street and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

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.

Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Assessor’s Office at (303) 441-9633 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Environmental review of the project area near Left Hand Canyon Drive found 11 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Assessor’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Timeline

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.

Water quality monitoring at 8 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Assessor’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

May: 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.

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 5,596 responses from residents across the county.

The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,919 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Related Programs

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.

Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Health at (303) 441-1099 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Timeline

The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Louisville and the intersection with CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 17 months.

July 2026: 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.

Volunteers contributed over 9,791 hours to this program last year. The Public Health coordinates with 10 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,423 seniors participated in center programs last year.

How to Participate

According to Amanda Foster, director of Public Health, this program served 38% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” Amanda Foster said.

The application deadline is May 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 28 business days.

Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — Follow-Up Report

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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,552 affordable housing units since its inception, with 296 additional units in the development pipeline.

The Housing & Human Services processed over 9,112 applications last year, with an average processing time of 17 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Eligibility

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 30% 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.

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 35% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,518 responses from residents across the county.

Details

Volunteers contributed over 4,000 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Louisville Community Briefing: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment

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.

Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 84% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,088 responses from residents across the county.

The Caribou Ranch open space property encompasses 197 acres and features 15 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Background

For questions about this program, contact Emily Chen at Community Planning & Permitting: (303) 441-5622 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 Gunbarrel office without an appointment.

Volunteers contributed over 9,921 hours to this program last year. The Community Planning & Permitting coordinates with 9 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Frequently Asked Questions

A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel 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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,227 affordable housing units since its inception, with 287 additional units in the development pipeline.

Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal Near Eldorado Springs

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.

Residents in the Nederland area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-2038 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Environmental review of the project area near Sunshine Canyon Drive found 3 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Justice Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Details

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,255 affordable housing units since its inception, with 161 additional units in the development pipeline.

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 $86,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility

The Nederland Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,918 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — Ward Area

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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 925 affordable housing units since its inception, with 81 additional units in the development pipeline.

Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 29% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,597 responses from residents across the county.

Related Programs

The Hall Ranch open space property encompasses 2,031 acres and features 12 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

According to Maria Gonzalez, director of Human Services, this program served 29% more residents in 2026 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.

Next Steps

Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 10 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Update: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move (2026)

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 Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,266 seniors participated in center programs last year.

For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Community Justice Services: (303) 441-1886 or email Community Justice [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Louisville office without an appointment.

What You Need to Know

Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-1886 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 Louisville and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.

Resources

According to Rachel Stein, director of Community Justice Services, this program served 67% 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,” Rachel Stein said.

July 2025: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment

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 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.

Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Human Services at (303) 441-5114 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

A community information session will be held at the Erie 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.

Safety data from the Erie area shows 17 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 28% 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.

Eligibility

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 $74,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 86% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,210 responses from residents across the county.