Category: Property & Land

Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review — August 2026

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 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.

Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience at (303) 441-9818 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Timeline

Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 11 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.

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.

Next Steps

Water quality monitoring at 18 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 49% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,155 responses from residents across the county.

New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment — December 2026

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 Housing & Human Services, 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.

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 $68,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Resources

Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 3 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Housing & Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

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.

Contact Information

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 26% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

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.

Environmental review of the project area near SH-7 / Ute Highway found 8 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Area Agency on Aging worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Volunteers contributed over 5,310 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 11 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Next Steps

Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 16% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,180 responses from residents across the county.

The project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Lafayette and the intersection with 63rd Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

What You Need to Know

The application deadline is June 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 18 business days.

Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — April 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.

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 $93,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 252 affordable housing units since its inception, with 86 additional units in the development pipeline.

Contact Information

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 87% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

The Nederland Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,304 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Resources

The Community Planning & Permitting processed over 8,689 applications last year, with an average processing time of 4 business days. Staff are available at the Nederland office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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.

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.

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 1971 county employees across 48 departments and offices.

Background

Safety data from the Louisville area shows 12 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 23% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Niwot Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Community Planning & Permitting: (303) 441-5046 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 Louisville office without an appointment.

Eligibility

Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 6 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Planning & Permitting worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

January: 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.

Environmental review of the project area near Nelson Road found 6 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

The project includes improvements along Nelson Road between Longmont and the intersection with CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 9 months.

How to Participate

A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Tuesday, May 12 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.

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 Transportation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

What You Need to Know

According to Lisa Patel, director of Transportation, this program served 61% 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,” Lisa Patel said.

September: 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.

Volunteers contributed over 3,523 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 8 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,682 affordable housing units since its inception, with 288 additional units in the development pipeline.

Next Steps

Environmental review of the project area near SH-7 / Ute Highway found 4 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Works worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 25% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,281 responses from residents across the county.

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.

Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — April 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 Caribou Ranch open space property encompasses 1,329 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.

Safety data from the Longmont area shows 30 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 23% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Coal Creek Canyon Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Contact Information

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $202,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 27% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,192 responses from residents across the county.

Background

Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 11 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Human Services at (303) 441-7958 to verify eligibility and requirements.

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.

Volunteers contributed over 7,937 hours to this program last year. The Community Justice Services coordinates with 19 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 17% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,797 responses from residents across the county.

Timeline

Funding of $54,000 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.

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

Update: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment (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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,134 affordable housing units since its inception, with 67 additional units in the development pipeline.

Funding of $171,000 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.

Details

Safety data from the Superior area shows 5 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 21% 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.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 35% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

What You Need to Know

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $171,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.