Category: Property & Land

Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review — Eldorado Springs Area

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.

Funding of $179,000 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.

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

Safety data from the Boulder area shows 23 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 27% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Arapahoe Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Volunteers contributed over 13,632 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 18 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

How to Participate

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 2483 county employees across 48 departments and offices.

For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience: (303) 441-8467 or email Sustainability, Climate Action & [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Boulder office without an appointment.

New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment Near Ward

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 2026, 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 2026. The Community Planning & Permitting publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Resources

Environmental review of the project area near 75th Street found 4 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Planning & Permitting worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 792 affordable housing units since its inception, with 229 additional units in the development pipeline.

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

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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $109,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-9612 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Background

According to Maria Gonzalez, director of Community Justice Services, this program served 20% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” Maria Gonzalez said.

Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 40 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 18% 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.

Community Impact

The project includes improvements along CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway between Gunbarrel and the intersection with Arapahoe Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 14 months.

Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — Eldora Area

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 Lyons and the intersection with CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $383,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Eligibility

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 22 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

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

Timeline

Volunteers contributed over 13,983 hours to this program last year. The Public Health coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

The Public Health processed over 9,006 applications last year, with an average processing time of 11 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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.

Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 43% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,143 responses from residents across the county.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

For questions about this program, contact Sarah Mitchell at Clerk & Recorder: (303) 441-2163 or email Clerk & [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.

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 $43,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Update: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review (2024)

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.

For questions about this program, contact Carlos Rivera at Housing & Human Services: (303) 441-5816 or email Housing & 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.

Safety data from the Longmont area shows 5 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 8% 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.

Next Steps

Environmental review of the project area near South Boulder Road found 3 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Housing & Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

The application deadline is June 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 11 business days.

Eligibility

According to Carlos Rivera, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 77% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Longmont and the surrounding area,” Carlos Rivera said.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,252 affordable housing units since its inception, with 268 additional units in the development pipeline.

Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — Gunbarrel 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.

Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 69% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,084 responses from residents across the county.

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

Related Programs

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,320 affordable housing units since its inception, with 90 additional units in the development pipeline.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $105,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Next Steps

The application deadline is May 25, 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.

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 $87,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

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 project includes improvements along 63rd Street between Lyons and the intersection with Baseline Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 9 months.

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.

Details

Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 8 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.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 38% of properties in the Lyons 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.

Contact Information

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 75% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,861 responses from residents across the county.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $29,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Louisville Community Briefing: 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.

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

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,029 affordable housing units since its inception, with 63 additional units in the development pipeline.

Related Programs

The Clerk & Recorder processed over 3,080 applications last year, with an average processing time of 4 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Funding of $74,000 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.

How to Participate

The Betasso Preserve open space property encompasses 2,115 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.

The project includes improvements along Foothills Highway between Lyons and the intersection with Baseline Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2026 with completion expected within 6 months.

Longmont Community Briefing: 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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 815 affordable housing units since its inception, with 81 additional units in the development pipeline.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $420,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Transportation: (303) 441-8668 or email [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Superior office without an appointment.

A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Monday, April 27 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.

Contact Information

Water quality monitoring at 12 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Transportation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.