Category: Safety & Law

  • Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt Near Jamestown

    Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt Near Jamestown

    The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 12 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 19% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Foothills Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Water quality monitoring at 10 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Area Agency on Aging publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Volunteers contributed over 9,313 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 13 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 30% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,411 responses from residents across the county.

  • Lafayette Community Briefing: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    Lafayette Community Briefing: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    Due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. Open burning, campfires outside designated fire grates, and the use of explosive fireworks are prohibited. Violations may result in fines up to $600.

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-119 Diagonal Highway found 4 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Resource Conservation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $160,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Background

    According to Emily Chen, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 50% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Emily Chen said.

    The project includes improvements along SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Niwot and the intersection with Baseline Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

  • Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — Sunshine Canyon Area

    Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — Sunshine Canyon Area

    The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

    Funding of $279,000 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 2026 budget session.

    The Nederland Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 626 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Next Steps

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $279,000, 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 2026, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    Timeline

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 60% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,226 responses from residents across the county.

  • Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — December 2026

    Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — December 2026

    The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 38% of properties in the Lafayette 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 Rabbit Mountain open space property encompasses 902 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.

    Community Impact

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 44% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,959 responses from residents across the county.

    According to Michael Kowalski, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 44% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” Michael Kowalski said.

    How to Participate

    Funding of $427,000 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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 25 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • Update: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt (2025)

    Update: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt (2025)

    The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

    For questions about this program, contact Robert Kim at Human Services: (303) 441-3056 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 Boulder office without an appointment.

    The Hall Ranch open space property encompasses 1,859 acres and features 11 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Related Programs

    Safety data from the Boulder area shows 36 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 16% 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.

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

  • January: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    January: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the 2026 Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Program. Grants fund equipment, training, and trail safety improvements for volunteer search and rescue teams and trail patrol organizations operating in Boulder County.

    The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,339 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    According to James Rodriguez, director of Sheriff’s Office, this program served 27% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” James Rodriguez said.

    Contact Information

    Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-6608 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    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.

  • Allenspark Community Briefing: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events

    Allenspark Community Briefing: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office invites residents to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4. Community events will be held in neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Boulder County featuring safety demonstrations, K-9 unit appearances, crime prevention information, and family-friendly activities.

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

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 576 affordable housing units since its inception, with 292 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Next Steps

    Water quality monitoring at 17 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Public Health publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The Rabbit Mountain open space property encompasses 400 acres and features 14 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Eligibility

    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 project includes improvements along South Boulder Road between Erie and the intersection with Coal Creek Canyon Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

  • Ward Community Briefing: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

    Ward Community Briefing: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

    The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Sunday, April 26 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.

    What You Need to Know

    Residents in the Superior area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-7321 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Safety data from the Superior area shows 42 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 27% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along 75th Street and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

  • May: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

    May: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

    The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 70% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Volunteers contributed over 1,346 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 9 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Background

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their July 6 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 43 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 9% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Flagstaff Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Next Steps

    Environmental review of the project area near Flagstaff Road found 11 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Works worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • November 2024: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    November 2024: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    Due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. Open burning, campfires outside designated fire grates, and the use of explosive fireworks are prohibited. Violations may result in fines up to $600.

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 33 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 9% 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.

    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.

    Community Impact

    Environmental review of the project area near CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway found 6 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Works worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The Public Works processed over 3,829 applications last year, with an average processing time of 10 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.