Category: Safety & Law

Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — Follow-Up Report

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.

The application deadline is May 21, 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 16 business days.

A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Thursday, April 23 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.

How to Participate

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.

The Sheriff’s Office processed over 11,541 applications last year, with an average processing time of 8 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Contact Information

Transportation access remains a key concern. Boulder County’s Via mobility program provides door-to-door transit service for residents in Lafayette 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 2198 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

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.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 49% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $52,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to Participate

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $353,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

According to Rachel Stein, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 49% 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,” Rachel Stein said.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — August 2024

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.

Volunteers contributed over 5,791 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 5 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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.

Background

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

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 $120,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Resources

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 32% 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.

Environmental review of the project area near 75th Street found 7 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events Near Ward

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.

The Transportation processed over 6,244 applications last year, with an average processing time of 8 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

According to Jennifer Walsh, director of Transportation, this program served 86% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” Jennifer Walsh said.

How to Participate

Volunteers contributed over 10,109 hours to this program last year. The Transportation coordinates with 21 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

For questions about this program, contact Jennifer Walsh at Transportation: (303) 441-3721 or email [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Lafayette office without an appointment.

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.

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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,451 affordable housing units since its inception, with 64 additional units in the development pipeline.

What You Need to Know

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 40% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $40,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 1,868 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.

Details

The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Louisville and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 10 months.

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.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 37% of properties in the Longmont 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 Caribou Ranch open space property encompasses 413 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.

What You Need to Know

According to James Rodriguez, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 73% 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,” James Rodriguez said.

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.

Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — Superior 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.

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

Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-6577 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Eligibility

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 1906 county employees across 38 departments and offices.

Water quality monitoring at 20 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Community Justice Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Background

Funding of $389,000 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.

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 60% 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.

Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — Eldora Area

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.

Water quality monitoring at 14 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Funding of $84,000 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.

Next Steps

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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $84,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — Follow-Up Report

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.

Safety data from the Lyons area shows 10 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 15% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Sunshine Canyon Drive and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,953 affordable housing units since its inception, with 176 additional units in the development pipeline.

Eligibility

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.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 17 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Next Steps

Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Transportation at (303) 441-5973 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $291,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Update: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County (2025)

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.

The application deadline is July 21, 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 21 business days.

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $96,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Community Impact

A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Friday, June 5 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.

Funding of $257,000 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.

How to Participate

The project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Superior and the intersection with Flagstaff Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.