Category: Safety & Law

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

    January: 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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $117,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The application deadline is June 30, 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 12 business days.

    Related Programs

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 12 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    The project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Lyons and the intersection with SH-119 Diagonal Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 13 months.

    Contact Information

    Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-6747 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Safety data from the Lyons area shows 22 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 21% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-7 / Ute Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

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

    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.

    Residents in the Superior area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Area Agency on Aging at (303) 441-6938 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    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.

    Eligibility

    Safety data from the Superior area shows 15 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 8% 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.

    A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Sunday, April 19 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,179 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • July 2024: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

    July 2024: 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.

    The project includes improvements along Nelson Road between Boulder and the intersection with Coal Creek Canyon Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

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

    Contact Information

    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 $44,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Safety data from the Boulder area shows 7 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 24% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Nelson Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Funding of $140,000 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 17 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.

  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County Near Niwot

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County Near Niwot

    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 project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Erie and the intersection with 75th Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 14 months.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,924 affordable housing units since its inception, with 289 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Resources

    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.

    The application deadline is July 4, 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.

    Eligibility

    The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,810 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — December 2025

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — December 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 20 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Sheriff’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The Sheriff’s Office processed over 1,875 applications last year, with an average processing time of 5 business days. Staff are available at the Nederland office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Related Programs

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 39% 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.

    For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Sheriff’s Office: (303) 441-1301 or email Sheriff’s [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Nederland office without an appointment.

    Timeline

    The project includes improvements along SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Nederland and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

  • July 2024: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

    July 2024: 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 9,031 hours to this program last year. The Community Justice Services coordinates with 20 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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

    Timeline

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 28 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Funding of $245,000 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.

    Eligibility

    Water quality monitoring at 8 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.

  • November 2025: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

    November 2025: 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 9 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 project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Lafayette and the intersection with 63rd Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 13 months.

    Community Impact

    Volunteers contributed over 5,761 hours to this program last year. The Public Health coordinates with 11 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 2025, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    Related Programs

    A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Thursday, May 28 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.

    Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 40 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 19% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-7 / Ute Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

  • November 2026: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    November 2026: 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 application deadline is August 2, 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 7 business days.

    Volunteers contributed over 13,407 hours to this program last year. The Resource Conservation coordinates with 17 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Eligibility

    Funding of $5,000 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 Resource Conservation, 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.

    Contact Information

    For questions about this program, contact Kevin Larsen at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-8809 or email Resource [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.

    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.

  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — December 2025

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — December 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 4, 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 25 business days.

    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.

    Related Programs

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

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

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

    Ward 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.

    Residents in the Nederland area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Clerk & Recorder at (303) 441-5108 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Volunteers contributed over 2,261 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 11 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    According to Kevin Larsen, director of Clerk & Recorder, 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 Nederland and the surrounding area,” Kevin Larsen said.

    The Nederland Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,831 seniors participated in center programs last year.