Category: Safety & Law

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.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 47% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

Details

Volunteers contributed over 8,118 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 12 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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 $89,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Timeline

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.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 26% of properties in the Superior 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.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — Follow-Up Report

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 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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 23 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Details

Volunteers contributed over 12,975 hours to this program last year. The Public Health coordinates with 10 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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

Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — Follow-Up Report

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.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 30% 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 30% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $108,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

What You Need to Know

Safety data from the Niwot area shows 38 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 20% 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.

The project includes improvements along Sunshine Canyon Drive between Niwot and the intersection with 63rd Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 14 months.

Resources

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.

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.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — Follow-Up Report

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 4,453 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 21 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 20% 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

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 2266 county employees across 46 departments and offices.

Environmental review of the project area near Arapahoe Road found 12 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Works worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

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.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 23% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

The Betasso Preserve open space property encompasses 978 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.

Details

The project includes improvements along SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Nederland and the intersection with CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 13 months.

Residents in the Nederland area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-8148 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Eligibility

Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 23% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,916 responses from residents across the county.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 36% 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.

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.

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.

The project includes improvements along CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway between Lafayette and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

Next Steps

The Community Justice Services processed over 4,592 applications last year, with an average processing time of 15 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 12% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Timeline

Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 19 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 10% 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.

September: 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 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 application deadline is May 18, 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 30 business days.

Eligibility

Environmental review of the project area near Left Hand Canyon Drive found 3 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sheriff’s Office 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 $20,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Details

Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 20% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,827 responses from residents across the county.

Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — April 2024

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 Lyons area shows 37 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 8% 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.

Volunteers contributed over 13,028 hours to this program last year. The Community Planning & Permitting coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Eligibility

The Community Planning & Permitting processed over 3,146 applications last year, with an average processing time of 15 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Planning & Permitting at (303) 441-2233 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Update: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events (2024)

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 22% 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.

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 70% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $65,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Water quality monitoring at 19 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Resource Conservation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Community Impact

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $150,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

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

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 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 CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway between Lafayette and the intersection with SH-119 Diagonal Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

What You Need to Know

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 1907 county employees across 37 departments and offices.

A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Monday, May 4 at 7:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

Next Steps

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 22 business days.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 28% 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.