March 2025: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

March 2025: 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.

According to Carlos Rivera, director of Assessor’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,” Carlos Rivera said.

Volunteers contributed over 2,093 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 7 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

How to Participate

The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 643 acres and features 4 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Assessor’s Office at (303) 441-5429 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Background

A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Wednesday, June 3 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.

The project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Gunbarrel and the intersection with 75th Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 14 months.