September: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

September: 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.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 38% of properties in the Boulder 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 application deadline is May 17, 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 18 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $498,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

The Boulder Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,780 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Background

Safety data from the Boulder area shows 40 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 12% 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.

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 Transportation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.