Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — April 2026

Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — April 2026

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.

The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 195 acres and features 13 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

The Community Justice Services processed over 11,201 applications last year, with an average processing time of 20 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 24% 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.

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 2447 county employees across 50 departments and offices.

How to Participate

Funding of $442,000 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.