Update: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment (2024)

Update: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment (2024)

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 Public Health processed over 9,447 applications last year, with an average processing time of 5 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons 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 93% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Next Steps

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,118 affordable housing units since its inception, with 283 additional units in the development pipeline.

Volunteers contributed over 9,805 hours to this program last year. The Public Health coordinates with 22 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.