Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review Near Fourmile Canyon

Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review Near Fourmile Canyon

The Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting Department has proposed comprehensive updates to the Land Use Code’s site plan review process. Key changes include new stormwater management requirements, updated landscape standards, enhanced wildfire mitigation provisions, and expanded public notification procedures.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 67% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $171,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Contact Information

The Clerk & Recorder processed over 8,965 applications last year, with an average processing time of 13 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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.

Eligibility

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 2462 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 21% of properties in the Erie 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.