Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — Ward Area

Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — Ward Area

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 Transportation processed over 3,276 applications last year, with an average processing time of 18 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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 2086 county employees across 45 departments and offices.

Background

The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,193 seniors participated in center programs last year.

According to Kevin Larsen, director of Transportation, this program served 91% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” Kevin Larsen said.