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  • Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — Fourmile Canyon Area

    Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — Fourmile Canyon 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 8,093 hours to this program last year. The Sheriff’s Office coordinates with 25 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 21 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Background

    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 2352 county employees across 48 departments and offices.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 35% of properties in the Louisville 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.

  • Jamestown Community Briefing: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal

    Jamestown Community Briefing: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal

    Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting has launched an updated online building permit portal with improved search functionality, real-time status tracking, and mobile-friendly document uploads. The new system reduces average permit review times by 15% and allows applicants to schedule inspections online.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 3 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Water quality monitoring at 17 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Sheriff’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Details

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

    Environmental review of the project area near Arapahoe Road found 5 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sheriff’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Next Steps

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 83% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • Update: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities (2025)

    Update: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities (2025)

    Boulder County Housing & Human Services announces a new funding opportunity for projects that create or preserve affordable, accessible housing for people with disabilities. Up to $500,000 is available for capital improvements, accessibility modifications, and supportive housing development. Applications are due May 1.

    According to Michael Kowalski, director of Sheriff’s Office, this program served 34% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Louisville and the surrounding area,” Michael Kowalski said.

    Water quality monitoring at 18 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Sheriff’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Background

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Sheriff’s Office, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

    Volunteers contributed over 5,298 hours to this program last year. The Sheriff’s Office coordinates with 9 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — April 2024

    Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — April 2024

    The Boulder County Planning Commission has approved a rezoning request to allow construction of a 48-unit affordable housing development on Arapahoe Road near the intersection with 63rd Street. The project will provide permanently affordable rental units for households earning 30-60% of area median income.

    According to Brian Nakamura, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 58% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Longmont and the surrounding area,” Brian Nakamura said.

    The Longmont Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 697 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Details

    For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-7759 or email Resource [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Longmont office without an appointment.

    Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Resource Conservation at (303) 441-7759 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    How to Participate

    A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Thursday, May 14 at 7:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $91,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • May: Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions

    May: Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions

    Boulder County is accepting applications for Youth Corps Team Leader positions for the 2026 season. Team Leaders supervise crews of young adults working on conservation projects including trail construction, habitat restoration, and wildfire fuel reduction across Boulder County open space properties. Positions start in May.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $394,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 36% of properties in the Niwot 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.

    What You Need to Know

    Water quality monitoring at 15 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Community Planning & Permitting publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

  • Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 18% of properties in the Lafayette 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.

    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.

    Details

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 13% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Volunteers contributed over 2,918 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 17 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Jamestown Community Briefing: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    Jamestown Community Briefing: 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.

    The project includes improvements along Flagstaff Road between Superior and the intersection with SH-119 Diagonal Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 70% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $101,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    How to Participate

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

    Water quality monitoring at 19 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Community Justice Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Eligibility

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 34% of properties in the Superior 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 Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,754 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • Update: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt (2025)

    Update: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt (2025)

    The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

    For questions about this program, contact Robert Kim at Human Services: (303) 441-3056 or email Human [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Boulder office without an appointment.

    The Hall Ranch open space property encompasses 1,859 acres and features 11 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Related Programs

    Safety data from the Boulder area shows 36 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 16% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along South Boulder Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Transportation access remains a key concern. Boulder County’s Via mobility program provides door-to-door transit service for residents in Boulder and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.

  • May: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

    May: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

    Boulder County is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Parks & Open Space Director. The incoming director brings over 20 years of experience in public land management and conservation. They will oversee the department’s 100,000+ acres of protected land and 150 miles of multi-use trails.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,508 affordable housing units since its inception, with 230 additional units in the development pipeline.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 2 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Related Programs

    According to Kevin Larsen, director of Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, this program served 59% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Kevin Larsen said.

    For questions about this program, contact Kevin Larsen at Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience: (303) 441-7636 or email Sustainability, Climate Action & [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Niwot office without an appointment.

  • May: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects

    May: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects

    Boulder County has awarded $6.3 million in Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership funds to 12 affordable housing, childcare, and human services projects throughout the county. Funded projects include new affordable rental construction, homebuyer assistance, and childcare facility improvements.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $65,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    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 2026, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,578 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    The Betasso Preserve open space property encompasses 1,713 acres and features 9 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    How to Participate

    Volunteers contributed over 7,128 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 23 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.