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  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — Follow-Up Report

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — Follow-Up Report

    Due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. Open burning, campfires outside designated fire grates, and the use of explosive fireworks are prohibited. Violations may result in fines up to $600.

    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 1882 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 23% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,563 responses from residents across the county.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,654 affordable housing units since its inception, with 92 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 30% of properties in the Boulder 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.

  • Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — Follow-Up Report

    Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — Follow-Up Report

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office invites residents to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4. Community events will be held in neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Boulder County featuring safety demonstrations, K-9 unit appearances, crime prevention information, and family-friendly activities.

    The Resource Conservation processed over 4,198 applications last year, with an average processing time of 7 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 65% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,906 responses from residents across the county.

    Eligibility

    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 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    The project includes improvements along Arapahoe Road between Boulder and the intersection with Flagstaff Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 11 months.

    Contact Information

    Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Resource Conservation at (303) 441-3915 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • March 2024: Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026

    March 2024: Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026

    The Board of County Commissioners has adopted the 2026 Boulder County budget totaling $745 million. Key investments include $42 million for affordable housing initiatives, $28 million for transportation infrastructure, and $15 million for wildfire mitigation and climate resilience programs.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 26 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Water quality monitoring at 8 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Public Works publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Public Works: (303) 441-8866 or email Public [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Gunbarrel office without an appointment.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 54% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — Lyons Area

    Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — Lyons Area

    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.

    The Pella Crossing open space property encompasses 2,138 acres and features 6 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    According to Lisa Patel, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 81% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Longmont and the surrounding area,” Lisa Patel said.

    Eligibility

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-119 Diagonal Highway found 11 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Housing & Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    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.

    What You Need to Know

    For questions about this program, contact Lisa Patel at Housing & Human Services: (303) 441-4388 or email Housing & Human [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.

    The Housing & Human Services processed over 6,814 applications last year, with an average processing time of 16 business days. Staff are available at the Longmont office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • May: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road

    May: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road

    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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,289 affordable housing units since its inception, with 222 additional units in the development pipeline.

    A community information session will be held at the Nederland library on Saturday, May 9 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.

    Resources

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $446,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    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 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

  • Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — December 2024

    Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — December 2024

    Boulder County Human Services has awarded $2.1 million through the Safety Net Initiative to 18 local nonprofit organizations. Funded programs provide food assistance, emergency shelter, behavioral health services, legal aid, and transportation assistance to vulnerable populations throughout Boulder County.

    Environmental review of the project area near South Boulder Road found 12 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sheriff’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 62% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    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.

    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 2174 county employees across 37 departments and offices.

    Contact Information

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 32% of properties in the Gunbarrel 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.

    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 $98,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road Near Louisville

    Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road Near Louisville

    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.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Resource Conservation, 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.

    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 Impact

    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 2334 county employees across 50 departments and offices.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $116,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • March 2025: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    March 2025: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    Boulder County’s Wildfire Partners program is accepting registrations for the 2026 community chipping season. Residents in the wildland-urban interface can have tree limbs, brush, and other woody debris chipped at no cost. Last year the program processed over 2,400 loads of material from 1,100 properties across the county.

    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.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 65% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,642 responses from residents across the county.

    Community Impact

    The Transportation processed over 2,219 applications last year, with an average processing time of 21 business days. Staff are available at the Superior 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.

    Related Programs

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Transportation, 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.

  • $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — Eldora Area

    $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — Eldora Area

    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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,195 affordable housing units since its inception, with 186 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Volunteers contributed over 8,835 hours to this program last year. The Sheriff’s Office coordinates with 23 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Contact Information

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 38% 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.

    Safety data from the Louisville area shows 24 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 18% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Baseline Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Community Impact

    The Legion Park open space property encompasses 2,112 acres and features 15 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 application deadline is June 2, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 15 business days.

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

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

    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 36% 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.

    The Pella Crossing open space property encompasses 761 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.

    Next Steps

    Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 12 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    For questions about this program, contact Jennifer Walsh at Transportation: (303) 441-6335 or email [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Erie office without an appointment.

    Contact Information

    The Transportation processed over 8,642 applications last year, with an average processing time of 19 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    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.