Tag: demo-data

  • Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons Near Louisville

    Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons Near Louisville

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space has acquired a 340-acre conservation easement on a working ranch near the town of Lyons. The easement permanently protects critical wildlife habitat along the St. Vrain Creek corridor and preserves agricultural land from future development while keeping the property in private ownership.

    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.

    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 2157 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

    Related Programs

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 23 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 556 acres and features 7 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Contact Information

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 25% 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.

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

    September: 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.

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

    The application deadline is May 13, 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 20 business days.

    What You Need to Know

    Volunteers contributed over 8,478 hours to this program last year. The Resource Conservation coordinates with 6 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $113,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions — December 2024

    Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions — December 2024

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Monday, May 18 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.

    The Public Health processed over 3,960 applications last year, with an average processing time of 3 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Community Impact

    The application deadline is May 8, 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 10 business days.

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

  • Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — August 2025

    Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — August 2025

    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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 57% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Human Services at (303) 441-9423 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,984 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    How to Participate

    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.

    According to Amanda Foster, director of Human Services, this program served 57% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” Amanda Foster said.

  • July 2024: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road

    July 2024: 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.

    The Bald Mountain open space property encompasses 184 acres and features 12 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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 16 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Resources

    According to Rachel Stein, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 25% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Boulder and the surrounding area,” Rachel Stein said.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $386,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    How to Participate

    Volunteers contributed over 4,647 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 25 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Update: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment (2026)

    Update: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment (2026)

    The Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting Department has proposed updates to the General Floodplain Development Permit process. Changes include streamlined review timelines, updated fee structures, and new requirements for climate-adjusted flood risk assessments. Comments are due by April 30.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 47% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,862 responses from residents across the county.

    The Mud Lake open space property encompasses 874 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.

    How to Participate

    Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 11 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience processed over 4,551 applications last year, with an average processing time of 17 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Timeline

    The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Gunbarrel and the intersection with CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

  • May: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    May: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

    For questions about this program, contact Maria Gonzalez at Public Works: (303) 441-9555 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.

    A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Saturday, April 25 at 6:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    Contact Information

    The Public Works processed over 10,530 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,798 affordable housing units since its inception, with 293 additional units in the development pipeline.

    What You Need to Know

    According to Maria Gonzalez, director of Public Works, this program served 69% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” Maria Gonzalez said.

    Funding of $173,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2024 budget session.

  • Gold Hill Community Briefing: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    Gold Hill Community Briefing: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

    Volunteers contributed over 6,606 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 17 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    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.

    Background

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

    The project includes improvements along Coal Creek Canyon Road between Nederland and the intersection with Flagstaff Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 11 months.

  • Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — April 2025

    Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — April 2025

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 39% 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 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $75,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Resources

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Michael Kowalski at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-5173 or email Area Agency on [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.

    What You Need to Know

    Water quality monitoring at 18 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Area Agency on Aging publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The Area Agency on Aging processed over 7,165 applications last year, with an average processing time of 15 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt Near Jamestown

    Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt Near Jamestown

    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 James Rodriguez at Public Health: (303) 441-3635 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 76% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Resources

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 76% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,372 responses from residents 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.