WordPress Search

Tag: boulder-county

  • November 2024: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    November 2024: 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.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 70% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,310 responses from residents across the county.

    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 42 departments and offices.

    Next Steps

    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.

    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 $85,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Resources

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 34% 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.

    For questions about this program, contact Carlos Rivera at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-1188 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 Boulder office without an appointment.

  • Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — April 2026

    Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — April 2026

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Community Justice Services: (303) 441-7089 or email Community Justice [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.

    Funding of $63,000 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 2025 budget session.

    Eligibility

    The Legion Park open space property encompasses 1,911 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.

    The Community Justice Services processed over 3,320 applications last year, with an average processing time of 19 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Details

    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.

    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.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Jamestown Area

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Jamestown Area

    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.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 63% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,376 responses from residents across the county.

    Volunteers contributed over 2,647 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 15 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Next Steps

    Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Area Agency on Aging at (303) 441-1824 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    The Boulder Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 638 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space announces a temporary closure of the Boulder Canyon Trail between Elephant Buttresses and the Dome trailhead for rockfall mitigation work. Crews will be scaling loose rock and installing mesh netting along a 400-foot section of cliff face above the trail. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

    The application deadline is May 7, 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 24 business days.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 364 affordable housing units since its inception, with 138 additional units in the development pipeline.

    What You Need to Know

    For questions about this program, contact Kevin Larsen at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-4377 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 Boulder office without an appointment.

    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 $104,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Related Programs

    According to Kevin Larsen, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 13% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Boulder and the surrounding area,” Kevin Larsen said.

  • Eldora Community Briefing: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work

    Eldora Community Briefing: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space announces a temporary closure of the Boulder Canyon Trail between Elephant Buttresses and the Dome trailhead for rockfall mitigation work. Crews will be scaling loose rock and installing mesh netting along a 400-foot section of cliff face above the trail. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 30% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,467 responses from residents across the county.

    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.

    Timeline

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 27 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    The project includes improvements along 75th Street between Nederland and the intersection with Flagstaff Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 14 months.

    What You Need to Know

    Safety data from the Nederland area shows 32 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 19% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along 75th Street and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    The application deadline is April 28, 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 21 business days.

  • All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions Near Superior

    All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions Near Superior

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space has closed all trails and trailheads west of Highway 36 due to sustained winds exceeding 80 mph and extreme fire danger conditions. The closure includes all mountain parks, open space properties, and county trails in the foothills. Closures will be reassessed when wind conditions subside.

    A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Tuesday, May 19 at 5:00 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 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $77,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    How to Participate

    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 2448 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-7 / Ute Highway found 6 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Clerk & Recorder worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Update: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons (2024)

    Update: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons (2024)

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 8 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Housing & Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $473,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-8526 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 40% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,550 responses from residents across the county.

    Timeline

    The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Lyons and the intersection with Flagstaff Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

  • September: Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds

    September: Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds

    Boulder County residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste including paint, solvents, pesticides, batteries, and electronics at a free collection event on Saturday, April 19 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. No appointment is necessary. Commercial waste is not accepted.

    The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 2,240 acres and features 5 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 Sheriff’s Office processed over 7,353 applications last year, with an average processing time of 16 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Background

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 30% 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.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 51% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,792 responses from residents across the county.

    Next Steps

    Volunteers contributed over 13,706 hours to this program last year. The Sheriff’s Office coordinates with 10 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-119 Diagonal Highway found 11 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sheriff’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Update: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events (2026)

    Update: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events (2026)

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Sunday, May 3 at 5:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 362 affordable housing units since its inception, with 109 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Contact Information

    According to Kevin Larsen, director of Public Health, this program served 62% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Erie and the surrounding area,” Kevin Larsen said.

    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 Health publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Community Impact

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 35% 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.

  • January: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

    January: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

    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.

    The project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Lyons and the intersection with Flagstaff Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

    The application deadline is May 23, 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.

    How to Participate

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 88% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    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.

    Contact Information

    According to Maria Gonzalez, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 88% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons and the surrounding area,” Maria Gonzalez said.