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  • Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — April 2026

    Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — April 2026

    Boulder County has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to install electric vehicle charging stations at county facilities and public trailheads. The project will add 40 Level 2 chargers and 8 DC fast chargers at 12 locations across the county, with priority given to underserved communities.

    According to Rachel Stein, director of Transportation, this program served 60% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Rachel Stein said.

    The project includes improvements along Sunshine Canyon Drive between Niwot and the intersection with Nelson Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

    Next Steps

    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 2359 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

    Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Transportation at (303) 441-9934 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    What You Need to Know

    Water quality monitoring at 13 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Transportation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Transportation: (303) 441-9934 or email [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.

  • September: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    September: 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 Community Justice Services processed over 7,370 applications last year, with an average processing time of 16 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Water quality monitoring at 20 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Community Justice Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    How to Participate

    The Lyons Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,617 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 78% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Timeline

    According to Emily Chen, director of Community Justice Services, this program served 78% 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,” Emily Chen said.

  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — Superior Area

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — Superior Area

    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.

    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.

    The Rabbit Mountain open space property encompasses 1,924 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.

    Eligibility

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, 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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 22% 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.

    Community Impact

    Water quality monitoring at 17 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    According to Brian Nakamura, director of Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, this program served 16% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Louisville and the surrounding area,” Brian Nakamura said.

  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County Near Lyons

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County Near Lyons

    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.

    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 Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 810 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Eligibility

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $311,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 14% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,603 responses from residents across the county.

  • Louisville Community Briefing: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events

    Louisville Community Briefing: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events

    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 application deadline is July 5, 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 22 business days.

    According to Rachel Stein, director of Assessor’s Office, this program served 26% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” Rachel Stein said.

    What You Need to Know

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 26% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,321 responses from residents across the county.

    The Mud Lake open space property encompasses 1,004 acres and features 10 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Background

    Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Assessor’s Office at (303) 441-5390 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 26% 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.

  • Update: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons (2026)

    Update: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons (2026)

    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.

    The Boulder Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 619 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Monday, May 11 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

    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 $81,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The project includes improvements along Left Hand Canyon Drive between Boulder and the intersection with Arapahoe Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 10 months.

  • 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 18% 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 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    How to Participate

    Safety data from the Boulder area shows 10 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 23% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-119 Diagonal Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Volunteers contributed over 3,232 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 6 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • March 2025: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

    March 2025: 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.

    Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 6 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Housing & Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Water quality monitoring at 9 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Housing & Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Mud Lake open space property encompasses 1,916 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.

    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.

  • New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment — Follow-Up Report

    New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $153,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The Boulder Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,519 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Community Impact

    Water quality monitoring at 11 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Area Agency on Aging publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The application deadline is May 14, 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 29 business days.

  • Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — Follow-Up Report

    Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — Follow-Up Report

    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 Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,715 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    The project includes improvements along Coal Creek Canyon Road between Superior and the intersection with Left Hand Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 16 months.

    Community Impact

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 8 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    The application deadline is June 20, 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 13 business days.

    Related Programs

    Water quality monitoring at 19 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Public Works publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Safety data from the Superior area shows 28 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 16% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Coal Creek Canyon Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.