WordPress Search

Tag: news

  • Update: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 (2025)

    Update: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 (2025)

    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 Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 625 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    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.

    Eligibility

    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 $94,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The project includes improvements along Left Hand Canyon Drive between Erie and the intersection with CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 14 months.

    Next Steps

    Funding of $128,000 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 832 affordable housing units since its inception, with 155 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal

    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.

    According to Robert Kim, director of Sheriff’s Office, this program served 78% 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,” Robert Kim said.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $439,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Contact Information

    The application deadline is June 17, 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 8 business days.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 19 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • November 2024: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    November 2024: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

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

    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.

    Details

    The project includes improvements along SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Gunbarrel and the intersection with Coal Creek Canyon Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 12 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 $54,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Resources

    The Sheriff’s Office processed over 10,620 applications last year, with an average processing time of 14 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — August 2025

    Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — August 2025

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Kevin Larsen at Human Services: (303) 441-8210 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 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

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

    According to Kevin Larsen, director of Human Services, this program served 89% 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,” Kevin Larsen said.

  • 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.

    Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Area Agency on Aging at (303) 441-1199 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    The Area Agency on Aging processed over 650 applications last year, with an average processing time of 5 business days. Staff are available at the Longmont office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    How to Participate

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 39% of properties in the Longmont 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 85% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Community Impact

    A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Friday, April 17 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.

  • Sunshine Canyon Community Briefing: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment

    Sunshine Canyon Community Briefing: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment

    The City of Boulder and Boulder County have released the draft 2026 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update for public review and comment. The plan addresses land use, housing, transportation, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. Public comments will be accepted through May 15.

    The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 2,212 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.

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

    Eligibility

    Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Assessor’s Office at (303) 441-1903 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    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 Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — Follow-Up Report

    Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — Follow-Up Report

    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.

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

    Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Health at (303) 441-8140 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    What You Need to Know

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 87% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    According to Sarah Mitchell, director of Public Health, this program served 87% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Sarah Mitchell said.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Bald Mountain open space property encompasses 1,226 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.

    The project includes improvements along 75th Street between Niwot and the intersection with Left Hand Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

  • Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — December 2026

    Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — December 2026

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $6,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 68% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Community Impact

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

    Volunteers contributed over 13,324 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 25 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — December 2024

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — December 2024

    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 May 20 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Transportation at (303) 441-8790 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    The application deadline is June 9, 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.

  • Lyons Community Briefing: Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds

    Lyons Community Briefing: 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.

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

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Parks & Open Space, 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.

    Background

    Funding of $495,000 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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 29% 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.

    Related Programs

    According to Brian Nakamura, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 36% 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,” Brian Nakamura said.