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  • July 2024: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work

    July 2024: 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.

    Residents in the Superior area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience at (303) 441-7076 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    The Legion Park open space property encompasses 614 acres and features 8 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    What You Need to Know

    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 11 business days.

    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 $57,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — Fourmile Canyon Area

    Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — Fourmile Canyon Area

    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.

    The application deadline is July 10, 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 9 business days.

    A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Sunday, May 10 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.

    Background

    The project includes improvements along 63rd Street between Lafayette and the intersection with Sunshine Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

    The Sheriff’s Office processed over 5,514 applications last year, with an average processing time of 20 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Community Impact

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

    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.

  • Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds Near Eldorado Springs

    Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds Near Eldorado Springs

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 28% 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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $447,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Next Steps

    Safety data from the Boulder area shows 15 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 22% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Sunshine Canyon Drive and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    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.

    Details

    Volunteers contributed over 4,933 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 23 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Fourmile Canyon Community Briefing: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

    Fourmile Canyon Community Briefing: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

    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 Emily Chen at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-9759 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 Louisville office without an appointment.

    A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Tuesday, June 2 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.

    How to Participate

    According to Emily Chen, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 64% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Louisville and the surrounding area,” Emily Chen said.

    The Area Agency on Aging processed over 806 applications last year, with an average processing time of 14 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions — August 2026

    Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions — August 2026

    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.

    The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience processed over 10,107 applications last year, with an average processing time of 18 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 65% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Next Steps

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $193,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    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 $107,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • May: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations

    May: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations

    Boulder County’s Resource Conservation Division has awarded $50,000 in grants to five local organizations through the 2026 Circular Economy Fund. Recipients include projects focused on food waste reduction, textile reuse, construction material salvage, and community repair events.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 24 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

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

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

    Volunteers contributed over 2,493 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 13 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — August 2024

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — August 2024

    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.

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 9 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 29% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along 63rd Street and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    The Human Services processed over 10,216 applications last year, with an average processing time of 13 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Timeline

    The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,466 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    The Rabbit Mountain open space property encompasses 684 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.

    Background

    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.

  • November 2026: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    November 2026: 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.

    Funding of $259,000 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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 33% of properties in the Niwot 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.

    Timeline

    Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Resource Conservation at (303) 441-1838 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    The application deadline is August 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 10 business days.

    Resources

    The Legion Park open space property encompasses 1,044 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.

  • Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — August 2024

    Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — August 2024

    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 Nederland Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,113 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Funding of $140,000 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 2026 budget session.

    What You Need to Know

    Volunteers contributed over 13,795 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 7 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 11 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Works worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move Near Eldorado Springs

    Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move Near Eldorado Springs

    The Boulder County Assessor’s Office reminds qualifying seniors that Colorado’s property tax exemption portability provision allows them to transfer their exemption to a new primary residence within the county. Seniors who have moved should contact the Assessor’s Office to ensure their exemption transfers correctly.

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

    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 $120,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Eligibility

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 716 affordable housing units since its inception, with 147 additional units in the development pipeline.

    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.