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  • Gunbarrel Community Briefing: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    Gunbarrel Community Briefing: 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.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 82% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,533 responses from residents across the county.

    Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Transportation at (303) 441-1422 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Background

    For questions about this program, contact Lisa Patel at Transportation: (303) 441-1422 or email [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Lyons office without an appointment.

    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.

    How to Participate

    Funding of $41,000 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.

    Safety data from the Lyons area shows 5 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 24% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-7 / Ute Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

  • July 2025: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    July 2025: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the 2026 Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Program. Grants fund equipment, training, and trail safety improvements for volunteer search and rescue teams and trail patrol organizations operating in Boulder County.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 3 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 29% of properties in the Lafayette 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.

    Contact Information

    A community information session will be held at the Lafayette 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 13,231 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 9 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    How to Participate

    The project includes improvements along Coal Creek Canyon Road between Lafayette and the intersection with Coal Creek Canyon Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 13 months.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 787 affordable housing units since its inception, with 95 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — December 2024

    Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — December 2024

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $394,000, 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 51% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Eligibility

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 35% of properties in the Nederland 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.

    Details

    Environmental review of the project area near CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway found 9 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Health worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The Nederland Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,817 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road Near Allenspark

    Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road Near Allenspark

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 4 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Health 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 $289,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Background

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 12 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,622 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    What You Need to Know

    The Hall Ranch open space property encompasses 2,351 acres and features 4 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    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 $71,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review — Nederland Area

    Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review — Nederland Area

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Monday, April 20 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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 18% of properties in the Lafayette 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.

    Contact Information

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,872 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 3 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Assessor’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Resources

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,504 affordable housing units since its inception, with 181 additional units in the development pipeline.

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

    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.

    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.

    The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 820 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.

    Details

    Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 12 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.

    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 2276 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

    Background

    A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Saturday, May 2 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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their July 4 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director Near Superior

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director Near Superior

    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.

    The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,554 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    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.

    How to Participate

    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 $74,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 58% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — December 2026

    Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — December 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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $306,000, 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 37% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    How to Participate

    The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 1,796 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.

    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.

    Details

    Funding of $306,000 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.

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

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

    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.

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

    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.

    Details

    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.

    According to David Thompson, director of Clerk & Recorder, this program served 49% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Nederland and the surrounding area,” David Thompson said.

    Timeline

    The application deadline is April 25, 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 12 business days.

  • Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    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.

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

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 51% 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

    According to David Thompson, director of Assessor’s Office, this program served 51% 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,” David Thompson said.

    The Lyons Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,170 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Details

    Water quality monitoring at 15 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Assessor’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.