September 19, 2024

Commissioners Approve Temporary Moratorium for Larger Houses, Pending Regulation Changes

Board considering Land Use Code changes to help address neighborhood character, sustainability, and affordability

Note: The following only applies to land within the unincorporated areas of Boulder County. It does not apply to incorporated cities or towns (i.e. Boulder, Louisville, etc.).

Boulder County, Colo. - Starting January 17, 2025, Boulder County will temporarily cease accepting applications for an initial six months for residential developments over a certain size while it considers changes to the land use code.

During this time, the Community Planning and Permitting Department will engage with residents, builders, architects, and other interested parties while they consider changes to the Boulder County Land Use Code Article 4-800 Site Plan Review (SPR). To get involved in this process, sign up for Land Use Code News.

Accepted applications, approved applications, and approved construction will continue during this time. The temporary moratorium does not apply to Marshall Fire or Stone Canyon Fire rebuilds.

All other applications will continue as usual.

Possible Land Use Code changes

Due to concerns about the impact of increasing house sizes in unincorporated Boulder County on sustainability and assessed values, the Boulder County Commissioners are considering changes to the county Site Plan Review regulations to help address neighborhood character, sustainability, and affordability.

Currently, the Land Use Code allows residential development up to 125% of the median residential floor area for a defined neighborhood and, in some cases, development over this presumed size limitation.

Temporary moratorium

At a public meeting and public hearing this week, the Boulder County Commissioners enacted a temporary moratorium on Boulder County’s processing applications for development larger than the median Residential Floor Area within the defined neighborhood in the unincorporated Boulder County.

Based on public testimony, the commissioners set a start date for the temporary moratorium of January 17, 2025, and an end date of July 17, 2025, unless extended by further resolution.

What is a temporary moratorium?

A temporary moratorium is a temporary prohibition of an activity. In this instance, if refers to the county temporarily not accepting applications for the developments outlined above.

What is NOT included in the temporary moratorium?

This temporary moratorium does not apply to the following:

Applications accepted prior to January 17, 2025: Any complete application for development accepted and being processed by the Community Planning & Permitting Department by January 17, 2025, which may continue to be processed and reviewed as provided in the Boulder County Land Use Code.

Approved applications: Any application for development already approved by the Community Planning & Permitting Department prior to January 17, 2025, where such approval is validly maintained thereafter.

Marshall Fire or Stone Canyon Fire rebuilds: Applications submitted to restore homes that were damaged or destroyed by causes outside the control of the property owner as set forth in Articles 4-802.B.3 and 19 of the Code.

Additions and remodels that don’t exceed the median Residential Floor Area of a defined neighborhood.

Modifications to existing approvals, provided the resulting total residential floor area does not exceed the median Residential Floor Area for the defined neighborhood, as defined in Article 4-806 of the Code.

Development which possesses either a statutory or common law vested right.

Submit Comments, Contact Staff, and Subscribe to Stay Informed

Written comments may be submitted to Ethan Abner at longrange@bouldercounty.gov or mailed to the Boulder County Commissioners’ Office, P.O. Box 471, Boulder, CO 80306.

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