Authorization
On March 3rd, 2026, the Boulder County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) authorized Community Planning & Permitting staff to explore whether updates to the Boulder County Land Use Code (the Code) could better support safe, practical, and appropriately scaled housing opportunities for agricultural workers.
As part of that authorization, the BOCC directed staff to return for a public work session to further discuss the project scope, outreach approach, and timeline. Staff presented this information during a public work session on May 5th, 2026, and received feedback from the Commissioners on questions and considerations they want incorporated into the project’s scope of work and public engagement process. As part of this potential update, staff will focus on adjusting uses in existing zoning districts pertaining to agricultural worker housing.
Background
Agricultural workers play an essential role in supporting Boulder County’s local food system. However, agricultural employers have consistently identified housing availability, affordability, and regulatory limitations as challenges to recruiting and retaining the workforce needed to sustain local agricultural operations.
While housing availability and affordability are influenced by many factors beyond the scope of land use regulations, Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting has a unique role in evaluating whether existing Land Use Code provisions adequately support the range of housing needs associated with agricultural operations in unincorporated Boulder County. Through this project, staff will explore whether targeted Code updates could help reduce regulatory barriers to agricultural worker housing while continuing to balance considerations related to public health and safety, infrastructure, environmental resources, and rural character.
Through research, review of existing regulations, and public outreach, the project will evaluate potential options for supporting agricultural worker housing. Information gathered throughout the process will help inform implementation considerations and any future recommendations brought forward by staff.