Amended fire restrictions: Stage 1 fire restrictions in western Boulder County. Fire restrictions rescinded in eastern Boulder County.

Home reconstruction permitting - post flood

Permit Process after 2013 Flood

Building Permits

The Boulder County Land Use Department issues building permits for unincorporated areas of Boulder County. If work has been started or completed without a permit, a building permit is still required and must be applied for.

Flood Recovery, Restoration, and Repair Permit

The 2013 Flood Recovery, Restoration and Repair Permit is for flood repairs and restoration of flood-damaged (not destroyed or severely damaged) buildings to pre-flood configuration. Eligible (flood-damaged) components include replacement of drywall and insulation, doors, windows, siding, roof recovering, replacement of furnaces, boilers, water heaters, electrical wiring and equipment, gas piping, and plumbing. Remodeling and finishing of basements are not included. Use and sales tax will be collected based on original permit cost.

To apply, download, print and fill out the 2013 Flood Recovery, Restoration, and Repair Permit form before applying in-person at the Land Use Department. The permit allows you to submit your application and receive an over-the-counter permit during the same visit in most situations.

Temporary Emergency Permit

Temporary Emergency Permits are granted when immediate action is necessary to protect public health, safety, welfare, property and the environment. An emergency does not remove the property owner’s responsibility to obtain necessary permits following the cessation of the immediate emergency situation. Temporary Emergency Permits are not issued in order to make a structure habitable, and are not considered permanent permits. If emergency work is commenced, the owner does so at their own risk. If temporary work has been started or completed without a permit, a Temporary Emergency Permit is still required and must be applied for.

To apply, download, print and fill out the Temporary Emergency Permit Application before applying in-person at the Land Use Department. The permit allows you to submit your application and receive an over-the-counter permit during the same visit in most situations. The Temporary Emergency Permit fee is $25.

Flood Recovery Access Permit

Residents who need to repair or rebuild private roads or driveways to public roads, including culvert replacement and waterway crossings, need to obtain a Flood Recovery Access Permit from the Transportation Department.

Hazard Mitigation Review

On October 23, 2013, the Board of County Commissioners adopted interim rules for rebuilding homes that were destroyed or severely damaged in the aftermath of the flooding and mudslides that occurred in September. The adopted regulations allow property owners to restore and rebuild structures at the same size or smaller and at a safer location, as determined by a Hazard Mitigation Review planning process.

View DC-13-0003: Front Range Flood and Extreme Rain Text Amendments to Article 19 of Land Use Code for more information on the Land Use Code regulations concerning flood rebuilding.

Contact Us

Community Planning & Permitting

Ask a Planner
Email: planner@bouldercounty.gov
Phone:303-441-3930

Courthouse Annex Building

2045 13th St.
Boulder, CO 80302

Hours

8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday
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Mailing Address

Community Planning & Permitting
PO Box 471
Boulder, CO 80306
Community Planning & Permitting website