Boulder County is committed to assisting residents rebuild quickly, safely, and simply as possible. Many property owners have worked with Case Managers to help them navigate the rebuilding process. When you are ready to begin discussing your plans with us, call us at 303-441-3930. We have a number of publications posted on this webpage to help answer your questions and the Rebuilding Technician Assistance Guide is one of the best places to start.
View Fourmile Canyon Fire page for more information.
Fourmile Canyon Fire Rebuilding Deadline:
In the aftermath of the Fourmile Fire, Boulder County amended the Land Use Code regulations to specifically address rebuilding in the burn area. The County’s aim was to allow property owners to rebuild in a timely, safe and responsible manner. To this end, the County also implemented a system where property owners could request a case manager to help navigate the permit process and assure that residents had information and assistance as they reviewed options for their projects.
In order to rebuild under the temporary regulations in Article 19 of the Land Use Code concerning the burn area, a building permit application must be filed by September 30, 2012. If there is good cause shown (delays with insurance, medical issues, etc.) the Community Planning & Permitting Director can extend the period for one additional year. Except in a few instances, missing the deadline does not mean that you can’t eventually rebuild. After September 30, 2012, residents would be able to go through the Site Plan Review process to rebuild, and a non-conforming structure would need Variance and Site Plan Review approval in order to be rebuilt. If you have had a legal non-conforming use, it would not be eligible for rebuilding after the deadline, as use Variances are not permitted.
If you have not completed rebuilding, or if you have questions, please contact Community Planning & Permitting at 303-441-3930.
Boulder County Land Use Code provision 19-200 F. Timeline to Rebuild/Repair Eligible Structures:
- Any eligible structure may be rebuilt or repaired pursuant to a building permit reviewed under the procedures specified in Sections G. or H., below, as applicable, provided a complete application for a building permit is submitted to the Land Use Department on or before September 30, 2012. The Director may extend this period for up to one additional year for good cause shown. The owner of any eligible structure located on a parcel where the Fire destroyed more than 15 structures, may have up to September 30, 2018 to submit a complete building application for rebuilding/repair.
- Once a building permit is issued, work may be pursued so long as a valid building permit for the work is in effect.
Fourmile Canyon Fire Area Land Use/Building Code modifications Update Summary:
On October 21, 2010, the Board of County Commissioners approved changes to the Land Use Code to facilitate rebuilding and recovery from the Fourmile Canyon fire. Property owners can take advantage of these changes if they apply for a building permit before September 30, 2012.
Property owners are allowed to rebuild up to 530 square feet larger up to a maximum size of 6,000 square feet (which would accommodate a standard 2-car garage), without needing Site Plan Review.
Property owners can apply for a building permit after two years, or for more than 530 sq. ft. increases in size, but the normal planning process will apply.
Fourmile Canyon Fire Rebuilding Resources
- Fourmile Canyon Fire
- Resource Guide
- Rebuild FAQs
- Rebuilding Technical Assistance Guide
- Building Permit Review Processes
- Rebuilding Under Boulder County BuildSmart
- Temporary Emergency Housing Units
- Ignition-Resistant Construction
- Construction Site Rehabilitation
- On-Site Wastewater System (OWS)
- Fire Rebuild Contractors