Background
On March 24, 2026, Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting staff received authorization from the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to pursue a text amendment to the Boulder County Land Use Code (Code) to explore options for updating the existing Article 4-516.H Accessory Dwelling regulations and to make other revisions to the Code as necessary to implement the proposed changes.
Staff propose to holistically reevaluate the current approach to Accessory Dwellings in the Code, including an exploration of broadening of these allowances. Staff intend to consider the variety of ways that an Accessory Dwelling might be created on a property and where these may be appropriately located in the unincorporated county. This will be done while considering the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan’s housing goals alongside the other goals expressed in the plan and the need to maintain health, safety, and land use protections.
Estimated Timeline:
- Authorization: March 24, 2026
- Code development and community engagement: April-September 2026
- Planning Commission Public Hearing: October 2026
- Board of County Commissioners Public Hearing: November 2026