Detailed Case Study - Zoning and Planning

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Boulder County Comprehensive

Plan

Goals, Policies, & Maps Element

Boulder County

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Executive Summary Introduction Goals Planning Area Policies

Plains Planning Area PPA 1.01 - PPA 3.06

County-Wide Elements Policies Geology GE 1.01 - GE 3.02 Environmental Resources ER 1.01 - ER 4.03 Open Space OS 1.01 - OS 8.04 Transportation TR 1.01 - TR 9.04 Cultural Resources CR 1.01 - CR 1.07 Natural Hazards NH 1.01 - NH 8.01 Agriculture AG 1.01 - AG 3.05 Housing HO 1.01 - HO 1.10 Solid Waste SW 1.01 - SW 5.09

Other County-Wide Issues Policies Land Use Surrounding Airports AIR 1.01 - AIR 1.02 Fire Protection FP 1.01 - FP 1.10 Telecommunications TE 1.01 - TE 1.08 Economics EC 1.01 - EC 1.09 Additional County-Wide Policies CW 1.01 - CW 1.14

Subregional Policies Southeast SO 1.01 - SO 1.04 Niwot, Lefthand, Boulder Creek NIW 1.01 - NIW 2.14 Longmont, Lyons, St. Vrain LO 1.01 - 1.07 Mountain Subregion

Jamestown Eldora MS 1.01 - MS 1.05

Appendices Index Maps

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

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Adoption Process

The Boulder County Planning Com- mission has authority over the amendment of the Comprehensive Plan. All goals and policies documented in this Second Edition have been officially adopted between 1978, the original adoption of the Plan, and 1999, its last amendment.

The first page of each chapter identi- fies the date in which that chapter was last changed. In addition, these pages indicate whether or not a map is directly associated with the chapter and whether there is detailed background information available about the chapter topic.

Second Edition Features

Each chapter of the Second Edition stands on its own in terms of page num- bering and policy numbering. This allows for amendments to be made without renumbering the pages and policies of subsequent chapters. Conserving re- sources is important to the county. There- fore, a three-ring notebook will be used to allow for the reprinting of chapters without reprinting the entire plan.

�� Goal and Policy Numbering

No changes have been made to the method of numbering goals. Each goal still begins with a letter and then a number. For example, A.1 is the first goal of the Plan.

However, policy numbers now begin with letters that help identify the chapter or element of the Plan with which the policy belongs. For example, PPA1.01 is the first policy of the “Plains Planning Area” section.

The following is a complete list of the separate sections of the plan:

Page i

Goals and Policies

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Planning Areas P PA Plains Planning Area MPA Mountain Planning Area*

County-Wide Topics GE Geology ER Environmental Resources OS Open Space TR Transportation CR Cultural Resources NH Natural Hazards AG Agricultural HO Housing SW Solid Waste AIR Land Use Surrounding Airports FP Fire Protection TE Telecommunications EC Economics CW Additional County-Wide Policies

Subregional** SO Southeast NIW Niwot, Lefthand, Boulder Creek LO Longmont, Lyons, St. Vrain MS Mountain Subregion

Jamestown Eldora

* Under separate cover. The Mountain Planning Area policies have not been changed since their original adoption in 1978. As a result, many of the policies are either out-of-date, meaning, the county has already accomplished the policy, or it has become contradictory to recently adopted Elements (i.e. the Environmental Resources Element) or the Boulder County Land Use Code. In evaluating land use proposals, staff utilizes the policies and regulations that have superceded the Mountain Planning Area policies. Until a process for amendment of the Mountain Planning Area policies has been undertaken, this out-of-date section of the plan will not be included in the Second Edition.

** Intergovernmental Agreements have been adopted for many subregions. These agreements contain more detailed information about future land use proposals than the Comprehensive Plan. In cases where an Intergovernmental Agreement and the Comprehensive Plan are contradictory, the Intergovernmental Agreement shall prevail because it is a legal contract whereas the Plan is advisory in nature.

*** Informational Purposes Only. These maps are new to the Second Edition and are for informa- tional purposes only. These maps provide the reader with a better understanding of the ownership patterns within the county, as well as the external forces that impact planning within our jurisdic- tion.

Appendices Intergovernmental Agreements Information Resources Amendment History

�� Maps The Second Edition of the Goals, Policies, and Maps Element includes the following maps:

� Regional Context*** � Public/Private Ownership*** � Intergovernmental Agreements*** � Mineral Resources � Geologic Hazards & Constraints � Archaeologically Sensitive Areas � Natural Communities, Rare Plants,

Riparian Corridors, & Critical Wildlife Habitats

� Environmental Conservation Areas � Significant Agricultural Lands � Open Space Plan � Trails � Niwot Community Service Area

Page ii

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Introduction - Page 1

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Each chapter, or element, of the Plan addresses a specific topic. Several of these elements have remained unaltered from the text which was originally adopted in 1978. Other elements have been either modified or created to address changing times and new topics. Many forces and unforeseeable events beyond the control of the county can influence the Elements of the Plan. Review and revision should, therefore, be the consequence of carefully monitoring the Plan’s relevance and effectiveness over time.

In the 1990s, Boulder County recog- nized the need to achieve the goals of the Plan through increased regional coopera- tion. At this time, careful design and planning on all lands in unincorporated Boulder County was emphasized. These two areas of focus resulted in a range of programs from Intergovernmental Agree- ments between governmental entities to the development of Site Plan Review for all new dwellings.

The Role of the Plan in the Context of Planning in Boulder County

The Plan is ADVISORY in nature. Its goals and policies aim for an “ideal” scenario, meaning that occasionally one goal may be in conflict with another goal. Circumstances may arise that are not directly addressed by the Plan. For example, the issues related to the geogra- phy of a particular site or the circum- stances of a specific proposal are rarely straightforward. As such, the Plan provides guidance in the decision-making process, but not the “final word”.

Land use management tools have been developed to implement the goals and policies of the Plan on a case-by-case basis. These tools include, but are not limited to: • The Boulder County Land Use Code • Specific Intergovernmental

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Agreements and Development Plans • Open Space Acquisitions

The Boulder County Land Use Code

The Boulder County Land Use Code was adopted in 1994 as a comprehensive regulatory document. It is a compilation of regulations that control land use in the unincorporated areas of the county. The Code defines zoning districts where uses and their intensities are defined. In addition, it establishes the process for subdivisions, site plan review, development standards, and other land use procedures. These types of development regulations in the county have a long history. In fact, the first Boulder County Zoning Resolution was adopted fifty years earlier, in 1944.

State Statutory Background

The Boulder County Comprehensive Plan is adopted pursuant to C.R.S. 30-28- 106. This Colorado statute states that it is the duty of county planning commissions to make and adopt a master plan for the physical development of the unincorporated area within the county. Besides this important statutory provision, there are several other state laws that are the basis for the plan’s ideas.

Part 2 of Article 1 of Title 29 of the Colorado Revised Statutes authorizes local governments to enter into contractual agreements, or intergovernmental agreements, for the purpose of planning or regulating the development of land, including but not limited to the joint exercise of planning, zoning, subdivision, building and related regulations. This statute provides the basis for the Boulder County Intergovernmental Agreements addressed in this document.

Throughout the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan, references also are made to two legislative actions that have

significantly impacted land use planning at the county level. Senate Bill 35, adopted in 1972, required property owners dividing their parcels into land areas of 35 acres or smaller to undergo a county subdivision review process. House Bill 1041 authorized county review of proposals that were deemed to be of “state interest”. In Boulder County, these are typically utility proposals or other public/quasi-public expansions of facilities.

Intergovernmental Agreements

Colorado government has a long history of local control over planning issues versus a more regional approach as seen in states where the state government or county governments have authority to control the land use decisions of municipalities. In Boulder County, each municipality has the authority to make their own plans, annex land, and develop without approval of the county. IGAs balance the concept of local control with the need to plan for regional impacts because the IGA plans are jointly created and voluntarily adopted by the involved governments.

Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) between Boulder County and one or more cities are being used more frequently to address land use planning issues in a specific geographic area. Intergovernmental Agreements are similar to localized comprehensive or master plans, but instead of being advisory like the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan, IGAs are legally binding contracts between the governmental entities.

Boulder County has entered into IGAs with municipalities for comprehensive planning, open space acquisition planning, Transferable Development Rights, and historic preservation, just to name a few. In addition, the county has joined in an IGA with four other Front Range counties to plan for the Mountain Backdrop.

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Introduction - Page 3

Regionalism & Jurisdiction

Before Colorado was even a state, political boundaries were established showing territories, counties, mining districts, and towns. Today’s mobile society still recognizes political boundaries conceptually but the boundaries no longer play a dominant role in determining where a person will shop, work, and live. The number of jobs in one city are not always balanced with the number of affordable dwellings. A new mall in a neighboring county might pull shoppers away from the older shopping areas. The end result is that planning decisions must be made with an understanding of how the neighboring region is impacted.

Boulder County is part of the Denver- Metro area. To better understand the forces that push and pull people throughout the region, we have included a Regional Context Graphic on page 4 of this Plan. The map shows major transportation routes, employment centers, major recreational areas, and other activity centers.

In addition to the Regional Context Map, we have included a map that shows public and private lands throughout Boulder County. The purpose of this map is to demonstrate the complexity of ownership patterns, particularly in the mountains. Federally held National Forest land is interspersed with mining claims. Often, people do not realize that pockets of private land exist within the Forest. Furthermore, open space lands, acquired by the county or a municipality, are an important component of this map.

1 Boulder County Comprehensive Plan, 1978. P.1

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Regional Employment & Commercial Centers

Outdoor Recreation & Open Space

Denver and Boulder traditionally have been the regional employment and commercial centers for Boulder County. However, during the 1990s, in- creased development along the US 36 Corridor and in Longmont have changed the pattern of where people live, work, and shop.

Boulder County open space areas and parks draw people from the Denver-Metro area. Rocky Mountain National Park attracts visitors from across the Nation and the world.

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

GOALS Introduction, Definition, Goals & Policies

T he statements contained herein represent goals for future land uses within Boulder County.

The challenge is to develop a Comprehensive Plan which encompasses 750 square miles of land with a diversity of geologic characteristics: alpine tundra, wooded mountain terrain and sweeping plains. A variety of uses further characterize the county with wildlife habitat, modern-day mountain settlements, urban developments, industry, farming, and natural and man-made historical features including remnants of mining camps. The county must strive toward maintaining a region of beauty and functional fitness that enhances the quality of life for all residents and visitors.

One primary concern must be fair

resolution of conflicting individual

interests while providing the maximum

opportunities for individual

self-development. All institutions -

political, social, economic, and educational

- must work together to further enhance the

dignity of the citizen and permit the

maximum opportunities for individual

choice. The people within the county vary

in their interests, values, desires, and

accordingly, in their perception of what is

“needed”. Public involvement is, therefore,

essential in the development, interpretation

and implementation of these goals.

These broad stated goals are the

foundation on which land use policies and

proposals have been constructed to help

provide a means for satisfying some of

these specific and widely-differing

individual interests and for integrating

them on a County-wide basis through the

vehicle of the Comprehensive Plan.

• Design of the Region A.1 Future urban development should be

located within or adjacent to existing

urban areas in order to eliminate

sprawl and strip development, to

assure the provision of adequate

urban services, to preserve

agriculture, forestry and open space

land uses, and to maximize the

utility of funds invested in public

facilities and services.

A.2 Existing communities should grow

at whatever rate they consider

desirable, within the limits of what

is acceptable to the citizens of areas

potentially affected by that growth,

and to the citizens of the county,

while preserving and improving the

quality of life and the aesthetic and

functional fitness of land uses within

the county.

These broad stated goals are the foundation on which land use policies have been con- structed.

December 16, 2009 Goals - Page 1

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

Environmen- tal preserva-

tion is a dominant

theme of the Plan.

A.3 Diverse, compatible, and functional

land use patterns should be

established and, when necessary,

revised to prevent urban and rural

decay.

A.4 Within Community Service Areas a

suitable balance between

employment opportunities and

available housing, in light of the

labor force and other demographic

characteristics of the community,

should be established and

maintained.

• Environmental Management

(See Environmental Resources Element, updated October 15, 2014)

Goals - Page 2 December 16, 2009

Goals

• Parks and Open Space C.1 Provision should be made for open

space to protect and enhance the

quality of life and enjoyment of the

environment.

C.2 Parks, open space, and recreation

facilities should be encouraged

throughout the county and should be

integrated whenever suitable with

public facilities. The county will

assume only those financial

responsibilities for public

development as provided under

Open Space Policy OS 4.02.

C.3 Open space shall be used as a means

of preserving the rural character of

the unincorporated county and as a

means of protecting from

development those areas which have

significant environmental, scenic or

cultural value.

C.4 A county-wide trail system shall be

promoted to serve transportation and

recreation purposes.

C.5 The private sector, non-county

agencies, and other governmental

jurisdictions should be encouraged

to participate in open space

preservation and trails development

in Boulder County.

• Residential Goals D.1 A diversity of housing types and

densities should be encouraged in

order to assure decent housing for all

persons.

D.2 Quality residential areas, which

function as integral neighborhood

units with schools, parks and other

similar facilities as centers, should

be encouraged.

D.3 Rehabilitation of existing residential

facilities should be promoted where

feasible.

• Community Facilities E.1 Preservation and utilization of water

for agricultural purposes within the

county shall be encouraged.

E.2 A functional balance between

community facilities and potential

land capacities (population) should

be maintained.

E.3 Development should not place

undue burdens on any existing

community.

E.4 Cooperation or consolidation of

urban services among

municipalities, special districts and

companies should be encouraged,

when appropriate, to avoid

duplication and overlapping costs

and to establish a satisfactory level

of quality, quantity and

dependability of those services. The

proliferation of special purpose

districts should be discouraged.

E.5 Adequate facilities and services

which provide diverse educational,

cultural, and social opportunities

should be encouraged.

E.6 Adequate facilities and services to

assure the health, safety and welfare

of all citizens should be promoted.

• Economic Conditions F.1 A balanced, diversified economy

should be encouraged in order to

maintain and enhance the quality of

life of Boulder County citizens by

assuring desirable local employment

opportunities and strengthening and

stabilizing the tax base.

Boulder County's unincorpo- rated areas should remain rural in character.

December 16, 2009 Goals - Page 3

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

Goal I.1 supports the

concept of regional

cooperation between

governmental agencies.

F.2 Adequate regional, community and

neighborhood commercial facilities

should be encouraged while

avoiding conflicting land uses and

unnecessary duplication of new

commercial areas.

F.3 New major commercial and

industrial facilities should be located

within incorporated areas.

F.4 Commercial and industrial

development should provide an

attractive safe and healthy

environment which does not have an

adverse impact upon the

surrounding areas.

F.5 Rehabilitation of existing

commercial and industrial facilities

should be promoted where feasible.

F.6 A climate for industry which is

consistent with community growth

desires and the ability of the

community to absorb growth should

be encouraged.

• Transportation G.1 Ensure Effective and Efficient

Management of the Existing

Transportation System. Manage and

maintain existing transportation

infrastructure and services in a

cost-effective manner.

G.2 Minimize Environmental Impacts.

Minimize the negative

environmental impacts of the

transportation system such as air

pollution, green house gas (GHG)

emissions, noise pollution, water

pollution, land and wildlife habitat

fragmentation, land disturbance, and

resource consumption.

G.3 Ensure Safety for All Modes.

Provide for transportation system

development and operations that

result in safe and secure travel by all

modes and that enable prompt and

effective emergency response.

G.4 Support a Healthy and Sustainable

Economy. Develop a transportation

system that supports a robust

economy and increases resiliency to

economic fluctuations.

G.5 Ensure Equitable Access to the

Transportation System. Ensure that

adequate transportation exists for all

users regardless of age, income, or

ability.

G.6 Enhance County Identity and

Community Character. Promote a

transportation system that preserves,

highlights, and enhances the

County’s diverse rural character and

the history and culture of its unique

communities.

• Public Involvement H.1 The county shall encourage public

participation in the making of

decisions by public and quasi-public

bodies which significantly affect

citizens.

• Government Relations I.1 The county should encourage and

promote coordination and

cooperation between Federal, State,

and Local Government entities

charged with making decisions

which significantly affect land use in

Boulder County.

Goals - Page 4 December 16, 2009

Goals

• Solid Waste Management J.1 The county shall develop and

maintain a county-wide solid waste

management plan that is an integral

part of the County Comprehensive

Plan, subject to the other goals and

policies of the Comprehensive Plan.

J.2 The county shall promote

conversion of the county’s solid

waste from an environmental and

social liability to a public asset by

considering solid waste as a viable

resource.

• Cultural Resources K.1 Every effort shall be made to

identify and protect historic sites

which meet national, state, or local

criteria for historic designation from

destruction or harmful alteration.

K.2 Whenever possible, the county shall

further the goals of cultural resource

preservation using education and

incentives in lieu of stringent

regulatory controls.

• Natural Hazards L.1 Inappropriate development in

natural hazard areas should be

reduced as much as possible or

eliminated in order to minimize

potential harm to life, health, and

property.

L.2 Efforts to mitigate existing areas as

risk to the impacts of natural hazards

and disasters should be made to

minimize the potential for harm to

life, health, and property.

• Agricultural Resources M.1 Agricultural enterprises and

activities are an important sector of

the Boulder County economy and

the county shall foster and promote a

diverse and sustainable agricultural

economy as an integral part of its

activities to conserve and preserve

agricultural lands in the county.

December 16, 2009 Goals - Page 5

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

Plains Planning Area [PPA] - Page 1

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99

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Existing Land Form

The physical development of the plains is predicated on the designation of munici- pal Community Service Areas (CSAs) within the Plains Planning Area. The CSA is a boundary line drawn around a munici- pality within which a city expects to accommodate future urban growth. CSA plans provide, when jointly adopted by both municipal and county governments, a mutually binding comprehensive plan for county lands adjacent to each municipality.

It is expected that land within munici- pal Community Service Areas will be developed in an urban pattern, urban services will be provided by the municipali- ties, and the area will eventually be annexed. Conversely, land outside CSAs and their transition areas will remain rural; urban services will not be extended there, and zoning will prohibit urban development and densities. Most of the land outside the CSAs will continue to be used for agricul- tural activities, environmental resource protection, low-density residential develop- ment and other activities consistent with the rural character of the county

There are eight municipal Community Service Areas in the Plains Planning Area of the county: Boulder Valley, Louisville, Lafayette, Longmont, Superior, Erie, Broomfield and Lyons. A limited Commu- nity Service Area has also been defined around Niwot. If warranted, CSAs may be designated in other areas of the county in the future.

Rural Density & Development

Following the adoption of Colorado’s subdivision law in 1972, (commonly referred to Senate Bill 35), Boulder County began discussing the merits of undertaking a major rezoning on the Plains to help retain what remained of its rural, agrarian character as distinct and apart from more urban-scale development associated with

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the municipalities. In April of 1978, the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan (BCCP) was adopted. A primary compo- nent of the Plan included policies calling for the establishment of a minimum 35 acre lot size in most unincorporated areas outside CSAs, consistent with Senate Bill 35. Recognizing that this was authorizing a dramatic shift in land use regulations that would have its greatest direct impact on the farming community, the Plan’s policies also called for the creation of the Non- Urban Planned Unit Development, or NUPUD. This land use option, requiring discretionary review and action by the county Commissioners, permitted density bonuses on parcels of 35 acres and larger so that the farmer would have an eco- nomic incentive, through a limited subdivi- sion process to keep a major part of his or her land in agricultural production while conveying small land parcels to other interests. Accordingly, land use regula- tions and a comprehensive rezoning were adopted to implement the Plan’s policy direction.

The Three Year Review of the Plan’s Agricultural, Niwot Community Service Area, and Mountain Residential Policies confirmed that the 35 acre minimum lot size, land uses and the NUPUD process were appropriate, and should be continued, at least for the present time. Information gathered in 1983 as background for the Five Year Review and Update supported continuation with some caveats.

In 1989, the county implemented the Noncontiguous Non-Urban Planned Unit Development (NCNUPUD) process in response to the recommendations from the Food and Agriculture Resource Advisory Committee. The intention of the NCNUPUD is to permit density to be sent to approved receiving sites under certain conditions.

Issues

As noted, the NUPUD process and

the comprehensive rezoning of rural areas outside Community Service Areas during 1985-1986 were implemented primarily to permit lower density development and to protect agricultural lands while providing the farmer with some economic incentive to continue farming. Since then, the growth management policies for the plains have been expanded to protection of important environmental features and open space, and preservation of the rural character of the county. While the county has gained significant benefits from the present regulations, several issues have been identified by the public, appointed commissions, and elected officials indicat- ing that the current regulations, alone and in their present form, have not been as effective in implementing the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan as was originally anticipated. Some of these concerns include:

� Inefficient Growth Patterns & Service Provisions New development is comprised

primarily of low density residential tracts, spread somewhat randomly across the plains. This type of development pattern, if left to continue into the future, is incon- sistent with the Plan’s goals for adequate and efficient provision of public facilities, interferes with compact municipal growth patterns, fragments habitat and land ownership, loads county roads with erratic traffic and commuter patterns, and bur- dens the county as a whole.

� Loss of Agricultural Lands & Open Space Land valuable for agriculture, wildlife

habitat, flood control and other natural resources may be jeopardized. In addition, the county has consistently lost agricultural operations and farm land to both develop- ment pressures and annexations.

�� Rural Character & Visual Impact There has been a perceived loss of

rural character and visual intrusion to the

Plains Planning Area [PPA] - Page 3

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99

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scenic qualities of the county due to an inconsistency in scale between new and existing development and the siting of development on ridges, mesas and other prominent landscape features.

�� Lack of Predictability in the Development Process There has been a perceived lack of

predictability with respect to when and where development should occur in the Plains Planning Area, caused in part by a discretionary review process and regula- tory criteria.

Objectives

� To balance residential growth with the protection of significant environmental features.

� To create land use regulations that provide for flexibility, predictability, promotion of environmentally sensitive land use patterns and insurance of the efficient provision of public services.

� To encourage quality site design and landscaping in existing and new developments.

� To protect the rural character of Boulder County.

Plains Planning Area Policies

PPA 1.01 Land located outside CSAs and east of the Forestry zoning district, should be designated as the Plains Planning Area, and should remain rural. Urban services should not be extended into the Plains Planning Area, and zoning should continue to prohibit urban development and densities. Land uses within the Plains Planning Area should continue to be

related to agricultural activi- ties, environmental resource protection, low-density residential development and other activities consistent with the rural character of the county.

PPA 1.02 The gross density within the Plains Planning Area should not exceed one unit per 35 acres, except as provided in the polices and regulations governing Non-Urban Planned Unit developments, Non- contiguous Non-Urban Planned Unit Developments and Transferable Develop- ment Rights.

PPA 1.03 Where pertinent, land use proposals within the Plains Planning Area should adhere to the following land use guidelines: (a) Conformance with the

applicable goals, policies, and land use regulations of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan;

(b) Preservation and utiliza- tion of agricultural lands, or when applicable, the preservation of other environmental resources;

(c) Provision of adequate access, water availability and sewage disposal by the applicant, and the existence of adequate educational facilities and police and fire protection; and

(d) Minimizing potential negative impacts on surrounding lands, includ- ing agricultural land, attendant agricultural uses, and established neighbor- hoods and other adjoining or nearby development

Plains Planning Area [PPA] - Page 4

Goals, Policies, and Maps Element

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and land uses.

PPA 1.04 The density transfer option shall be encouraged in the Plains Planning Area as a means of preserving areas identified in the Comprehen- sive Plan as possessing significant environmental features and attributes, including but not limited to significant agricultural lands, sensitive or important ecosys- tems and designated open space, as well as areas identified as appropriate for creating community buffers.

PPA 1.05 The county shall encourage coordinated planning efforts with each municipality with respect to a Transferable Development Rights process that transfers dwelling units onto sites where urban development is planned to occur and where each munici- pality can determine the character, timing and density of development.

PPA 1.06 Existing development rights, banked from previously approved Non-Urban Planned Unit Development and Noncontiguous Non-Urban Planned Unit Development projects shall be recognized by the county as available for transfer to approved receiving sites.

PPA 1.07 All efforts shall be made to preserve and enhance the county’s landscape and unique topography through the retention of mature vegetation, ridgelines, drainageways and other natural features

PPA 1.08 To the greatest extent pos- sible, the county shall ensure that the Land Use Code is in conformance with the Plains Planning Area Land Use Element.

Authorization Actions

The following actions should be taken by the county to facilitate the implementa- tion of the land use policies of this element.

�� Non-Urban Planned Unit Develop- ments

PPA 2.01 The NUPUD regulations should be amended to achieve consistency with the goals, objectives and policies of the Plains Planning Area Element.

PPA 2.02 The NUPUD regulations should include the following criteria: (a) The gross density should

not exceed two dwelling units per 35 acres;

(b) The area committed to residential development should not exceed 25% of the total land area of the proposal.

(c) The submittal of a PUD Impact Report that documents whether a land use proposal can achieve a compatible mixture of agricultural and residential uses by protecting scenic and environmentally sensitive areas while providing for residential uses on a portion of the property.

(d) The homestead provision, allowing one unit of bonus density for each home- stead, should be amended to effect only those structures or sites deter-

Plains Planning Area [PPA] - Page 5

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99

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mined to be historically significant or contributing to the rural character of the county.

PPA 2.03 Conservation easements pursuant to CRS 38-30.5-101 through 110, as amended, or other legally accepted meth- ods between the county and landowners, should continue to be the acceptable develop- ment control, for the purpose of preventing additional parcel division or development of lands committed for agricul- tural activities, environmental and historic resource protec- tion, and other activities consistent with the rural character of the county. (a) A minimum of 75% of the

total land area of a proposed NUPUD should be intended for the continuation of agricultural pursuits or for the contin- ued preservation of other natural, historical or cultural features, systems or sites identified in the Boulder County Com- prehensive Plan and shall thus become ineligible for further parcel divisions or development unless amended per the terms of the conservation ease- ment.

PPA 2.04 NUPUD & NCNUPUD proposals should only be supported in the Plains Planning area as a means of preserving and conserving large tracts of land identified in the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan as possessing significant environ-

ment features, including but not limited to significant agricultural land and sensitive or important ecosystems.

�� Transferable Development Rights

PPA 3.01 The county’s land use regula- tions should be amended to permit a transferable develop- ment rights process.

PPA 3.02 Sending areas will be desig- nated on the Boulder County TDR Sending Areas Map. Land designated as sending areas should possess signifi- cant environmental features and attributes, including but not limited to significant agricultural lands, important natural features and sensitive or important ecosystems.

PPA 3.03 At a minimum, land use regulations governing TDR criteria for receiving sites should address the following guidelines for site specific reviews: (a) An adequacy of existing

or potential facilities and services to support the development;

(b) The portion of the total number of development rights needed to complete the project that has been acquired from designated sending areas within a specified distance from a proposed development;

(c) Compatibility with existing adjoining development and land uses as proposed in adopted master or com- prehensive plans;

(d) Proximity and access from the proposed devel- opment to major transpor-

Plains Planning Area [PPA] - Page 6

Goals, Policies, and Maps Element

5/27/99

tation routes and transit systems identified in the Comprehensive Plan.

(e)Proximity and access from the proposed development to existing or planned neighborhood commercial centers, and other public services;

(f) Methods for the proposed development’s contribut- ing its fair-share cost for the provision of capital facilities, including schools.

(g) Extent of limitations to the suitability of the site and surrounding areas for the construction of structures or facilities given the geologic, hydrologic, pedologic and other natural or human-caused conditions associated with the development site.

PPA 3.04 Except as provided for in PPA 3.05, land use proposals requesting additional density as receiving sites through the density transfer process should not be located on Nationally significant agricul- tural land, sensitive areas, critical wildlife habitats or corridors, designated open space, or other lands and locations as from time to time identified.

PPA 3.05 Land use regulations should allow for some exceptions to adopted receiving site criteria and guidelines on a site specific basis, if the following conditions apply: (a) Projects are located within

an approved Community Service Area.

(b) Projects can help solve

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existing service problems, e.g. water or sanitation.

PPA 3.06 A homestead provision allowing one unit of bonus density for each homestead should be included in the TDR regulations to effect only those structures or sites determined to be historically significant or contributing to the rural character of the county.

Geology [GE] - Page 1

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99

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Definitions

In the interest of clarity in interpreting the land use policies, it is necessary to define certain terms. For these purposes, the terms, titles, and phrases, shall be defined as follows:

� Land Uses Intensive uses shall mean those land uses which include: any structures used for supporting or sheltering any human use or occupancy; and/or, facilities or improve- ments which tend to attract congregations of people.

� Geologic Hazards and Constraints Geologic hazard shall mean a geologic condition or geologic process which poses a significant threat to health, life, limb, or property.

Geologic constraint shall mean a geo- logic condition which does not pose a significant threat to life or limb, but which can cause intolerable damage to struc- tures.

Major Hazard Area shall mean that area, or those areas, as shown on the Geologic Hazards and Constraint Areas Map where geologic conditions are such that extensive geotechnical problems exist and there is high risk related to intensive land uses.

Moderate Hazard Area shall mean that area, or those areas, as shown on the Geologic Hazards and Constraint Areas Map where geologic conditions are such that significant geotechnical problems exist and there is provisional risk related to intensive land uses.

Moderate Constraint Area shall mean that area, or those areas, as shown on the Geologic Hazards and Constraint Areas Map, where geologic conditions are such that moderate geotechnical problems exist and there is provisional risk related to intensive land uses.

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Geology [GE] - Page 2

Goals, Policies, and Maps Element

5/27/99

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Minor Constraint Area shall mean that area, or those areas, as shown on the Geologic Hazards and Constraint Areas Map where geologic conditions are such that few geotechnical problems exist and there is no risk or nominal risk related to intensive land uses.

� Aggregate Resource Area That area, or those areas, as shown on the Mineral Resource Areas Map, which are considered to be underlain by “commercial mineral deposits” as defined by 34-1- 102(1) CRS and which are intended under the provisions of Colorado House Bill 1529 of 1973, to serve as resource preservation areas as part of Boulder County’s Master Plan for Extraction. Aggregate Resource Areas are further defined by way of statements which are part of Policies GE 1.06 -GE 1.08 below.

� Lode Mineral Area That area, or those areas, as shown on the Mineral Resource Areas Map where mineral ores occur in veins or zones of enrichment in the basement complex rocks.

Policies

Geologic Hazards and Constraints

GE 1.01 The county shall strongly discourage intensive uses in Major Hazard Areas.

GE 1.02 The county shall discourage intensive uses in Moderate Hazard Areas.

GE 1.03 Where in the public interest it may be desirable to permit intensive uses, the county shall direct such uses toward Geo- logic Constraint Areas rather than toward Geologic Hazard Areas.

GE 1.04 The county shall cooperate fully with the municipalities of the

county with respect to the evaluation and mitigation of geologic hazards and constraints located within the unincorpo- rated areas of the mutually- adopted city and county compre- hensive plans.

GE 1.05 The county shall require the evaluation of all geologic hazards and constraints where such hazards or constraints may exist in unincorporated areas of the county as related to new intensive uses. Such evalua- tions shall be conducted by a professional practitioner having expertise in the subject matter. Such evaluations should incorpo- rate analytical methods repre- senting current, generally accepted, professional principles and practice.

Mineral Resources

GE 2.01 The county shall consider the following deposits, as mapped by Schwochow et. al., (Special Publication 5B, Colorado Geological Survey, 1974) to be “commercial mineral deposits” as defined by 34-1-102(1) CRS. (a) “...fine-grained igneous

rock...” in (1) Township 2 North,

Range 71 West; and, (2) Township 3 North,

Range 71 West. a. “Site-specific

information which became available subsequent to the adoption of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan and the Master Plan for Mineral Extrac- tion indicates that the Geer Canyon

Geology [GE] - Page 3

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99

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area (Sections 12, 13, 14, Township 2 North, Range 71 West) is extremely sensitive in terms of potential blasting effects and impacts upon surrounding residential areas and environmental quality.” (Ap- proved by Planning Commission 12/3/ 80, not approved by Board of County Commis- sioners)

(b) “F1” deposits in Ranges 69 and 70 West.

GE 2.02 Aggregate Resource Areas shall be delineated utilizing certain portions of areas which are underlain by “commercial mineral deposits” as those deposits are defined in Policy GE 2.01.

GE 2.03 Pursuant to Policy GE 2.02 and the provisions of 34-1-304(1)(a- g) CRS, the county shall not include in its Aggregate Re- source Areas, the following lands: (a) those areas defined and

mapped in the Environmen- tal Resources and Agricul- tural Elements as: (1) “Critical Wildlife

Habitat” (2) “Agricultural Lands of

National and State- wide Importance”.

(3) “Designated Natural Landmarks and Natural Areas”.

(b) those areas defined and mapped in the Geology Element where: (1) existing development

effectively precludes extraction; or,

(2) extraction has been completed.

(c) those unincorporated areas in the county lying within adopted community service areas where existing or previous capital improve- ment commitments effec- tively preclude mineral resource designation.

(d) those areas remaining after the exclusions contained in Items a-c, above, where the contiguous surface area underlain by a commercial mineral deposit is 20 acres or less.

(e) those parcels remaining after the exclusions con- tained in Items a-d, above, where the surface area underlain by a commercial mineral deposit is 20 acres or less.

(f) any specific site the mineral extraction from which would not be appropriate in light of the countervailing factors listed in 34-1-304(1), CRS.

GE 2.04 The county shall strongly discourage intensive uses in Aggregate Resource Areas.

GE 2.05 Whether within or without a designated aggregate or other resource area, the county shall prohibit or regulate, including by Special Use Review and the like, the open mining of any mineral or earthen material including, but not limited to, limestone, coal, peat, quarry aggregate, sand and gravel, sandstone, building stone, topsoil, common borrow, clay, shale, gold, lead, silver, zinc, copper, uranium, tungsten, and fluorspar as well as all accessory activi-

Geology [GE] - Page 4

Goals, Policies, and Maps Element

5/27/99

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ties related thereto. It is emphasized that the

extraction plan is fundamentally and primarily a preservation plan and that these portions of the county’s commercial aggregate deposits shall be protected from the encroachment of land uses which tend to inhibit or preclude extraction so that the options of future decision-makers will remain open in considering the demand for aggregate. Con- versely, it is not intended that an applicant for the extractive land use in an Aggregate Resource Area shall automatically be assured of success in lieu of addressing all environmental concerns. Nor is it intended that extractive land uses shall be denied outside the Aggregate Resource Areas. Rather, it is reemphasized that the extraction master plan shall insure the availability of and adequate supply of quality aggregate over the next 30 years so far as can be reasonably estimated.(Approved by Plan- ning Commission 12/3/80, not approved by Board of County Commissioners)

GE 2.06 The county shall regulate the exploration for, development of, and production of petroleum, natural gas, and geothermal resources as well as all acces- sory activities related thereto, to the extent permitted by state statutes.

GE 2.07 The county shall regulate the subsurface mining, gasification, liquification, and methane desorption of coal as well as all accessory activities related thereto.

GE 2.08 The county shall regulate the mining of any mineral by means of in situ leaching as well as all accessory activities related thereto.

GE 2.09 Whereas subsurface mining in the Lode Mineral Areas in the recent past has been, and in the foreseeable future will probably remain, of limited scope and impact, it shall presently be county policy to consider subsurface mining in the Mon- tane and Alpine Subprovinces (as defined in the Geology Element background informa- tion) and its accessory activities, to be a permitted land use subject to the procurement of an appropriate administrative permit in compliance with attendant criteria.

However, whereas the lode mineral deposits of Boulder County are of such magnitude and diversity that it is conceiv- able that subsurface mining of major scope and impact may be initiated, the county shall con- tinuously monitor and evaluate the scope of subsurface mining in said Subprovinces and, on recommendation from the county Planning Staff or by petition from the citizens of the county, the county Planning Commission may recommend to the Board of County Commis- sioners that such subsurface mining be regulated and that the county land use regulations be so amended.

GE 2.10 In cooperation with the Colo- rado Mined Land Reclamation Board and its staff, the county shall require that all “affected land” as defined by Colorado Statute, be reclaimed whether the subject mining activity shall

Geology [GE] - Page 5

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99

have been open mining or subsurface mining.

Groundwater

GE 3.01 The county shall render land use decisions consistent with the preservation or improvement of groundwater quality as well as the conservation of groundwater supplies.

GE 3.02 Whereas (1) geological condi- tions in some areas of the county, as described in the Geology Element, are such that dependable or potable ground- water supplies may not be available for intensive land uses; and (2) applicants for intensive land uses may specify that groundwater shall be partially or solely utilized as a water source, the county’s land use regulations shall require that said applicants furnish hydrogeological or other acceptable evidence to establish that definite provision has been made for a water supply that is sufficient in terms of quantity, dependability, and quality for the intensive use proposed.

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Adopted by Planning Commission on 10/15/14 Environmental Resources - Page 1

Environmental Resources Element Goals, Policies, & Maps Element

Overview

Boulder County values and strives to preserve, conserve and restore the unique and distinctive natural features, ecosystems and landscapes of the county using sound resource management principles and practices at both a site-specific level and on a broader, landscape scale. Boulder County's important environmental resources include naturally occurring ecosystems and their native species populations. Species of Special Concern are an integral component of this management approach. The list of Species of Special Concern includes locally threatened or endangered flora and fauna that the county seeks to protect. Habitat for these Species of Special Concern is particularly vital, since it often presents our best chance to protect native species.

In addition to identifying Species of Special Concern, this Element designates areas of important habitat at two scales: the “site-specific scale” and the broader, “landscape-scale.” At the site- specific scale, important environmental resources typically consist of an easily definable area such as an individual parcel of land or a distinct geographical location where specific resources exist. Designations at the site-specific scale include Critical Wildlife Habitats, Rare Plant Areas, Wetlands, Riparian Areas, and Significant Natural Communities (formerly referred to as Critical Plant Associations). Environmental resources designated at the landscape-scale are much larger and holistic in approach. At this scale, the designations of High Biodiversity Areas and Environmental Conservation Areas seek to preserve broader ecological processes and functions. These areas often encompass multiple resources also designated at the site-specific scale. Natural Area and Natural Landmark designations are intended to encompass and protect unique and distinctive natural features and landscapes in the county. The fundamental and essential sustaining resources of air, soil, and water are also considered and addressed.

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

Adopted by Planning Commission on 10/15/14 Environmental Resources - Page 2

While this Element calls specific attention to the aforementioned designated environmental resources (Environmental Resources), it also recognizes that these are not the only environmental resources of significance and importance that should be considered in land use decisions and cared for through management practices. With this in mind, Boulder County’s overarching intention is to maintain the overall health and integrity of our rich and diverse environment to the greatest extent possible as our knowledge and understanding of environmental functions and interconnections evolves. The term “environmental resources” as used in this Element consists of both the designated “Environmental Resources” and undesignated environmental resources. To provide some context for the goals and policies, a brief explanation of the environmental resource designations and their importance to the ecosystems of Boulder County follows. For the most part, these designations are those that already are utilized by reference in the Boulder County Land Use Code. Designations added or amended in updates to this Element will also be protected through administration of the Code and in conformance with applicable Federal and State law. The criteria used to determine these designations are periodically reviewed and updated resulting in updated lists of Species of Special Concern and updated maps of the Environmental Resources Element. Descriptions of these designations follow. Environmental Conservation Areas Environmental Conservation Areas (ECAs) encompass the largest remaining relatively natural or restorable forests, shrublands, grasslands, and agricultural landscapes in Boulder County. Even with the current amount of relatively undeveloped public land in the county, and the conservation and preservation efforts of public land managers on these lands, broad shifts in animal and plant communities are occurring as a result of development, habitat degradation, climate change, and the exclusion or disruption of natural processes. ECAs are a planning tool developed by the County and its agency partners for analyzing land use and land management decisions in the context of the cumulative effects of development, roads, trails and increased human presence at a landscape-scale on these large and complex ecosystems. This land use decision-making tool is used as a strategy for maintaining the wide-ranging animal species, native plant communities, and natural ecological processes that operate at this landscape scale. ECAs are a framework for ecosystem management that identifies and designates valuable ecological areas and delineates corridors of connectivity between them regardless of ownership. With this designation, land use and land management decisions within and adjacent to ECAs and their connectors can be made within a framework that seeks to: protect species that may be wide-ranging, ecologically specialized or disturbed by human presence; encourage the return of species lost from the county; prevent additional habitat fragmentation; and limit increases in invasive non-native species in these ecologically-significant areas. Such planning and decision-making processes may include resource management plans, the location and extent of new development, future land and easement purchases for open space purposes, and the location of trails and other public facilities.

Adopted by Planning Commission on 10/15/14 Environmental Resources - Page 3

High Biodiversity Areas High Biodiversity Areas (HBAs) are locales that have a concentration of rare environmental resources. If managed well, they represent the greatest opportunities for preserving specific aspects of Boulder County’s natural heritage. The boundaries of HBAs encompass those lands that provide the habitat and ecological processes upon which the resources depend for their continued existence. These areas have been identified and ranked -- by the CSU Colorado Natural Heritage Program -- as having outstanding significance (B1), very high significance (B2), or high significance (B3). Natural Landmarks Natural Landmarks are prominent landscape features that distinguish a specific locality in Boulder County. They are important for the views they afford, their value as scenic vistas and backdrops, and the intrinsic value they hold as wildlife or plant habitats, natural areas, park and open space preserves, and open land areas. However, the single criterion for designation shall be its visual and scenic prominence as a landscape feature. They provide a record of Boulder County’s natural heritage. State and County Natural Areas State and County Natural Areas are physical or biological areas that are unique and important to the natural heritage of the state and/or the county. Each area either retains or has reestablished its natural character, although it need not be completely undisturbed. It typifies native vegetation and associated biological and geological features and provides habitat for rare or endangered animal or plant species or includes geologic or other natural features of scientific or educational value. State Natural Areas are designated as such by the Colorado Natural Areas Program. Significant Natural Communities Significant Natural Communities are areas that are recognized by the presence of a critical plant association that is limited in its distribution and occurrence. These areas have multiple important environmental resources that co-occur and interact. These areas have species and processes that are relatively undisturbed by human actions and currently exist in their natural state. These areas are also referred to as Critical Plant Associations in the Boulder County Land Use Regulations. Critical Wildlife Habitats Critical Wildlife Habitats are the unique habitats which have a crucial role in sustaining populations of native wildlife and in perpetuating and encouraging a diversity of native species in the county. Wetlands and Riparian Areas Wetlands and Riparian Areas have unique and critical functions in the ecosystem. Wetlands are generally described as lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the land is covered by shallow water or soils are saturated during the growing season. Wetlands have high biodiversity, are relatively rare, provide unique wildlife habitat, filter water, and

Adopted by Planning Commission on 10/15/14 Environmental Resources - Page 4

buffer floods. Riparian Areas are a unique combination of terrestrial plant communities and aquatic systems associated with flowing water that provide unique habitat and important movement corridors for wildlife. Rare Plant Areas Rare Plant Areas are sites that are known to have a high likelihood of having occurrences of Plant Species of Special Concern. Species of Special Concern Species of Special Concern include the flora and fauna in the county whose populations may be threatened or endangered, locally rare, experiencing long-term non-cyclical population declines, isolated or restricted to distinct local habitat types, or native species which have ceased to exist within Boulder County.

To summarize, restoring, protecting and preserving our natural environment and all of its interdependent components upon which all things depend have been core values and objectives of Boulder County since the adoption of the first county-wide comprehensive plan in 1978. Numerous initiatives, plans and programs have been diligently pursued and implemented in this quest, and have benefited from the involvement of many stakeholders and interested parties in both the public and private sectors. The Environmental Resources Element is both a compass and a tool for use in sustaining and advancing these efforts.

Goals of the Environmental Resources Element B.1 Boulder County shall conserve and preserve environmental resources including its unique or distinctive natural features, biodiversity, and ecosystems through protection and restoration in recognition of the irreplaceable character of such resources and their importance to the quality of life in Boulder County. B.2 Boulder County sustains and protects native species, natural ecosystems and the biodiversity of the region by designating High Biodiversity Areas, Natural Areas, Natural Landmarks, Significant Natural Communities, Critical Wildlife Habitats, Species of Special Concern, Wetlands, Riparian Areas, and Rare Plant Areas. Other resources and designations may be identified in the future. These designated areas and species lists also provide a point of reference for continued monitoring of long-term ecological change. B.3 Boulder County shall promote the viability and integrity of all naturally occurring ecosystems and their native species populations by applying a variety of environmental resources management strategies in a manner that is consistent with current ecological principles and sustainable conservation practices.

Adopted by Planning Commission on 10/15/14 Environmental Resources - Page 5

B.4 Boulder County recognizes that climate change is having significant impacts on our environmental resources. As the body of climate science knowledge grows and potential effects are better understood, Boulder County shall incorporate the best scientific information into planning and decision-making to adapt to and offset those impacts. B.5 Boulder County shall continue to protect air, water and soil resources and quality, as well as restore resources in a degraded condition to enhance overall environmental health. Pollution of air, water, and soil, and pollution caused by noise or light, shall be eliminated or minimized to the greatest extent possible in order to prevent potential harm to life, health and property, and to reduce incremental degradation of the environment. B.6 Boulder County shall continue to protect prominent natural landmarks and other unique scenic, visual and aesthetic resources in the county. B.7 Boulder County shall conserve and preserve Environmental Conservation Areas (ECAs) in order to perpetuate native species, biological communities, and ecological processes that function over large geographic areas and require a high degree of connectivity to thrive. B.8 Boulder County shall protect environmental resources both at the site-specific scale and landscape scale through a variety of means such as partnerships with private landowners, non- governmental organizations, and other governmental agencies; education and outreach; advocacy at the state and federal level; and other programs consistent with the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan.

Environmental Resource Policies

Introduction The general policies below (ER 1.01 to ER 1.08) pertain to all environmental resources. Additional policies follow the general policies that expand on and are unique and specific to Air, Water, Soil and Noise (ER 2.01 to ER 2.03), Environmental Conservation Areas (3.01 to 3.05), and Natural Areas and Natural Landmarks (ER 4.01 to ER 4.03). General Policies for Environmental Resources The following policies apply to all environmental resources in Boulder County ER 1.01 Boulder County plans and attendant regulations shall be formulated to insure that land uses avoid where possible and otherwise minimize the destruction or adverse modification of environmental resources. Land use proposals shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for their potential impacts to environmental resources identified in the BCCP as well as those resources that may be identified on the site and in the vicinity of the proposal during a county

Adopted by Planning Commission on 10/15/14 Environmental Resources - Page 6

development review process. The applicant may be required to complete other studies, inventories, or reports that address the proposal’s potential impacts on environmental resources and include recommendations for mitigation of those impacts. ER 1.02 Boulder County shall continue to identify and designate environmental resources that have significance to Boulder County. Such designations, and attendant maps, will be based on criteria that use science, collaboration with experts, and on-the-ground verification to the extent practicable. Boulder County may periodically reevaluate such criteria and designations. ER 1.03 Acknowledging our responsibility to ensure that naturally occurring ecosystems and their native species populations continue to exist and flourish in Boulder County, Boulder County will develop conservation and recovery plans for priority Species of Special Concern.

ER 1.04 Scenic vistas shall be preserved as much as possible in their natural state.

ER 1.05 Boulder County shall work with federal, state, municipal and other public or quasi- public entities that have a jurisdictional or property interest in unincorporated lands within or surrounding any designated environmental resources to achieve their protection.

ER 1.06 Boulder County shall work in partnership with private land owners and non- governmental organizations to protect, conserve, and restore designated environmental resources using a variety of tools.

ER 1.07 Boulder County shall use its open space program as one means of achieving its goals for protecting environmental resources.

ER 1.08 Boulder County shall encourage all private landowners to seek assistance from appropriate governmental and non-governmental entities to protect Boulder County’s environmental resources.

ER 1.09 Boulder County shall modify plans, policies and regulations as necessary to adapt to climate change in order to reduce species and ecosystem vulnerability and other potential adverse impacts on environmental resources. These measures will guide environmental resource management implementation aimed at protecting biodiversity and ecological resiliency.

Air, Soil, Water, Noise and Light Policies In addition to the general policies above, the following policies also apply specifically to air, soil, water, noise and light. ER 2.01 Boulder County shall seek to protect overall public and environmental health by enforcing regulations concerning air, soil, water, noise and light pollution at the local level in accordance with applicable law.

Adopted by Planning Commission on 10/15/14 Environmental Resources - Page 7

ER 2.02 Boulder County shall evaluate land use proposals and other planned activities considering their cumulative impacts on public and environmental health. Sufficient mitigation and minimization of any impacts shall be required for the proposal or activity to be approved. These proposals and activities shall at a minimum comply with air, soil, and water quality standards, as well as noise level and lighting standards, established by county and state agencies or the Boulder County Land Use Code.

ER 2.03 Boulder County shall take a watershed approach to addressing water quality and water quantity including supporting and participating in local and regional watershed partnerships.

Environmental Conservation Areas Policies

In addition to the general policies above, the following policies apply specifically to Environmental Conservation Areas.

ER 3.01 Boulder County shall designate and map Environmental Conservation Areas as well as Overland and Stream Habitat (Riparian) Corridors at a landscape scale.

ER 3.02 Boulder County shall encourage the removal of development rights from ECAs through transfer, donation, acquisition, trade, or other incentives.

ER 3.03 Development within ECAs shall be located and designed to minimize the cumulative impacts on the environmental resource values of ECAs.

ER 3.04 Development outside of ECAs shall be located and designed to minimize impacts on and connectivity between ECAs.

ER 3.05 Boulder County shall encourage and participate with the appropriate public entities and private land owners in the development of coordinated management plans to conserve, preserve and restore the environmental resource values of ECAs.

Natural Landmarks and Natural Areas Policies In addition to the general policies above, the following policies apply specifically to Natural Landmarks and Natural Areas.

ER 4.01 Natural Landmarks and Natural Areas identified in the Environmental Resources Element and as may be identified from time to time by the state under the Colorado Natural Areas Act, shall be protected from destruction or harmful alteration. ER 4.02 Boulder County shall submit any County Natural Area that may be of state-wide importance to the Colorado Natural Areas Program for designation as a State Natural Area.

Adopted by Planning Commission on 10/15/14 Environmental Resources - Page 8

ER 4.03 Boulder County shall coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies and municipalities, as well as with willing private landowners, to protect natural resource values within Natural Landmarks and Natural Areas. This may include: identification of specific resources of concern including scenic values; recommendations for long-term management; mitigation of existing or foreseen impacts; or protection through acquisition of land interest.

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Open Space [OS] - Page 1

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Through POSAC’s neighborhood meetings and citizen surveys, by 1974 “approximately 10,000 citizens of Boulder County had expressed an interest and concern for open space” (BCCP, 1978). As a result of this interest, the committee recommended that the County Commis- sioners create a department of parks and open space to refine and implement this citizens’ open space program. In January 1975 the Parks and Open Space Depart- ment became a reality, with the additional charge of conducting nature programs on county open space and park land. Parks, dedicated to the county as part of subdivi- sions, and Bald Mountain Scenic Area, which the county began leasing from the State Board of Land Commissioners in 1973, were transferred to the new depart- ment for management and maintenance.

The mid-1970s brought the first major county open space purchases, both the result of the landowner’s desire to have the land preserved in a single parcel: in 1975, Ernie Betasso’s ranch (now called Betasso Preserve)—773 acres approxi- mately six miles west of Boulder off Sugarloaf Road; two years later the 2,566- acre Walker Ranch on Flagstaff Road.

In 1978 the Boulder County Compre- hensive Plan was adopted, and it included goals and policies for preserving open space, protecting environmental resources (including both natural and cultural re- sources) and developing a county-wide trail system. Areas that citizens thought were most important to be preserved as open space for future generations were shown on a map, which together with the goals and policies formed the open space plan. The designation of “proposed open space” on that map (and subsequent maps) is not a zoning category, and development of any designated area is determined by the applicable zoning. The implementation of the open space plan has been based both on private cooperation and on the county’s financial ability to acquire an interest in these lands.

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Open Space [OS] - Page 2

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By the beginning of 1998 the county open space program comprised more than 52,000 acres of preserved land scattered throughout the county, along with 70 miles of trails. The majority of this land is open for public use; the remainder is under agricultural lease or conservation ease- ments which do not include public access. Most of the properties are well-suited to passive recreation (recreation development is limited to trails, parking areas/trailheads, picnic areas/shelters, outhouses, and simple boat docks or fishing piers where necessary).

Definition and Functions of Open Space

Within the context of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan, open space is defined as:

� Those lands referred to in the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan, as being intentionally left free from future development, and in which it has been determined that it is, or may in the future be, within the public interest to acquire an interest in order to assure their protection.

Passive Recreation, referred to in the Open Space Element policies, is defined as:

� Outdoor activities that create opportu- nities for independence, closeness to nature, and a high degree of interac- tion with the natural environment and which require no organization, rules of play, facilities, or the installation of equipment, other than those which may be necessary to protect the natural environment.

The setting for passive recreation is a predominantly natural appearing environ- ment of moderate to large size. There is a moderate probability of experiencing isolation from the sights and sounds of

other humans. Interaction between visitors is low, and evidence of others ranges from minimal to common. Motor- ized use is prohibited.

The functions of open space remain much as they were envisioned by the citizens whose efforts fostered the program:

� Urban shaping between or around municipalities or community service areas, and buffer zones between residential and non-residential develop- ment;

� Preservation of: critical ecosystems; natural areas; scenic vistas and areas; fish and wildlife habitats; natural resources and landmarks; outdoor recreation areas; cultural, historic and archaeological areas; linkages and trails; access to public lakes, streams and other useable open space lands; and scenic and stream or highway corridors;

� Conservation of natural resources, including but not limited to forest lands, range lands, agricultural lands, aquifer recharge areas and surface water;

� Protection of designated areas of environmental concern, generally in multiple ownership, where several different preservation methods (includ- ing other governmental bodies’ participation or private ownership) may need to be utilized; these lands will not be considered for control by the county open space program provided sufficient evidence exists that these lands are to be preserved in a natural state.

Methods of Open Space Pres- ervation/Acquisition

Boulder County has used a variety of mechanisms to preserve open space and prime agricultural land. These include:

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

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�� Subdivision Dedication When land in the unincorporated area

of the county is subdivided for develop- ment, the developer must dedicate land or pay cash-in-lieu of dedication (at the county’s choice) for parks. The amount of the land dedication is determined by a population-based formula, and the amount of land is usually small. The dedication requirement does little to preserve open space but works well to provide corridors for future trails and for protecting riparian habitat along streams.

�� Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) The Boulder County Land Use Code

permits subdivisions using transfers of residential development rights from one parcel to another. There are eligibility criteria for the sending site (including desirability for open space preservation) and different criteria for the receiving site. If the transfer is approved, the county is granted a conservation easement in perpetuity on the sending site(s). A major objective of the TDR is preserving open space.

�� Purchase of Fee Interest In Land Most of the county’s open space has

been acquired by this method. Acquiring the fee interest means obtaining full ownership.

�� Purchase of Land Without Devel- opment Rights The seller retains the residential

development rights for later transfer, or sale and transfer, to another property where the development can occur. The purchase price of the land is then much less than it would be if the development rights remained attached to the land being purchased by the county. The county can also purchase fee interest in a TDR sending site, after the TDR development is platted on the receiving site, when public ownership of the land rather than just a conservation easement would be advanta-

geous, perhaps for some passive recre- ational use.

�� Purchase of a Conservation Easement (also called the pur- chase of development rights) Where public ownership of the land

itself is not essential to the public interest, the county may acquire an interest through a deed of conservation easement in gross. Conservation easements usually serve two primary purposes: to reduce the amount of development that can occur on the prop- erty and/or to assure that the property and its environmental, cultural and/or open space values are preserved and managed to meet a public policy objective. A conservation easement is tailored to the specific property to be covered, runs with the land in perpetuity unless otherwise provided in the deed of easement, leaves the land in private ownership, and usually does not permit public access. Conserva- tion easements are especially well-suited to preserving prime agricultural land.

�� Bargain Sale This is merely a purchase in which a

landowner sells property to the county at a price below the fair market value. The purchase can be either fee interest or a conservation easement. Usually the landowner can take a tax deduction (treated like a charitable contribution) for the difference between the fair market value, as determined by a certified ap- praisal, and the sale price.

�� Purchase of Land With Lease- back

As part of the land purchase contract the county agrees to lease the land back to the seller for a specified time for continua- tion of farming.

�� Donation of Fee Interest or Conservation Easement In this case the landowner donates

land or deeds a conservation easement to the county and uses the value of the

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donation as a tax deduction.

�� Intergovernmental Transfers (lease or patent) The county leases 108 acres from the

State Board of Land Commissioners (the agency overseeing land which generates state revenue for schools) and has also acquired approximately 1,500 acres from BLM, with several other applications in process.

�� Intergovernmental Cooperation The county works cooperatively with

cities on open space preservation near city boundaries. Some of these efforts have resulted in joint purchase of open space by a city (or cities) and the county. Addition- ally, the county has worked with some of the cities to develop intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) for master plans of future land uses in areas of the county near the participating municipalities. An IGA may have an open space preservation component, or it may simply identify where annexation and urban development will occur during the term of the agreement (usually 15-20 years) and which lands will remain part of unincorporated Boulder County.

Open Space Funding

Through the end of 1993, funds for open space acquisition came from two sources: the county property tax and the state lottery. The 1992 and 1993 fall elections added new sources, which have increased the amount of money available for open space.

The property tax funds which support open space acquisition are subject to annual appropriation by the Board of County Commissioners and, until 1994, usually provided approximately 90% of the total funds available for open space purchases. The open space acquisition budget from property tax revenue is roughly $4,000,000; additional funds are

budgeted for open space operations, maintenance and trail construction. Lottery funds comprised the balance of the funds previously available for acquisition. The state distributes these funds quarterly to local governments. The amount re- ceived varies from year to year, depending on the level of participation in the lottery. Boulder County’s share of the lottery in 1995 was $417,000.

In 1992, Colorado voters passed a constitutional amendment phasing in, by the end of 1998, the distribution of all net lottery proceeds to parks, open space, and wildlife habitat purposes (a large percent- age had previously been used for state capital construction projects, such as prisons). Called Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), this redesignation of lottery funds will increase the amount of money available to local governments for open space, through both an increase of the current per capita distribution and new local grant programs for open space.

On November 2, 1993, voters of Boulder County passed a 0.25% sales tax and use tax to expand the county’s existing open space program. The tax became effective January 1, 1994 and in that year produced almost $5.9 million; 1995 receipts were more than $6.6. In 1994 the county issued $36 million in open space sales tax revenue bonds (the county is obligated to use only the 0.25% sales tax revenue proceeds to repay the bonds). With all of those bond proceeds spent and the sales and use tax proceeds exceeding revenue projections, the county went to the voters again in November 1995 for permission to issue limited tax general obligation bonds (the county has pledged the $4,000,000 property tax funds appropriated annually for open space acquisition, or any other revenue legally available without increas- ing taxes — such as sales tax revenue not needed for payments on the 1994 series bonds — for repayment of these bonds). The voters approved, and $35 million in bonds were sold in January 1996. The

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

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county expects to expend those funds for open space purchases by the end of 1996.

After annual bond payments on the 1994 series from sales and use tax rev- enue and on the 1996 series from the property funds appropriated for open space purchases, and after deducting purchases under existing option contracts, the county expects to have approximately $3,000,000 to apply to new purchases in 1997. That figure will increase in subse- quent years as existing option contracts are completed and as sales and use tax revenue grows (for the past ten years sales tax proceeds have grown an average of 6% per annum).

Operating and maintenance costs of the open space program continue to be funded from the property tax.

Open Space Policies

�� Acquisition

OS 1.01 It is recognized that the acquisi- tion of an interest in open space lands must be based on the long term implementation of the county’s overall open space plan, in which prioritization of need and available revenues must be considered. From time to time, applications for various land use decisions which contemplate development are expected to be made for pri- vately owned lands which have been designated as open space on the Open Space Plan Map of the Boulder County Compre- hensive Plan. In such cases, it will be the responsibility of the county to make decisions with regard to the possible acquisition of an interest in such lands in a timely manner. In the event a decision to acquire whatever public interest the county may desire is not made with reason- able promptness and pursued

diligently, applicants shall be entitled to have their applications processed and considered as any other similar applications, not involving open space, would be.

OS 1.02 The county shall not deny development or other land use applications, otherwise in compliance with the land use regulations, solely because of the open space designation. However, in reviewing develop- ment or other land use applica- tions, the county shall consider the open space values and other characteristics which contribute to the open and rural character of unincorporated Boulder County.

OS 1.03 When seeking to acquire whatever interest the county may desire in lands designated as open space, the county will negotiate in good faith with the property owners involved. The power of eminent domain shall be used only in exceptional cases, when obviously neces- sary to protect the public interest.

�� Resource Management

OS 2.01 The county shall identify and work to assure the preservation of Environmental Conservation Areas, critical wildlife habitats and corridors, Natural Areas, Natural Landmarks, significant areas identified in the Boulder Valley Natural Ecosystems Map, historic and archaeological sites, and significant agricultural land.

OS 2.02 Significant natural communities, rare plant sites, wetlands, and other important stands of

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vegetation, such as willow carrs, should be conserved and preserved.

OS 2.03 The county shall provide man- agement plans and the means for the implementation of said plans for all open space areas that have been acquired by or dedicated to the county.

OS 2.03.01 The foremost manage- ment objectives of indi- vidual open space lands shall follow directly from the purposes for which the land was acquired.

OS 2.03.02 Management of county open space lands shall consider the regional context of ecosystems and adjacent land uses.

OS 2.03.03 Management of individual open space lands, includ- ing those under agricul- tural leases, shall follow good stewardship prac- tices and other techniques that protect and preserve natural and cultural resources.

OS 2.04 The county, through its Parks and Open Space Department, shall provide appropriate educa- tional services for the public which increase public aware- ness of the county’s irreplace- able and renewable resources and the management techniques appropriate for their protection, preservation, and conservation.

OS 2.04.01 The Parks and Open Space Department shall cooperate with schools and non-profit organiza- tions in the county to provide environmental

education activities which increase awareness, understanding, apprecia- tion, and support for stewardship of the natural and cultural resources on open space.

OS 2.04.02 The Parks and Open Space Department shall seek to meet the needs of diverse populations in the county by providing information and program- ming to accommodate special groups such as disabled persons, young people, senior citizens, and Spanish-speaking citizens.

OS 2.04.03 The Parks and Open Space Department shall develop and disseminate information through publications, exhibits, and other media on the uniqueness, importance, and appropriate steward- ship and management of open space areas in the county.

OS 2.04.04 The Parks and Open Space Department shall utilize trained volunteers, cooperating groups, and private individuals to assist in the delivery of environ- mental education and interpretive services.

OS 2.05 The county, through its Weed Management Program, shall discourage the introduction of exotic or undesirable plants and shall work to eradicate existing infestations though the use of Integrated Weed Management throughout the county on private and public lands.

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

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�� Scenic Area and Open Corridor Protection

OS 3.01 Where necessary to protect water resources and/or riparian habitat the county shall ensure, to the extent possible, that areas adjacent to water bodies, functional irrigation ditches and natural water course areas shall remain free from development (except designated aggregate resource areas). The county may preserve these open corridor areas by means of appropriate dedication during the development process, reason- able conditions imposed through the development process, or by acquisition.

OS 3.02 Where appropriate the county shall continue to acquire parcels of land or right-of-way ease- ments to provide linkages between public lands.

OS 3.03 To the extent possible, the county shall protect scenic corridors along highways and mountain road systems. The county may preserve these scenic corridor areas by means of appropriate dedication during the development process, reasonable conditions imposed through the development process or, by acquisition.

OS 3.04 Areas that are considered as valuable scenic vistas and Natural Landmarks shall be preserved as much as possible in their natural state.

�� Recreational Use

OS 4.01 The Boulder County Land Use Code shall provide for land dedications of parks and open space and necessary public

access to those areas where appropriate.

OS 4.02 Except as the county may establish a regional park, such as the Boulder County Fairgrounds, or other similar facilities, the county will provide only a minimum level of maintenance or development on park land (consistent with policy OS 2.03).

OS 4.03 Recreational use of county open space land may be permitted where such use is consistent with the management plan for the property and does not adversely impact natural and cultural resources or other management objectives of the property.

OS 4.03.01 Recreational use shall be passive, including but not limited to hiking, photogra- phy or nature studies, and, if specifically designated, bicycling, horseback riding, or fishing. Only limited development and maintenance of facilities will be provided.

OS 4.03.01 Accessibility for special populations such as disabled persons, young people, senior citizens, and Spanish-speaking people shall be addressed on a system-wide basis.

OS 4.04 Requests for special uses or events on county open space shall be evaluated for their impacts to natural and cultural resources as well as other management objectives and maintenance considerations.

OS 4.05 Any development of regional county facilities or of county

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park or open space land shall be based on a plan approved by the County Commissioners after review by the Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee.

OS 4.06 Private dedication or develop- ment of parks, open space or recreational facilities shall, to the extent subject to public review, be reviewed by the Parks and Open Space Advisory Commit- tee, and where appropriate, the Planning Commission, for recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners.

OS 4.07 In neighborhoods where resi- dents desire more open space and park and recreation facilities than the county provides, the county shall cooperate in the formation of special taxing districts for open space and park and recreation facilities.

�� Rural Character Preservation and Community Buffering

OS 5.01 Boulder County shall, in consul- tation with affected municipali- ties, utilize open space to physically buffer Community Service Areas, for the purpose of ensuring community identity and preventing urban sprawl.

OS 5.02 The county shall utilize Intergov- ernmental Agreements with one or more municipalities to encour- age the preservation of open space lands and the protection of the rural and open character of the unincorporated parts of Boulder County.

OS 5.03 The county shall encourage use of Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) to preserve and protect rural character, open space, scenic features, and

environmental resources.

OS 5.04 The county shall use its open space acquisition program to preserve agricultural lands of local, statewide, and national importance. Where possible, purchase of conservation easements, purchase of develop- ment rights, or lease-back arrangements should be used to encourage family farm opera- tions.

OS 5.05 The county shall use its open space program as one means of achieving its environmental resources and cultural preserva- tion goals.

�� Trails

OS 6.01 Trails and trailheads shall be planned, designed, and con- structed to avoid or minimize the degradation of natural and cultural resources, especially riparian areas and associated wildlife habitats. Riparian areas proposed for preservation but for which trail development is inappropriate include: 1) Boulder Creek between 55th Street and U.S. Highway 287, 2) St. Vrain Creek west of Airport Road, 3)Left Hand Creek west of State Highway 119, and 4) Rock Creek west of McCaslin Boulevard.

OS 6.02 Adverse effects on private lands shall be minimized insofar as possible by trail and trailhead placement, posting of rules and signs against trespassing, installation of containing fences where critical, and any other appropriate measures.

OS 6.03 The county shall acquire trail rights-of-way through purchase,

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Open Space [OS] - Page 9

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lease, donation or dedication from any public or private entity. When appropriate and benefi- cial, existing roads and rights-of- way will be used.

OS 6.04 Trails shall provide for pedes- trian, equestrian, bicycle, and/or other non-motorized uses, where each is warranted. Incompatible uses shall be appropriately separated.

OS 6.05 Special consideration shall be given to pedestrian, equestrian, bicycle, and/or other uses of road rights-of-way during the design and construction of road improvements.

OS 6.06 The county shall work through the Consortium of Cities to assure linkage of municipal and county trails and connections between communities.

OS 6.07 Where appropriate, trails should be incorporated into and pro- vided by new development and linked to established trails, if possible.

OS 6.08 Trails constructed by the county Parks and Open Space Depart- ment shall be soft-surface except where necessary to prevent erosion and/or other resource damage.

�� Public/Private Partnerships

OS 7.01 The county shall consider for possible acquisition those lands within the county which are owned and may be disposed of by other governmental agencies.

OS 7.02 The county may promote and participate in partnership projects with the communities in the county for open space

acquisition and trails develop- ment outside of community service areas.

OS 7.03 The county shall cooperate with the owners of privately owned open space, including conserva- tion easements, to protect their interests from public trespass.

OS 7.04 The county, through the Parks and Open Space Department, shall work with foundations, trusts, developers, ditch and utility companies, and others from the private and public sectors in furtherance of the county’s open space objectives by encouraging land donations and dedication and multiple use of easements and by providing and informing the public of incentives for preservation.

�� Public Decision Making

OS 8.01 The county shall annually develop a Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for open space acquisition and trails construc- tion. Formulation of the CIP shall take into consideration project suggestions from munici- palities as well as suggestions received from the public. The CIP shall be reviewed by the Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee, after public com- ment, and recommended for adoption after public hearing by the Board of County Commis- sioners.

OS 8.02 Purchases of land for open space require approval by the Board of County Commissioners after public hearing and after review and recommendation of the Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee.

Open Space [OS] - Page 10

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OS 8.03 In developing management plans for open space areas, Parks and Open Space staff shall solicit public participation of interested individuals, community organiza- tions, adjacent landowners and the Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee. Plans shall be reviewed by the Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee, including public comment, and recommended for adoption after public hearing by the Board of County Commis- sioners.

OS 8.04 Significant changes to overall management direction or techniques shall be presented to the Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee and/or the Board of County Commission- ers, with opportunity for public comment before a decision is made.

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Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT

Introduction, Definition, Goals & Policies

A s the county has experienced significant changes in demographics and travel patterns

since the 1995 update to the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan (BCCP) Transportation Element, the world has likewise experienced changes. Boulder County, along with many others, has developed a greater awareness of the impacts individual and collective actions have on the world and local environments. Safe and efficient travel is necessary to participate in life’s activities. Yet, from an economic, social, and environmental perspective, peoples’ travel needs can no longer be met by roads and cars alone. New ways of providing safe, reliable, and convenient travel options that will be available to both current and future generations are necessary.

Introduction

Implementation of the Boulder County

transportation system must be consistent

not only with this element of the

Comprehensive Plan, but also with the

goals and policies of the entire BCCP.

Drawing upon the principles and

definitions identified in the BCCP

Sustainability Element, the 2009 BCCP

Transportation Element recognizes the

need to develop policies and practices that

create a sustainable transportation system.

It centers itself on the three “pillars” of

sustainability: environment, social equity,

and economy. The goals, objectives, and

policies included in the BCCP

Transportation Element translate these

three components of sustainability into

action and help the County achieve its

vision to provide high quality, safe,

sustainable, and environmentally

responsible transportation to meet the

mobility and access needs of all users.

Transportation Policies

• Objective Provide a Multimodal Transportation

System

Plan, design, construct, manage, and

maintain the Boulder County transportation

system to be efficient, safe, convenient, and

appealing for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit

riders, motorists, and other users. Provide

convenient and affordable mobility options

for all users irrespective of ability, income,

or personal vehicle ownership.

TR 1.01 Identify Transportation

Corridors

Identify and classify

transportation corridors based on

the function and role they serve

in the County transportation

system.

December 16, 2009 Transportation Element [TR] - Page 1

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

Work closely and proactively

with the communities

within the County and other local,

state, and regional

agencies to develop a

sustainable land use and

transportation system

TR 1.02 Design Complete Corridors

Develop County transportation

standards that assign specific

design treatments for transit,

pedestrian, bicycle, and motor

vehicle facilities for each

transportation corridor

classification. Develop standards

for new transportation

technologies as they become

available and anticipated for

common use.

TR 1.03 Enhance the Bicycle and

Pedestrian Network

Expand the bikeway and

pedestrian network to provide

safe, appealing, and convenient

connections throughout the

County for travel and recreation.

TR 1.04 Develop a Regional Trails

Network

Implement a Countywide

Regional Trails Plan to provide

off-road travel and recreational

opportunities for pedestrian,

bicycle, equestrian, and other

non-motorized uses, where each

is warranted.

TR 1.05 Establish Connections to

Development

Provide transit, pedestrian,

bicycle, trail, and motor vehicle

connections in developments to

link residential and employment

areas, commercial centers,

recreational and open space

areas, and educational facilities.

TR 1.06 Support Transit Service

Support fast, frequent,

affordable, and reliable transit

service between communities

within the County and to major

activity centers outside of the

County, including the I-25

corridor, Denver International

Airport, Denver, and the western

metro area. Provide high-quality

transit stop facilities and enable

access to all stops.

TR 1.07 Accommodate Freight

Identify primary travel corridors

for freight vehicles. Ensure that

County transportation standards

accommodate freight or other

long wheelbase vehicles in

transportation facility design.

• Objective Facilitate Regional Collaboration and

Coordination

Work closely and proactively with the

communities within the County and other

local, state, and regional agencies to

develop a sustainable land use and

transportation system.

TR 2.01 Integrate Transportation and

Land Use Planning

Coordinate land use and

transportation planning so that

urban development is located in

urban areas and near appropriate

transportation corridors and

services.

Transportation Element [TR] - Page 2 December 16, 2009

Transportation Element

TR 2.02 Facilitate Project

Collaboration.

Promote efforts to collaborate on

the design and implementation of

local and regional projects.

Initiate activities that bring

together different communities,

agencies, and other stakeholders

to develop creative ways to meet

County goals and those of others.

TR 2.03 Encourage Alternative

Transportation

Support efforts by local

communities that decrease

single-occupant vehicle travel on

the Countywide transportation

system.

TR 2.04 Connect Communities

Focus County services and

resources on enabling seamless

multimodal travel between urban

areas within the County and

region.

• Objective Optimize County Facility Management

and Maintenance

Maintain and operate County transportation

facilities at the highest level of quality,

commensurate with available resources and

consistent with the goals of the

Comprehensive Plan. The County’s

investment in the existing transportation

system shall be protected by emphasizing

maintenance of existing facilities.

TR 3.01 Prioritize Travel Corridors

In order to benefit the most

people, and connect all parts of

the County, give priority to

improving mobility in, and the

maintenance and rehabilitation

of, the County’s arterial and

collector transportation

corridors.

TR 3.02 Prioritize Operations Over

Construction

Implement operational

improvements to improve

mobility in a corridor before

initiating construction-based

solutions. Reduce the need for

new capital improvements

through investments in

operations, demand management

strategies, and system

management activities that

improve the efficiency of the

current system.

TR 3.03 Ensure Sustainable Design

Design all new County facilities

to minimize future maintenance

costs and environmental impacts,

and to encourage the use

alternative modes to the degree

feasible.

TR 3.04 Maintain Bicycle and

Pedestrian Facilities

Maintain bicycle and pedestrian

facilities on County-owned or

controlled right-of-way in a safe

condition.

TR 3.05 Monitor Gravel Roads

Consider the paving of

County-owned roads when the

minimum level of 500 vehicles

per day, average daily traffic, is

attained. In making paving

decisions, evaluate factors such

as safety, costs, residential

density, traffic volume, traffic

composition, air quality levels

and mitigation, and compliance

with applicable regulations. In

addition, consider the impact of

paving on health, the rural

character of the County, the

nature of the surrounding

community, potential effects on

growth, public input, and other

goals of the Comprehensive

Plan.

Maintain and operate County transportation facilities at the highest level of quality, commensurate with available resources and consistent with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan

December 16, 2009 Transportation Element [TR] - Page 3

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

Implement a transportation

system that moves people

safely and effectively

independent of an assumed

mode of travel.

TR 3.06 Require Appropriate Right Of

Way Dedications

Require new development and

redevelopment to dedicate their

fair share of right-of-way for any

County transportation facility

shown on an adopted

transportation plan on which the

development abuts, consistent

with the right-of-way widths

specified on the transportation

plan.

TR 3.07 Encourage Right of Way

Annexation

Encourage local communities to

annex the full right-of-way when

the adjacent land is annexed.

• Objective Move People

Implement a transportation system that

moves people safely and effectively

independent of an assumed mode of travel.

TR 4.01 Reduce Single-Occupant-

Vehicle Travel

Reduce single-occupant-vehicle

(SOV) travel and shift SOV

travel to off-peak periods

through a variety of programs

and techniques, including

Transportation Demand

Management (TDM).

TR 4.02 Increase Person Capacity

Increase the overall

person-carrying capacity of the

transportation network through

the efficient use of existing

rights-of-way.

TR 4.03 Make Balanced Multimodal

Decisions

When considering proposed

improvements, use a

person-based, rather than

vehicle-based, evaluation to

balance transit, pedestrian,

bicycle, and vehicle mobility.

TR 4.04 Facilitate Active Living

Create a transportation system

that enables active and healthy

lifestyles by providing safe and

attractive opportunities to walk

and bike as part of everyday

living.

• Objective Minimize Reliance on Fossil Fuels

Foster a transportation system that reduces

demand for and reliance upon petroleum.

TR 5.01 Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled

Set goals for vehicle miles

traveled (VMT) per capita

reductions for 2015, 2020 and

2030. Encourage incorporated

areas inside the County to adopt

similar goals.

TR 5.02 Use Energy Efficient

Transportation Technologies

and Fuels

Encourage public use of

renewable energy and

energy-efficient vehicle

technologies and plan for related

infrastructure needs. Participate

in efforts to decrease use of

GHG- intensive fuels and

increase vehicle fuel efficiency.

Transportation Element [TR] - Page 4 December 16, 2009

Transportation Element

TR 5.03 Use Sustainable Practices

Use resource-efficient materials

and equipment to the greatest

extent feasible in the

construction, maintenance, and

operation of County

transportation facilities.

TR 5.04 Manage Parking

Develop parking management

policies for public and private

facilities that encourage the use

of alternative modes.

• Objective Provide Safe and Environmentally

Compatible Transportation

Improvements

Require all transportation improvements to

uphold the goals of the Comprehensive

Plan.

TR 6.01 Manage Rural Roads to

Preserve Rural Character

Explore reasonable means to

retain necessary existing,

unimproved or unmaintained

public roads in a relatively

undeveloped state to:

• prevent the over-intensive use of sensitive or remote lands,

• preserve the County’s valued rural character,

• minimize adverse scenic and environmental impacts,

• avoid inappropriate and costly road maintenance activities in

environmentally fragile areas,

and

• discourage development in natural hazard areas or other

dangerous locations where

unsafe conditions may be

exacerbated or emergency

services not practically or

safely available.

Methods to address these

concerns may include revising

Boulder County Road Standards

and Specifications, limiting

public funding or authorization

for maintenance of unimproved

roads, and adopting zoning

provisions to balance remote

rural land uses with the absence

of developed vehicular access in

such areas.

TR 6.02 Minimize and Mitigate

Impacts

Ensure that transportation system

facilities and access

improvements, which may

include sections on public and/or

private lands, are designed,

constructed, and maintained to

minimize impacts to the natural

environment, including scenic

views and rural character, and to

the surrounding community. All

improvements shall reasonably

mitigate the adverse impacts

resulting from them.

Ensure that transportation system facilities and access improvements are designed, constructed, and maintained to minimize impacts to the natural environment.

December 16, 2009 Transportation Element [TR] - Page 5

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

Allow for special

assessments to fund

transportation improvements

to the prop- erties that

specially benefit from

such improve- ments, such as

subdivisions or commercial,

institutional, private

recreational, or other

benefitted development.

TR 6.03 Prohibit Improvements with

Unacceptable Impacts

After considering reasonable

mitigation, transportation system

facilities and access

improvements may be

prohibited. This may include

improvements on public and/or

private lands that cause

unacceptable impacts to the

natural environment, including

scenic views and rural character,

or to the surrounding

community; that unreasonably

compromise public safety or

emergency response; or that

facilitate development

incompatible with the goals of

the Comprehensive Plan.

TR 6.04 Promote Public Safety

Promote the safety of

transportation system users and

the public as a core parameter

when designing, constructing, or

approving transportation

facilities. Coordinate with local

fire districts, emergency

responders, and other agencies to

implement appropriate

transportation public safety

measures.

TR 6.05 Manage Access to the

Transportation Network

Implement an access

management program that

systematically manages the

number, location, spacing,

design and operation of

driveways, median openings and

road connections to ensure the

safety and mobility of all road

users, and to minimize

environmental impacts.

TR 6.06 Provide Implementation

through the Transportation

Standards

The Boulder County Road

Standards and Specifications

shall reflect the goals of the

Comprehensive Plan. All

transportation improvements

shall be designed and

constructed consistent with the

Boulder County Road Standards

and Specifications and the

Boulder County Land Use Code.

• Objective Secure Funding in an Equitable Manner

Explore multiple funding sources to serve

citizens and meet Countywide

transportation needs in a fair and equitable

manner.

TR 7.01 Allow for Special Assessments

Allow for special assessments to

fund transportation

improvements to the properties

that specially benefit from such

improvements, such as

subdivisions or commercial,

institutional, private recreational,

or other benefitted development.

Funding mechanisms may

include special assessments or

other appropriate

revenue-generating programs.

TR 7.02 Create Funding Partnerships

To improve, maintain, and insure

the integrity of the transportation

system, pursue to the extent

possible funding partnerships

and creative funding sources.

Transportation Element [TR] - Page 6 December 16, 2009

Transportation Element

TR 7.03 Explore User Fees

Explore appropriate user fee

programs that take into account

the full costs of travel, including

immediate and long-term

impacts to facilities and the

environment, to help fund

transportation enhancements.

TR 7.04 Require Appropriate Off-site

Improvements

Require property owners or

developers to provide

appropriate off-site

transportation improvements that

are necessitated by or reasonably

related to the impacts of new

development.

• Objective Foster a Community Connection

Preserve, highlight, and enhance the

County’s rural character, environment and

rich history.

TR 8.01 Context Sensitive Design

Consider the surrounding natural

environment, local community,

scenic vistas, and landscape

features, through aesthetic

treatments and the

context-sensitive design of

transportation facilities.

TR 8.02 Encourage Community

Involvement

Recognize that public feedback

is an important source of

information for decisions about

the development of

transportation facilities and

services. Work collaboratively

with the public by providing

meaningful opportunities to be

involved in decision-making

processes. Make

decision-making transparent by

sharing information and

encouraging discussion.

TR 8.03 Preserve View Corridors

Prevent the disruption of scenic

views by transportation

improvements. Promote

overlooks, trails, and turnouts on

recreational routes and in unique

scenic areas.

TR 8.04 Ensure Natural Preservation

Make every effort to preserve

mature trees, landscape

plantings, and other elements of

the natural environment during

the design, construction, and

maintenance of transportation

improvements.

TR 8.05 Preserve Cultural and Historic

Resources

Consider the cultural and

historical context of the

surrounding area when planning

and designing transportation

improvements. Work with

residents of townsites, such as

Eldorado Springs, Allenspark,

Raymond/Riverside, Gold Hill,

and Eldora and other distinct

communities, to identify

important aspects of community

character that should be

preserved and enhanced by

transportation improvements.

Work collaboratively with the public by providing meaningful opportunities to be involved in decision- making processes.

December 16, 2009 Transportation Element [TR] - Page 7

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

Support programs that

reduce the financial

burden on and increase

affordable transportation

options for low-income

populations.

TR 8.06 Manage Public Rights-of-Way

Manage and preserve existing

public rights-of-way for current

and future community benefit.

Vacate public rights-of-way only

when it no longer plays a role in

the present or planned

transportation network nor

serves any other public interest.

• Objective Ensure Transportation System Access

for Low-Income, Elderly, and

Mobility-Impaired Populations

Work to create a transportation system that

provides affordable and convenient

transportation options for all income levels

and special mobility populations.

TR 9.01 Promote Affordable

Transportation

Support programs that reduce the

financial burden on and increase

affordable transportation options

for low-income populations.

TR 9.02 Serve the Mobility-Impaired

Support coordinated programs

that provide safe, accessible, and

affordable transportation options

for people with limited mobility,

including older adults and people

with disabilities.

Glossary

Maintenance: Snow removal, sweeping,

asphalt patching, crack filling, road

grading, cleaning of culverts and roadside

drainage, and repair or replacement of

traffic signs and pavement markings.

Rehabilitation: Reconstruction, asphalt

overlay, and surface treatments.

Transportation Element [TR] - Page 8 December 16, 2009

Transportation Element

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Cultural Resources [CR] - Page 1

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Archaeologists typically describe the period of time between 12,000 years ago and the first contact by people of Euro- pean, African, and Asian decent as prehistoric. The term “prehistoric” is used because written records of this period either are nonexistent or very rare. Instead of researching past cultures by studying their written records, archaeologists must study prehistoric cultures by excavation and similar techniques. Unlike historic sites that are above ground and visible, archaeological sites are often hidden from view, buried underground. Most of the archaeological data that is gathered in Boulder County relates to the Native American population that dominated the entire State of Colorado until the mid 1800s. The most common tribes in Colorado included the Apache, Comanche, Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute.

Prehistoric sites are protected through federal, state, and local historic preserva- tion legislation. For each historical site listed in the Boulder County Historic Sites Survey, the archaeological potential of the site is evaluated. The exact location of sensitive archaeological sites may be withheld from the public in order to prevent artifact gathering and other forms of destruction. Additionally, archaeological sites must be addressed in a manner that is sensitive to the cultural beliefs of the affected population.

In 1991, Boulder County took action on the policy to preserve historic sites by requiring, for the first time, a permit in order to demolish a structure in unincorpo- rated areas of the county. Soon after this initial action, a consultant was hired and public meetings were held to create the foundations for a historic preservation program. On September 29, 1992, the Board of County Commissioners adopted regulations that formulated Boulder County’s Historic Preservation Program and led to Boulder County becoming the first county-level Certified Local Govern- ment for historic preservation in the State

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Cultural Resources [CR] - Page 2

Goals, Policies, and Maps Amendment

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of Colorado.

The county’s Historic Preservation Program is individualized for the specific needs of Boulder County. The unique landscape of this area, ranging from gently-rolling prairie with nationally significant agricultural value, to the alpine tundra along the Continental Divide, attracted prehistoric peoples and, in later epochs, farmers and miners to the rural portions of the county. In order to protect this diversity, the Historic Preservation Program requires that at least one member of the Historic Preservation Advisory Board be from the agricultural community, at least one member be from the mining community, and at least one member have professional experience in history.

Acknowledgment that pressures for growth place historic rural areas in danger, combined with education and respect for the past, create an atmosphere in which the goals and objectives of the county’s Historic Preservation Program can flourish.

Goals

K.1 Every effort shall be made to identify and protect prehistoric and historic sites which meet national, state, or local criteria for historic designation from destruction or harmful alteration.

K.2 Whenever possible, the county shall further the goal of cultural resource preservation using education and incentives in lieu of stringent regula- tory controls.

Policies

CR 1.01 Boulder County, utilizing staff, volunteers, and professionals, shall continue researching county historic structures, sites, and districts and

archaeologically sensitive areas.

CR 1.01.01 A comprehensive historic sites survey shall be conducted which identifies the resources of historic significance within the county. This survey shall be updated as necessary to include those sites which, though not pres- ently over 50 years of age, become so as time goes on.

CR 1.01.02 The county shall annually update its Historic Preser- vation Work Plan to assess the success of previous preservation efforts and determine the priority of preservation efforts throughout the coming year.

CR 1.02.03 Boulder County staff shall monitor landmark sites to ensure that the terms of the landmarking are being met by the property owner.

CR 1.02 Significant archaeological and historic sites and structures acquired by the county both in unincorporated and incorporated areas, shall be documented, protected, preserved, and where appropriate, restored.

CR 1.02.01 After acquisition, an inventory of cultural resources on the property shall be undertaken and the historic significance of each resource shall be determined.

CR 1.02.02 Resources that meet the criteria for local landmark, or State or National

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Cultural Resources [CR] - Page 3

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CR 1.03 The Boulder County Land Use Code and attendant regulations shall insure that historic and archaeological resources are protected.

CR 1.03.01 The Historic Preservation Advisory Board shall be a referral agency for all land use proposals where a possible impact to a historic or archaeological site has been identified.

CR 1.03.02 The applicant for land use proposals received for areas identified as being archaeologically sensitive may be required to conduct an investigation of the area’s archaeological significance.The scale and location of the proposal will determine if such an investigation will be required.

CR 1.03.03 In communities where the county’s zoning regula- tions are not consistent with the historical pattern of development, the county shall recognize the importance of the histori- cal pattern by implement- ing zoning amendments or taking the historical pattern of development into consideration during the variance process.

CR 1.04 Boulder County shall encourage interjurisdictional cooperation to further the goals of historic and archaeological preservation.

CR 1.04.01 The county shall maintain

Certified Local Govern- ment status with the State of Colorado and the United States Department of the Interior and partici- pate in the nomination and designation of state and national landmarks.

CR 1.04.02 Through the use of intergovernmental agree- ments, the county shall cooperate with incorpo- rated municipalities to offer the advantages of a local landmarking program to the municipalities within the county that do not have such a program.

CR 1.04.03 Boulder County shall pursue intergovernmental agreements with munici- palities which address the issue of preservation of county historic landmarks after annexation by the municipality.

CR 1.04.04 Notice of Historic Preser- vation Advisory Board Hearings and a complete packet of information shall be forwarded to each municipality within the county that requests to be regularly informed of the HPAB’s activities.

CR 1.04.5 The City of Boulder Landmarks Board shall be a referral agency for proposals affecting cultural resources within the Boulder Valley. Examples of such propos- als include, nomination of historic landmarks and the demolition or alteration of historic properties owned by the City of Boulder.

Cultural Resources [CR] - Page 4

Goals, Policies, and Maps Amendment

5/27/99

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CR 1.04.06 As necessary, the Boulder County Parks and Open Space Advisory Committees should be consulted when projects on county open space affect historic structures or sites. Similarly, the City of Boulder Open Space Board should be consulted when projects on city open space land affect historic structures or sites.

CR 1.04.07 The City of Longmont Landmarks Board shall be a referral agency for county landmark designa- tion of structures, sites, or districts within the City’s planning area.

CR 1.05 The county and specifically, the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, shall be an informational resource to Boulder County citizens interested in historic preservation.

CR 1.05.01 The Historic Preservation Advisory Board shall maintain expertise in architecture, agriculture, mining, and history in order to guide property owners with the technical experience necessary for preservation of archaeo- logical and historic sites.

CR 1.05.02 The county shall distrib- ute current copies of the Boulder County Historic Site Survey to local libraries that specialize in history and the Colorado Historical Society.

CR 1.05.03 Pursuant to state and federal laws regarding

disclosure of information pertaining to historic and archaeological sites, the location of extremely fragile sites shall not be public information in order to protect these sites.

CR 1.05.04 The county shall maintain a current listing of struc- tures, sites, and districts included in the Boulder County Register of Historic Landmarks.

CR 1.05.05 A listing of all agencies, non-profit organizations, historical societies, history museums, libraries with history collections, and other entities and organi- zation involved in archae- ology and/or historic preservation shall be maintained by the county as an educational resource for owners of cultural resources and other interested parties.

CR 1.06 The county shall implement its historic preservation goals through education of the public and the offering of incentives whenever possible.

CR 1.06.01 The county may offer the owners of properties that are designated as historic landmarks variations from the building code require- ments, provided the variations support preser- vation of the landmark and the variation is not placing the health, safety, and welfare of county resi- dents and visitors at risk.

CR 1.06.02 The county shall provide information about state

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Cultural Resources [CR] - Page 5

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and national financial incentive programs and support grant and tax credit requests of the state by owners of designated properties.

CR 1.06.03 Boulder County shall investigate the feasibility of a local incentive program for historic preservation. Such program may include tools such as a revolving loan fund, the offering of bonus density for the preserva- tion of significant archaeo- logical sites or historic structures, and a local tax- credit program.

CR 1.06.04 The county shall recognize its citizens by nominating outstanding preservation efforts for archaeological and historic site preserva- tion for awards.

CR 1.07 Sites within the county associ- ated with traditional cultural practices may fall within the purview of the county’s historic preservation regulations, pro- vided that the use of the site can be documented and meets the criteria for designation at the local, state, or national level.

CR 1.07.01 Applicants engaged in a discretionary land use proposal in a location where Native American artifacts have been found or where oral traditions indicate the site was used by Native Americans in the past, shall conduct research to determine the extent of the archaeologi- cal significance of the site. Prior to the removal of

any artifacts or further development on any such site, the applicant shall confer with the affected Native American nation or nations to determine the appropriate mitigation measures necessary for protection of the site.

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Natural Hazards [NH] - Page 1

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Policies and implementation measures established in this element of the compre- hensive plan are directed at 1) avoiding the placement of people and structures where these natural events occur and 2) mitigat- ing existing areas at risk; thereby minimiz- ing the future loss of life, property and resource damage in the county resulting from natural disasters and hazards. Through the enacting of measures con- tained in the natural hazards element, all planning and development decisions will come to be made upon conscious determi- nation of the level of risk entailed. This will necessitate that accurate information on all known hazards be available to decision makers, and that the location, density or intensity of development will be limited by the degree of natural hazard present, or conditioned upon mitigation of the hazard.

Minimizing risk is an essential focus of public safety planning. Every land use or public facility action taken by local govern- ment should be based on a recognition that some risk exists. The level of risk involved then becomes critical in determining when government involvement becomes neces- sary or desirable. When the level of risk is unacceptable, government action may be necessary to protect citizens and property. If it is not necessary to take a risk because individual or public goals can be achieved at the same time, or with less total cost by other means, without taking the risk, then the risk involved is avoidable.

The purpose of the Natural Hazards Element is to avoid or reduce risk to an acceptable level which balances the cost of incorporating safety measures in planning and development actions with the benefit of protecting life and property. “Acceptable risk” is the level of hazard below which no specific action by local government is deemed necessary, other than making the risk known. It is the standard around which this element is designed. Land use and public facility actions taken by the county are presumed

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Natural Hazards [NH] - Page 2

Goals, Policies, and Maps Element

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to be based on a finding that the risk involved does not exceed any acceptable level.

A philosophical question which often results from discussions of planning for public safety is one of: “How much should a person be protected from his/her own actions?” It is perhaps reasonable to conclude that an individual does not warrant special protection from his or her own personal foolishness or ignorance. Unfortunately, personal safety issues often become public safety issues where natural hazards are concerned. For instance, it may appear to be appropriate to allow a person to build a home in a known flood- way, assuming that the person is only threatening himself/herself. In reality, however, such a person may quickly sell the house to some unsuspecting person who inherits the risk. If the house is destroyed and its parts wash away, they may increase the hazards downstream by creating a dam at a bridge or other bottle- neck. If the house is not destroyed, it may have the effect of raising the water levels elsewhere. Additionally, flood insurance is publicly subsidized, and measures to protect the public investment are in the best interest of all.

Planning for public safety is based upon various assumptions and probabilities. Terms like “100-year flood or 100-year storm” are used to describe the probability of such a storm or flood happening with a one percent chance of such an occurrence in any given year. Considering the uncer- tainties associated with natural events, it is apparent that virtually all of the hazards listed in this element may occur at any time. Some are likely to occur during certain seasons, and some will occur only at very infrequent intervals (earthquakes). Still, there is always a certain amount of risk associated with developments of any kind.

This element discusses the various natural hazards which warrant concern in

Boulder County. It attempts to indicate the relative severity of risk associated with each type of hazard, and it points out the need for cautious decision-making which assures that acceptable risk will be used as the basic standard against which all projects will be evaluated. Decision makers may be forced to utilize incomplete data at times, acting on projects without having detailed information on certain types of natural hazards. This is unavoid- able, to a certain extent, pending the completion of more detailed research. Such research may never provide all the information needed though, and decision makers are forced to use the best informa- tion available, combined with common sense, to determine whether any given project remains within the realm of acceptable risk. It should be noted one of the goals of the natural hazards element indicates that the term “risk” relates to threats to either life or property. The finding that the level of risk associated with a given project is acceptable or unacceptable may be somewhat of a subjective evaluation of the decision makers. This may be true for all types of hazards other than flood hazards where federal flood insurance regulations limit the amount of discretion available to the county.

The Natural Hazards Element is directly related to plan elements dealing with land use, environmental quality, and resource management. Its relationship to the Land Use Code and county building codes is critical; these codes should include measures to reduce the effects of natural hazards. This element is also related to the environmental resources, economy, transportation, open space, recreation, solid waste, and public facilities and services portions of the comprehen- sive plan, in that the policies and strategies proposed (or the mitigating measures not taken) will have an impact upon land and financial resources with the county.

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Natural Hazards [NH] - Page 3

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�� Issues and Concerns

With tens of thousands of people moving to Colorado each year, building in the once inaccessible mountain areas and on lands once used for agriculture have become a growing concern.

Most of Boulder County is vulnerable to some form of natural disturbance.

Recent disaster events have focused increased attention at both local and state government levels on the need to mitigate such events where possible and to prepare to cope with them when unavoidable.

Natural Hazards Goals

B.2 Air, water and noise pollution and overall environmental degradation should be reduced as much as possible or eliminated in order to prevent potential harm to life, health and property.

L.1 Inappropriate development in natural hazard areas should be reduced as much as possible or eliminated in order to minimize potential harm to life, health and property.

L.2 Efforts to mitigate existing areas at risk to the impacts of natural hazards and disasters should be made to minimize the potential for harm to life, health, and property.

Policies

�� General

NH 1.01 The total economic, environmen- tal and social costs associated with natural hazards should be reduced first, by avoiding potential hazard situations/areas; second, by applying environmen- tally appropriate mitigation in areas that cannot be avoided;

and, third, by prevention mea- sures accompanied with educa- tion and incentives for mitiga- tion.

NH 1.02 Natural hazards potentially affecting the county should continue to be identified and made known to the public and public officials. The county should promote a high level of public awareness about the risks of these identified hazards which may impact people, property, and the environment. The county should be an informa- tional resource to Boulder County citizens on issues and data related to natural hazards.

NH 1.03 The county should ensure to the extent possible that land use activities do not aggravate, accelerate, or increase the level of risk from natural hazards.

NH 1.03.01 Development activities should be designed to minimize alteration of the natural landform to the greatest extent possible, thus reducing slope instability and drainage problems.

NH 1.03.02 Areas (including any structures) around a proposed project should be protected from the potential adverse impacts caused by the project. These adverse impacts include, but are not limited to: a) disturbance of existing vegetation, which can lead to accelerated erosion and sedimentation; b) aggravation or acceleration of existing

Natural Hazards [NH] - Page 4

Goals, Policies, and Maps Element

5/27/99

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potential hazards (eg., rockfall, flooding, sediment accumulation, expansive soils)

NH 1.04 The level of risk from natural hazards should be reduced through positive county action such as guiding development away from areas prone to natural disturbances, mitigating existing development from hazards, and considering the impact on ability to provide emergency services.

NH 1.05 Upon county review of a new development proposal, all impacts and concerns should be considered, but safety and environmental concerns should take precedence over aesthetic concerns.

NH 1.06 Recognizing that natural hazards cross jurisdictional boundaries, planning efforts should be promoted that foster cooperation and coordination among agen- cies and organizations involved in the mitigation of the risks associated with the hazards.

�� Specific Hazards

Geologic Hazards and Constraints

For definitions and text discussion on geologic hazards, refer to the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan Geologic Element.

NH 2.01 Development in designated Geologic Hazard Areas (shown on the Geologic Hazard & Constraint Areas Map) should be discouraged. Development should only be allowed in these designated hazard areas when adequate mitigation or elimina-

tion of the potential hazards can be demonstrated.

NH 2.01.01 (Also Policy GE 1.01) The county shall strongly discourage intensive uses in Major Hazard Areas as identified in the Geologic Hazard & Constraint Areas Map.

NH 2.01.02 (Also Policy GE 1.02) The county shall discourage intensive uses in Moderate Hazard Areas as identified in the Geologic Hazard & Constraint Areas Map.

NH 2.01.03 (Also Policy GE 1.03) Where in the public interest it may be desirable to permit intensive uses, the county shall direct such uses toward Geologic Constraint Areas rather than toward Geologic Hazard Areas as identified in the Geologic Hazard & Constraint Areas Map.

NH 2.01.04 (Also Policy GE 1.05) The county shall require the evaluation of all geologic hazards and constraints where such hazards or constraints may exist in unincorpo- rated areas of the county as related to new intensive uses. Such evaluations shall be conducted by either a member of the Ameri- can Institute of Profes- sional Geologists, a member of the Associa-

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Natural Hazards [NH] - Page 5

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tion of Engineering Geologists, an individual registered as a geologist by a state, or a “profes- sional geologist” as defined in C.R.S. 34-1- 201(3). Such evalua- tions should incorporate analytical methods representing current, generally accepted, professional principles and practice.

Erosion

NH 3.01 Erosion from development and other land use activities should be minimized, and disturbed or exposed areas should be promptly restored to a stable, natural, and/or vegetated condition using native plants and natural materials.

NH 3.02 Drainage from development or any alterations to historic drainage patterns shall not increase erosion either on site or on adjacent properties.

Flooding

NH 4.01 The county should strongly discourage and strictly control land use development from locating in designated flood- plains, as identified in the Boulder County Zoning Maps.

NH 4.02 The county should strongly discourage and strictly control land use development from locating in areas below dams, spillways, and levees that would require the State Engineer to upgrade the classification of these structures.

NH 4.03 Critical facilities (schools, churches, hospitals, and other facilities as defined by the Federal Emergency Manage- ment Agency, FEMA) should be sited outside the delineated floodplain areas.

NH 4.04 The county, either individually or in partnership with others, should examine alternatives for acquir- ing and/or relocating existing structures prone to flooding.

NH 4.05 The county should continue to develop and refine the county- wide Pre-Disaster Flood Mitiga- tion Plan.

NH 4.06 The county will continue to participate and implement the Community Rating System program as part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Wildfire

NH 5.01 The county recognizes the wildland urban interface as an area particularly at risk to wildland fires or wildfires.

NH 5.02 Fire should be recognized as a natural and/or human-caused occurrence with certain benefits to the ecosystem. The county should strive towards balancing the natural processes of the ecosystem with development concerns so that residents may co-exist in a fire-dependent ecosystem.

NH. 5.03 Development/site plan reviews in areas identified to be at risk of wildfires should address site location, building construction and design, landscaping/defen- sible space/fuel management, access and water availability.

Natural Hazards [NH] - Page 6

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These factors should be ana- lyzed from the standpoint that wildfires may present a hazard to development and/or develop- ment may present an ignition hazard to the forest.

NH 5.04 Boulder County should continue to encourage interjurisdictional and interagency cooperation to further the goals of protection of life and property from wildfires. The Boulder County Wildfire Mitigation Group should continue to work cooperatively to develop and implement programs to reduce the hazard of wildfire. This should include the following subject areas: public education and awareness, fuel reduction and prescribed burn programs, ecosystem/vegetation manage- ment, Wildfire Hazard Identifi- cation and Mitigation System, (WHIMS), codes and regula- tions, and pre-suppression.

NH 5.05 Boulder County should be surveyed and mapped to locate the extent of wildfire hazards and areas at risk using the Wildfire Hazard Identification and Mitigation System (WHIMS).

NH 5.06 Accepted methods of forest land ecosystem management should be used to reduce all severe wildfire hazard areas to a low or moderate rating, particularly in those areas inhabited with human development as defined by WHIMS.

NH 5.07 The county should encourage private and public landowners to manage their forests to preserve the forests’ ecosystem pro- cesses by developing and maintaining a diversity of species, ages, and stand densi-

ties to serve as a natural deter- rent to pest and fire outbreaks. The county should implement measures to guard against the danger of fire in developments within and adjacent to forests or grasslands.

NH 5.08 The county should continue to work in partnership with the local fire protection districts and departments in improving fire protection services to address the increasing concerns of wildfire and the increase in development in the mountainous areas of the county.

Radiation

NH 6.01 Existing structures and new construction in areas which have been identified as having high levels of natural radioactivity shall be mitigated through the use of building codes and techniques.

Seismicity

NH 7.01 Efforts should be made to keep apprised of new siting and building standards that are predicated on potential impacts from seismic events such as earthquakes.

Extreme Weather Conditions

NH 8.01 Efforts should be made to keep apprised of new siting and building standards that are predicated on potential impacts from extreme weather condi- tions such as high winds, heavy snows/hail, lightning, and occasional and irregular tem- perature extremes.

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Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Agricultural [AG] - Page 1

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A 1985 Colorado State University - Boulder County Agricultural Survey revealed that the number one factor discouraging continued agriculture was not market economics but the stresses and impacts created from urban influences. Since 1978, over 18,000 acres or 28 square miles of agricultural lands have been annexed into the eight Boulder County municipalities located on the Plains. In combination with other land use activities, farm acreage in the county decreased from 287,466 in 1959 to 155,488 in 1987 and then slightly increased to 157,493 in 1992.

Another survey, conducted by the county Land Use Department in 1991, suggested that commodity prices and land speculation affecting property taxes had moved ahead of urbanization as the “...major hindrances to farming in Boulder County”, although urban impacts and the loss of nearby agricultural support services remained high on the list of deterrents to continued agricultural activity. In combina- tion, these pressures led to larger farms being carved up into 35 acre tracts, which by state statute are exempt from any subdivision review and design require- ments, and sold to nonagricultural interests. This fragmentation has further complicated the viability of continuing traditional agriculture.

In spite of this discouraging array of statistics and pressures, Boulder County has pursued a number of methods to stem the loss of agricultural lands with varying degrees of success. Working with repre- sentatives of the agricultural community and following the policy direction estab- lished in the 1978 Comprehensive Plan, the county adopted a non-urban planned unit development process (NUPUD) in 1979. In simple terms, this form of subdivision offered landowners a development density of two dwellings per 35 acres and an additional dwelling for each 17.5 acre increment above that figure. In return, at least 75% of the total acreage had to be

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deeded to the county in the form of a conservation easement which restricted activity on the easement to agriculturally- related or other rural land uses. Title remained with the landowner to do with as he or she saw fit consistent with the terms of the easement, although the easement was attached to the property and not the owner. The landowner could sell the lots for residential purposes and use the proceeds to augment agricultural income or keep them for family use. By Septem- ber 1996, this process led to the creation of 146 NUPUDs and the conservation of 11,160 acres of land, some although not all of which remained in agricultural produc- tion or use. In 1995, the county supple- mented the NUPUD with a transferable development rights program (TDR), allowing landowners to sell some or all of their development rights to another party based on essentially the same dwelling unit formula as used with the NUPUD. The purchaser then exercises the use of the purchased development rights in locations more appropriate for development, while the seller continues to own the land with a conservation easement attached to it. The TDR PUD process was authorized in 1994 through the adoption of the Plains Planning Area Element, a new addition to the county’s Comprehensive Plan. That Element refocused the county’s policies and intentions for managing unincorporated Plains lands by emphasizing that land uses “...should continue to be related to agricul- tural activities...and other activities consis- tent with the rural character of the county.”

Another tool given a major boost by Boulder County voters in 1993 has been the funding of an aggressive open space program. One method employed for open space preservation has been the purchase of development rights, or PDRs. This methodology enables a landowner to sell the potential development rights while retaining title to the land for continued farming either by the owner or through leasing to others. The advantages of PDRs

include effective land and water preserva- tion at a cost below full purchase of title for the property, continued land manage- ment being in the hands of the owner or farmer or rancher vs. being a responsibility for the county, and keeping the property on the tax rolls. To date, the county has preserved 5,018 acres of agricultural land through PDRs. Conservation easements and fee purchases are also important contributions to the preservation of agricul- ture. Although they may not share the same benefits listed for PDRs, they offer their own unique values to the county’s residents. Our intergovernmental agree- ment with the City of Boulder also pro- motes agricultural land preservation within the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Planning area of the county and is one of the stated Open Space Department purposes as defined in the City of Boulder’s Charter. Other intergovernmen- tal agreements around the county promote similar objectives.

Agricultural Objectives

The objective of the subsequent policies is the preservation of the agricul- tural lands in the county, and their related uses, by whatever means are available to the county and effective in achieving this end. The county recognizes that agricul- tural lands do not exist in a vacuum. Without the ability to conduct economically viable agricultural activities upon them, agricultural lands become merely vacant lands. The key to preserving agricultural lands in the county is maintaining a healthy agricultural economy in the county. Therefore, a corollary objective of the subsequent policies is the encouragement, promotion, and fostering of agricultural enterprises and activities in the county.

In 1978, the state and county classi- fied, identified and mapped the lands in the Plains portion of the county as to their potential agricultural productivity and significance. In order of significance, those mapped designations are “Lands of

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Agricultural [AG] - Page 3

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National, Statewide and Local Impor- tance,” as well as “Other Agricultural Lands.” The new Agricultural Element includes an updated Agricultural Lands Map of the Boulder County Comprehen- sive Plan which was last approved in 1978 which was prepared by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, formerly the Soil Conservation Service. The methodology employed in the updating involved using 1995 aerial photography (color slides) on a scale of eight inches to the mile. The data from the slides was transferred to the Boulder County Zoning Maps and then overlayed on the Soil Conservation Service original Prime Farmland Map. The same basic criteria was used as when the map was originally prepared [described in the Environmental Resources Element approved in 1986]. There was, however, a change in some of the soils information that brought some additional lands into the ‘prime’ classifica- tion. This change was not drastic. Irriga- tion is one of the main criteria in determin- ing if the soils are considered ‘prime’ and this was the principal area looked at in revising the map. Areas that have had a major change in land use or are no longer being irrigated were excluded from the ‘prime’ classification. The Environmental Resources Element of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan provides more information on the methodology and criteria used in the mapping of the Signifi- cant Agricultural Lands.

It remains the intent of the Compre- hensive Plan and attendant land use codes to promote and assist in the preser- vation of agricultural lands for agricultural and other rural purposes. This stance is predicated on several decisions and conclusions reached by the county in the formulation of the original 1978 Compre- hensive Plan which remain well-founded today. They include the recognition of agricultural lands as an important nonre- newable resource, the lack of services and infrastructure capabilities in the rural area to support other than a rural and agrarian

level of land use, the long standing position that an adequate range of urban services and related urban development can best be provided and maintained through municipal governments, the belief that compact urban development is the most efficient and appropriate way to retain agricultural lands and rural character, the maintenance of economic support for the agricultural community, and the county’s commitment to the plains municipalities through inter- governmental agreements and other understandings to not compete with those municipalities for the provision of urban development or services in the unincorpo- rated areas of the county.

It is important to note that, notwith- standing the county’s continued backing of agricultural preservation and activity, there are intensities and kinds of agricultural uses that can have detrimental impacts on land, water and other components of the environment if not held accountable to some level of management and regulation. A commercial feed lot, for example, is a far different form of legitimate agricultural enterprise than is an alfalfa field in terms of its potential impacts. The Comprehen- sive Plan recognizes these differences and the carefully exercised responsibility the county must assume in balancing an earnest support for agriculture with necessary degrees of regulation to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents and the environment of Boulder County.

Agricultural Goals

A.1 Future urban development should be located within or adjacent to existing urban areas in order to eliminate sprawl and strip development, to assure the provision of adequate urban services, to preserve agriculture, forestry and open space land uses, and to maximize the utility of funds in- vested in public facilities and services.

M.1Agricultural enterprises and activities are an important sector of the Boulder

Agricultural [AG] - Page 4

Goals, Policies, and Maps Element

5/27/99

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County economy and the county shall foster and promote a diverse and sustainable agricultural economy as an integral part of its activities to con- serve and preserve agricultural lands in the county.

B.7 Productive agricultural land is a limited resource of both environmental and economic value and should be con- served and preserved.

E.1 Preservation and utilization of water for agricultural purposes within the county shall be encouraged.

Agricultural Policies

AG 1.01 It is the policy of Boulder County to promote and support the preservation of agricultural lands and activities within the unincorporated areas of the county, and to make that position known to all citizens currently living in or intending to move into this area.

AG 1.02 The county shall foster and encourage varied activities and strategies which encourage a diverse and sustainable agricul- tural economy and utilization of agricultural resources.

AG 1.02.01 In instances where the county desires to purchase an interest as a means of protecting lands which have agriculture as their primary value, the pur- chase of development rights shall be preferred over fee simple purchase; however, the county should be willing to pursue other types of purchase arrangements when preferred by the land- owner.

AG 1.03 It is the policy of Boulder County to encourage the preservation and utilization of those lands identified in the Agricultural Element as Agricul- tural Lands of National, State- wide, or Local Importance and other agricultural lands for agricultural or rural uses. The Boulder County Comprehen- sive Plan Agricultural Element Map shall include such lands located outside of the boundaries of any municipality or the Niwot Community Service Area.

AG1.04 In reviewing applications for new development, Boulder County shall consider potential impacts on existing adjacent agricultural uses and shall use its regulatory authority to mitigate those impacts which would be detrimental to the continuation of existing agricultural operations and activities and the establish- ment of new agricultural opera- tions and activities. New development should be sited in such a way so as to minimize and/or prevent future conflicts.

AG1.05 It shall be the policy of Boulder County to keep the regulatory burden on various agricultural activities to the minimum necessary for identifying, addressing, and mitigating potential impacts in the areas of health, safety, and welfare.

AG1.05.01 It shall be the policy of Boulder County to allow the operation of existing nonconforming agricultural uses consistent with protection of the public health, safety, and wel- fare.

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Agricultural [AG] - Page 5

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AG1.06 The county shall continue to support appropriate state and federal legislation designed to preserve agricultural resources.

AG1.07 The county shall continue to actively participate in state, federal, and local programs directed toward the identification and preservation of agricultural land.

AG1.08 The county shall encourage the development of resource management plans for signifi- cant native grassland ecosys- tems.

AG1.09 The county shall provide techni- cal assistance to farmers and ranchers to help avoid conflicts over wetland and riparian management and the manage- ment of other sensitive or diminishing environmental resources as listed and periodi- cally updated in the Environmen- tal Resources Element. In doing so, the county shall seek the advice and expertise of other land, resource, and wildlife agencies and institutions to the extent the resources are avail- able.

AG1.10 The county shall encourage the development of soil and water conservation plans to help assure sound resource steward- ship and, where appropriate, may require such plans in land use applications subject to the county’s discretionary review processes as defined in the county Land Use Code.

AG1.11 The county shall encourage that water rights historically used for agricultural production remain attached to irrigable lands and shall encourage the preservation

of historic ditch systems.

AG1.12 The county shall continue to discourage the fragmentation of large parcels of agricultural land and to encourage the assem- blage of smaller parcels into larger, more manageable and productive tracts.

AG1.13 The county shall continue to monitor the application of these policies and attendant Boulder County land use codes, as to their effectiveness in preserving agricultural land and perpetuat- ing agricultural uses in Boulder County while maintaining a reasonable use to the individual owner.

�� Infrastructure Development & Oil and Gas Operations on Agricul- tural Land

AG 2.01 The county shall discourage the placement of new utility infra- structure upon agricultural lands. The county supports using existing easements or other public rights-of-way to minimize the impacts to agriculturally productive land.

AG 2.01.01 If a thorough analysis of alternatives concludes that routing/siting of facilities is necessary on or across agricultural lands, all construction activities will be located and performed so as to minimize disturbance to agricultural resources.

AG 2.01.02 If the infrastructure location is determined necessary, infrastructure construction activities across agricultural lands should not occur during

Agricultural [AG] - Page 6

Goals, Policies, and Maps Element

5/27/99

the growing season.

AG 2.01.03 Any agricultural lands and water resource systems disturbed by infrastructure construc- tion shall be restored to their former productivity.

The following policies apply only to oil and gas operations.

AG 2.02 Oil and gas exploration, develop- ment, and production activities which affect agricultural opera- tions shall be designed to minimize impacts to agricultural lands and water resource systems.

AG 2.03 Reclamation and restoration plans shall be required upon permitting and be implemented upon plugging and/or removal of all oil and gas well and produc- tion facilities, or upon abandon- ment, and shall include all appropriate measures to return the land to productive agricul- ture.

AG 2.04 The county shall use its regula- tory authority to minimize the impacts of oil and gas operations on agricultural lands and ensure complete restoration of the area through the use of financial bonds, other forms of financial security or other appropriate regulatory measures to the extent authorized by law.

�� Weed and Pest Management

State statutes (Article 5.5 of Title 35, C.R.S. 1973, and as amended by House Bill 96-1008) require counties to develop and enforce weed and pest management plans on all unincorporated lands under county jurisdiction. While the Agricultural Element is considered the most appropriate

portion of the Comprehensive Plan in which to codify the following policies, they apply across the county and are also cross referenced in the Plan’s section entitled “Additional County-wide Policies.”

AG 3.01 The county shall support state and federal legislation which encourages management of noxious weeds.

AG 3.02 The county shall actively participate in state, federal, and local programs directed toward Integrated Pest Management programs for noxious weeds, and vertebrate and insect pests.

AG 3.03 The county shall use, and encourage all land owners to use, Best Management Prac- tices, which may include chemi- cal, fire, mechanical, biological, cultural control for weeds; chemical, physical, and cultural control for vertebrate pests; and chemical, biological and cultural control for insects.

AG 3.04 The county shall use and encourage the use of certified weed free products such as hay, mulch, gravel, bedding material, and general construction mate- rial.

AG 3.05 The county shall make available to all landowners educational materials and assistance in developing and implementing management plans to control pests.

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Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Housing [HO] - Page 1

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The primary purpose of the Boulder County Housing Authority is to encourage and support housing of good quality and adequate size for all families in the com- munities and rural areas where they presently live and work. If the private sector of the economy, alone, in unable to provide such housing at a reasonable cost to low and moderate income families, then it is the duty of the Boulder County Housing Authority to secure the necessary housing through available federal, state, local government and/or a combination of public-private sector cooperative projects where workable and in the best interest of low income housing needs. Furthermore, it is the intent of the following policies to move toward the attainment of the resi- dential goal statements of the Comprehen- sive Plan. To acheive this purpose and intent, the policies of the Boulder County Housing Authority are set forth.

Housing Policies

HO 1.01 The housing needs for low and moderate income families and senior citizens in Boulder County shall be determined periodically.

HO 1.02 Federal, state, local government and/or public cooperative effort housing programs should be utilized to meet the housing needs of low and moderate income families and senior citizens. These programs should include the construction of new units, utilization of existing units, and the renovation of sub- standard units.

HO 1.03 Standard housing should be maintained at that level and substandard housing should be improved to standard condition if it appears economically feasible. If housing units are dilapidated and unsuitable for rehabilitation, the units should be removed from the housing stock.

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HO 1.04 Special attention should be directed to providing for dis- persal of housing for low and moderate income families and low income senior citizens throughout the residential areas of the county with due consider- ation to other elements of the county Comprehensive Plan and the availability of water and sewer service, fire protection, public transportation, employ- ment, shopping, schools, social services, and recreational activities.

HO 1.05 The enactment of state enabling legislation should be encouraged allowing counties to adopt a housing code and/or Warranty of Habitability, and other legislation enabling the Housing Authority to achieve its long range goals.

HO 1.06 Legislation and policies that enhance equal housing opportu- nities shall be encouraged and supported, including but not limited to:

HO 1.06.01 The elimination of discrimination against any person because of sex, race, color, religion, marital status, or national origin with regard to the sale, financing or rental of housing.

HO 1.06.02 The elimination of exclusionary or discrimi- natory practices in zoning, development, and construction.

HO 1.06.03 The development of programs to provide tax relief to low income

families and low income senior citizens.

HO 1.06.04 The provision of ad- equate public transpor- tation service for low and moderate income families and senior citizens.

HO 1.07 The use of energy conservation and innovative home building techniques in order to reduce construction and/or operating costs without sacrificing safety or desirability of the housing shall be encouraged and sup- ported. When appropriate, the revision or adoption of building and housing codes will be encouraged to meet this objec- tive. For county Housing Authority projects, a preference will be given to developers and contractors that utilize such techniques.

HO 1.08 Zoning, planned unit develop- ment regulations, and building codes should be promoted to provide quality residential developments of innovative design that offer a good social and economic mix of families through a broad range of prices and rents.

HO 1.09 The efficient and effective management of housing units owned by the Housing Author- ity, and proper administration of the Housing Assistance pro- grams should be ensured.

HO 1.10 Housing counseling services, advice, and assistance concern- ing housing problems to consum- ers shall be provided.

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Solid Waste [SW] - Page 1

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It was clearly established that the Solid Waste Element should be simply one of the many urban services provided and planned for in the overall comprehensive planning process, and that the solid waste program should be subordinate to and guided by the overall planning efforts of the county. The original Solid Waste Element of the Boulder County Compre- hensive Plan was adopted in 1978. The general planning objectives which were adopted at that time following extensive public comment were utilized together with new information to develop the 1982 Solid Waste Plan. The Goals and Policies set forth in the following sections are the result of the 1987 update of the Solid Waste Element.

�� Boulder County’s Role

Boulder County’s role in providing for the proper management of solid wastes shall be as set forth in the following sections. The intent is to differentiate between the respective responsibilities of the private sector and other levels of government so as to concentrate limited resources on those areas of involvement where the county is likely to be most effective.

�� Primary Concentration

Primary concentration of solid waste occurs at the generation source and is primarily the responsibility of municipalities and private haulers who provide individual collection services or the state and federal government where hazardous or radiologi- cal wastes are concerned. Boulder County’s responsibility with such matters as container sizing, container types, container locations, types of wastes allowed and pick up frequency for the primary concentration of solid waste is directed to aid the regulation of land use proposals where these matters become a local land use concern, the requiring or encouraging of source separation to assist reuse activities, and waste generation

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reduction through means that may be effective on a local level.

�� Transportation

Transportation of solid waste consists of the hauling of wastes from the primary concentration point to a disposal facility or to a transfer facility. This function is primarily the responsibility of those munici- palities and private haulers who provide individual collection services or to state and federal government where hazardous or radiological wastes are concerned. Boulder County’s responsibility with the transportation of solid waste is directed toward the alleviation of adverse environ- mental impacts in the unincorporated areas of the county and on public roadways and toward the designation of exclusive disposal or processing sites for the more efficient and effective routing of the solid waste stream and the possible encourage- ment of reuse opportunities.

�� Secondary Concentration

Secondary concentration of solid waste occurs at transfer facilities which are utilized to minimize hauling and to improve environmental control. This function is a direct responsibility of Boul- der County insofar as it relates to the mountain compactor or green box program and to land use proposals where such facilities are to be owned or operated by others.

�� Processing

Processing solid waste consists of shredding, grinding, baling, incineration and similar processes that are used to alter the character of the solid waste stream to facilitate handling. These functions are of particular concern to those who own or operate solid waste disposal or reuse facilities. Boulder County’s responsibility relating to these processes is directed toward the encouragement of reuse

opportunities, improved site environment and the prolonging of landfill life in order to reduce land requirements for final disposal purposes.

�� Resource Recovery and Recy- cling

Resource recovery and recycling consists of diverting potentially reusable materials from the solid waste stream and redirecting them toward a useful purpose. Resource recovery and recycling is considered to be in the best public interest and as such is deemed not only a responsi- bility of Boulder County but of the private sector, other levels of government and individual citizens as well.

�� Final Disposal

Final disposal consists of the burial, dispersal, incineration, or other methods that are used to dispose of unwanted wastes and is a primary responsibility of Boulder County for non-hazardous or non- radiological wastes. It is recognized that sanitary landfills will be needed for most wastes until resource conservation and recovery practices are successful. It is also recognized that landfills and rubble fills will still be needed thereafter for the disposal of irreducible residues.

�� Regulation

Regulation consists of the promulga- tion of standards and requirements for the collection, transportation, disposal, process- ing and resource conservation activities for the general public health and welfare. This function is a responsibility of all levels of government and a primary responsibility of Boulder County in those areas defined herein as a Boulder County role. It is assumed that the State of Colorado views the management of normal solid wastes as distinguished from radiological or hazard- ous wastes as a local government respon- sibility with the state providing direct management responsibility for radiological

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Solid Waste [SW] - Page 3

and hazardous wastes. It is also assumed that the main impetus of federal require- ments is aimed at the state level of govern- ment in that states are required to develop and implement solid waste management programs particularly in the area of hazardous wastes and local government agencies are responsible for securing compliance with state and federal regula- tions relating to solid waste facilities owned, operated or permitted by the local government. In that states are required to develop and implement solid waste man- agement programs, particularly in the area of hazardous wastes, and local government agencies are responsible for securing compliance with state and federal regula- tions relating to solid waste facilities owned, operated, or permitted by the local government.

�� Services Fees and Charges

This function consists of the recovery of economic, social, and environmental costs incurred in providing either private or public solid waste services and it is a responsibility of Boulder County insofar as it relates to the effective and fair imple- mentation of Boulder County’s solid waste management plan.

The following policies will be Boulder County’s official position on the manage- ment of solid waste and shall guide staff, appointed committees and commissions as well as the Board of County Commission- ers in reaching decisions on solid waste management for at least the next three to five years.

Solid Waste Policies

�� Environmental

SW 1.01 Solid waste facilities in Boulder County shall be planned, located, designed and operated to prevent unacceptable air, water, noise and visual pollution, and in consideration of the inventory,

goals and policies of the Envi- ronmental Resources Element of the Boulder County Compre- hensive Plan.

SW 1.02 Solid waste facilities that are to be operated in Boulder County shall be designed and operated in conformance with all appli- cable federal, state, and local regulations.

SW 1.03 The county’s criteria for the planning, design, location, operation and enforcement for new or expanded solid waste sanitary landfill facilities shall be updated by the Transportation Department in cooperation with the Land Use Department and county Health Department and shall include provisions for assigning long term responsibility for abandoned facilities.

SW 1.04 The county shall monitor the remedial actions undertaken by responsible parties at the Marshall Landfill under the direction of EPA and the State Health Department.

SW 1.05 The county’s municipalities and sanitation districts shall be encouraged to seek and develop means of utilizing sludge for possible public benefits including land application of digested sludge for crop production or methane production.

SW 1.06 The Land Use Department, in cooperation with the county Health Department, shall continue to secure agreements from the large municipalities and sanitation districts to provide adequate drop-off facilities for septic wastes so that they can be properly treated.

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Goals, Policies, and Maps Element

5/27/99

SW 1.07 The county shall utilize regula- tions developed by the Water Quality Control Division of the State Health Department for the management of sludge, septic wastes, and the unlawful disposal of hazardous and radioactive wastes received at facilities designed for normal wastes.

SW 1.08 Hazardous waste disposal facilities shall not be located in Boulder County because of the populous nature of the county and the potential for damage to life, health and the environment from a permanent disposal site. Transfer facilities for the handling of small quantities of hazardous waste may be allowed if such facilities can meet all federal, state, and local requirements for the handling of hazardous wastes.

SW 1.09 The county shall cooperate with the state and federal agencies to assure that hazardous and special wastes generated within the county are properly re- cycled, neutralized or disposed of at authorized facilities as prescribed by the 1976 Re- source Conservation and Recovery Act and any amend- ments.

SW 1.10 The county Health Department, in cooperation with the Land Use Department, shall encour- age the proper management of household hazardous waste through public education and environmentally sound disposal methods.

�� Public Involvement

SW 2.01 Public participation in the decision making process shall be encouraged through ample

notice of meetings where major solid waste management and planning issues are being considered.

�� Governmental Relations

SW 3.01 The county Land Use Depart- ment shall provide a sufficient level of communication between all known public agencies and special interest groups that are actively engaged in solid waste activities and issues involving Boulder County.

SW 3.02 The county shall cooperate actively with existing intergov- ernmental agencies on efforts to develop regional approaches and necessary legislation to meet current and anticipated solid and hazardous waste problems.

SW 3.03 The county shall encourage a cooperative effort in the imple- mentation and continuation of a local hazardous materials response plan and action.

�� Solid Waste Management

SW 4.01 The county shall continue the mountain transfer station program in the Nederland and Allenspark/Ward areas as a county-owned, operated and partially user-fee financed program.

SW 4.02 The private sector shall be encouraged to provide trash collection services in the plains and in the mountain areas not served by the mountain transfer station program, and the county shall regulate private haulers for safety and health reasons through the issuance of trash haulers’ licenses.

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Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Solid Waste [SW] - Page 5

SW 4.03 Since the Landfill Siting Study did not identify suitable land disposal sites in Boulder County, the county should assure that sites are available for land disposal in adjacent counties, as needed, through intergovern- mental agreements or govern- mental acquisition of a site, if needed. Further, the county shall continue to explore a region-wide approach to solid waste management.

SW 4.04 The county shall monitor performance goals and require- ments for any proposed new or expanded disposal facilities leaving the actual design to competent engineers and geologists and the operations and management of the facilities to appropriately qualified contractors or similarly qualified public personnel.

SW 4.05 The planning and design of solid waste facilities shall be based on normal waste generation in Boulder County using the latest and most reliable population, land use and waste generation types and projections consistent with the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan.

SW 4.06 The private sector may be allowed opportunities to partici- pate in any publicly owned solid waste facility. Quality control shall be maintained through contractual arrangements containing appropriate opera- tions, inspections and enforce- ment provisions.

SW 4.07 The county shall continue to utilize a combination of general property tax revenues (Solid Waste Mill Levy) and user fees

to support the planning, con- struction, and operation of solid waste facilities and funding of public education on the ways of proper disposal of waste.

SW 4.08 In order to provide appropriate administration for the successful implementation of the solid waste management plan, the county shall provide adequate technical staff and the Boulder County Solid Waste Advisory Committee shall continue to serve as the county’s citizen advisory body.

�� Resource Recovery and Recycling

SW 5.01 Efforts shall be made to reduce the amount of solid waste disposed of in landfills by 20 percent by 2000 through the diversion of rubble and sludge to more useful purposes and through the implementation of effective resource recovery and recycling activities.

SW 5.02 Efforts shall be made to recover 30 percent of the reusable components of solid waste by 2000 through the provision of economic incentives for recy- cling operations and by the promulgation of new local regulations. New state and federal legislation shall be sought as required.

SW 5.03 Solid waste collection, transpor- tation, disposal, and processing facilities shall be planned, operated and encouraged to promote the development of resource recovery and recycling opportunities.

SW 5.04 Funds from the approved Resource Recovery and Recy-

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Solid Waste [SW] - Page 6

Goals, Policies, and Maps Element

5/27/99

cling Fee levied at the Marshall Landfill or other regulated solid waste facilities shall be used by the county or by other public or private organizations for re- source recovery and recycling activities. The Board of County Commissioners upon recommen- dation of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee shall distribute these funds based upon the amount of waste diverted; ability to perform; integration with existing solid waste management activities; environmental and ecological soundness; public education/ support value; potential for long- term viability and the targeted audience.

SW 5.05 Household separation, collection centers, and similar small scale resource recovery and recycling activities shall be encouraged and may be financially aided, until such time as they are replaced with more effective, self-supporting programs. The integration and coordination of resource recovery and recycling activities, collection services and disposal facilities shall be encouraged and required, if possible, to minimize overall recovery costs. The county shall cooperate with the staff of involved municipalities to encourage the most cost- efficient means of collection.

SW 5.06 The county shall set perfor- mance goals and requirements for any proposed privately- owned transfer stations in order to assure that comprehensive recycling is implemented and to preserve the option of convert- ing transfer stations to waste-to- energy facilities in the long-term. The county shall pursue adopting

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an ordinance which would give regulatory authority to the appropriate departments to oversee operations of all trans- fer stations in Boulder County.

SW 5.07 The county shall encourage activities which educate the citizenry in the values, methods and techniques of recycling, resource recovery and waste reduction.

SW 5.08 The county shall actively encourage and pursue the reduction of waste generation.

SW 5.09 The county shall pursue long- term financing solutions to solid waste management.

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Land Use Surrounding Airports [AIR] - Page 1

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AIR 1.01 The county shall strongly encourage local authorities that have jurisdiction and/or control with respect to the operation and management of those airports directly affect- ing Boulder County to under- take the development of airport master plans.

AIR 1.01.01 As a minimum, such master plans shall address:

(a) the potential expansion of airports and attendant operations within the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan planning period (15 years);

(b) the intensity of current and foreseeable devel- opmental pressures of areas surrounding airports;

(d) the protection of the public and private investments of the airports; and

(e) the development of land use regulations that establish compatible land uses in areas surrounding airports.

AIR 1.02 Airport master plans should be in accordance with the goals, policies, and land use regula- tions of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan as well as other municipal comprehen- sive plans that may be affected by the operation of an airport.

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Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Fire Protection [FP] - Page 1

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FP 1.01 The county shall encourage fire protection districts in Boulder County to adopt, implement and enforce similar fire codes.

FP 1.02 The county shall encourage the provision of a fire coordinator to offer technical assistance concerning fire code and related matters to fire departments and county departments upon request.

FP 1.03 The county shall encourage each fire department to clearly define the level and type of service which it provides and to move toward development and adoption of a fire protection master plan as described in Policy FP 1.04.

FP 1.04 The county shall support the development of fire protection master plans by individual departments, and, where appropriate, by geographically related groups of fire depart- ments for the purpose of defining and potentially improv- ing the level of service provided, eliminating unnecessary dupli- cation, fragmentation, or com- peting services, and encouraging the consolidation of fire depart- ments or districts.

FP 1.05 The Boulder County Land Use Code shall require development proposals to include an evalua- tion of the impact of the pro- posal upon the capability of the affected fire department to maintain its appropriate level of service to existing development in its response area or district and to adequately serve the proposed new development. The level of sophistication of this

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Fire Protection [FP] - Page 2

Goals, Policies, and Maps

5/27/99

evaluation shall be commensu- rate with the type of develop- ment proposed.

FP 1.06 The county shall incorporate into the Boulder County Land Use Code, in so far as possible, design and development stan- dards and requirements which will result in the future provision of fire protection that is efficient and of an appropriate level.

FP 1.07 The county shall support the acquisition, development and maintenance, and utilization of accurate information for fire protection planning purposes, e.g., response time and fire protection category maps, wildfire hazard and risk data, land use patterns, and depart- mental capabilities, etc.

FP 1.08 Recognizing the value of fire protection districts in providing fire prevention inspection and investigative functions in the unincorporated areas of the county, the county shall encour- age volunteer departments to consider reorganizing as fire districts or annexing their territorial area into existing fire protection districts.

FP 1.09 The county shall encourage cooperation and the develop- ment of agreements between all levels of government and the various agencies providing fire protection services for the purpose of most efficiently utilizing the resources of each entity.

FP 1.10 The county shall recognize the value of organizations such as the Boulder County Firefighters’ Association as resources for guidance and referral on fire

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protection and emergency services issues, for facilitating cooperation between fire departments, emergency service agencies, other units of govern- ment, and the public.

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Telecommunications [TE] - Page 1

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TE 1.01 The Boulder County Land Use Code shall regulate Telecommu- nications Facilities, as defined in the textual statement of this element, either as a Use By Right or as a Use By Special Review so as to assure compat- ibility with surrounding land uses and safety from hazards.

TE 1.02 Consideration of applications for Special Review shall normally include alternative siting and design studies for the purpose of providing information that can assist in the review of the proposal and a consideration of alternate sites and alternate designs that may be more acceptable to Boulder County.

TE 1.03 The county should accommo- date adequate regional and community telecommunications facilities to serve the needs of governments, businesses, and citizens of Boulder County while avoiding, where possible, or minimizing any negative impacts associated with telecommunica- tions facilities.

TE 1.04 The county should accommo- date the use of current and evolving new telecommunica- tions technologies.

TE 1.05 The aesthetic and environmental quality of the county shall be given full consideration when locating, designing, or upgrading any telecommunications facility so as to avoid any significant adverse impacts.

TE 1.06 Consolidation of multiple tele- communications facilities onto common towers, when feasible

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Telecommunications [TE] - Page 2

Goals, Policies, and Maps

5/27/99

and not otherwise detrimental, shall be strongly encouraged by Boulder County.

TE 1.07 When feasible, telecommunica- tions facilities shall be located adjacent to, on or incorporated into existing or proposed build- ings or other structures.

TE 1.08 Where a telecommunications system utilizes a network of facilities, a comprehensive approach shall be taken for evaluating potential sites in Boulder County with a view to minimizing the number of sites required and any adverse impact.

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Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Economics [EC] - Page 1

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The Boulder County Comprehensive Plan recognizes that each of the 11 municipalities has developed its own goals concerning such issues as rate of growth, desirable land use types and patterns of development, service financing mecha- nisms and economic development incen- tives. Many of the stated goals of these municipalities appear similar. The munici- palities recognize the value of seeking a balance between housing and job opportu- nities within their respective cities. Each municipality has developed an individual approach to the land use issues mentioned above and to the programs or other actions aimed at achieving a desirable balance and a stable, healthy economy. A majority of municipalities are involved also in efforts to increase sales tax revenues and encourage local spending by citizens. It is clear that within the areas projected for urban development adequate land and services are being planned to accommodate future economic development, whether one foresees rapid increases or a more moder- ate growth rate.

Another significant component in both the county Comprehensive Plan and a majority of the municipal plans and pro- grams is recognition of the importance of environmental factors, natural and cultural amenities or “quality of life” issues to the health of the economy. The Boulder County economy has benefitted from its legacy of careful land use decisions and its national and state parks and forests and the open space and park acquisitions of the county and various municipalities, notably the City of Boulder. These attributes, together with the presence and resources of the University of Colorado and the local market for products and services, are vital to the county’s economic health.

The following economic goals and policies were revised and expanded in 1987 in conjunction with development of a background Economic Element. They are intended to be used in conjunction with the Design of the Regional Goals A.1 - A.4.

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Goals, Policies, and Maps

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Policies

EC 1.01 The county shall obtain and retain current and relevant economic statistics and other information, including data on major industries and employers county-wide, and in the unincor- porated area, data on the agricultural, forestry and tourism industries, for the purpose of assessing the employment and economic status of the county and success in moving in the direction of Goal A.4 and the Plan’s “economic conditions” goal statements.

EC 1.02 The county shall promote the preservation and enhancement of its major assets in attracting new employers: special features of the natural environment, high quality educational and scientific resources, low levels of environ- mental pollution, sound land use planning and a strong sense of community and neighborhood identity.

EC 1.03 The county shall encourage economic development activities which will help provide addi- tional employment opportunities and adequate incomes for Boulder County residents. The county shall work with the municipalities, public, non-profit, and private sector organizations to insure that economically disadvantaged residents of the county participate in the addi- tional employment and income opportunities resulting from its economic development activi- ties.

EC 1.04 The county shall function as a resource of land use information for the municipalities within its borders and other entities concerned with its economic

health, stability and develop- ment.

EC 1.05 The county shall assist munici- palities with their economic development efforts upon request and in keeping with the other goals and policies of the Boulder County Comprehen- sive Plan.

EC 1.06 In its economic development efforts, including support or assistance to municipalities, the county shall recognize the importance of retaining and expanding existing businesses and industries, the significance of small firms and both the benefits and potential drawbacks of attracting new support businesses and industries.

EC 1.07 The county shall recognize the importance of tourism and recreation to the local economy and shall encourage the provi- sion of urban and non-urban services and facilities necessary for the continuation and expan- sion of these activities, consis- tent with other goals and policies of the Boulder County Com- prehensive Plan.

EC 1.08 The county shall support the University of Colorado as a catalyst for economic activity within the area.

EC 1.09 The county shall encourage public/private cooperation in addressing the County’s eco- nomic goals and objectives.

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5/27/99 Additional County-Wide [CW] - Page 1

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CW 1.01 Many land uses and zoning decisions have been made in the past 12 years without the use of a comprehensive plan to guide in the formulation of such deci- sions. With the development of the goals and policies of the Boulder County Comprehen- sive Plan it is clear that many past decisions now conflict with the underlying plan objective of channelling urban growth into Community Service Areas while preserving surrounding agricul- tural and forest lands. To rectify these obvious conflicts between existing zoning and future land use, it is the policy of Boulder County to modify the existing zoning pattern in areas surrounding Community Service Areas as well as other areas of the county.

CW 1.02 In recognition that the develop- mental policies, proposed land uses, and existing zoning distri- bution patterns of surrounding counties may result in incompat- ible or detrimental land use impacts on Boulder County, it is herein the policy of Boulder County to establish an effective intergovernmental understanding and agreement with the sur- rounding counties for the purpose of attempting to mitigate or minimize any potential detrimental land uses or related impacts upon the incorporated or unincorporated areas of Boulder County.

CW 1.03 The rezoning of lands from which historic water rights have been severed and which sever- ance reduced the capacity to use such land for the purposes to which it was put or zoned at

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the time of the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan shall not be viewed with favor when the primary justification for such rezoning would only be the diminished productive capacity of the land which was caused by the severance.

CW 1.04 The county shall investigate the feasibility and desirability of establishing review regulations at a county level for the con- struction and/or expansion of water storage, diversions, transmission, and distribution systems. In undertaking such an investigation, the county shall consider the enabling powers and guidelines for regulation found in H.B. 1041 (CRS 24- 65.1-101 et seq.) and H.B. 1034 (CRS 29-20-101 et seq.).

CW 1.05 The county shall reassess the Home Occupation category of the Boulder County Land Use Code, and shall make amend- ments where relevant and manageable to more adequately serve the needs and desires of the citizens of Boulder County.

CW 1.06 The county shall assess the feasibility of designing a land use permit which should either replace or be an addendum to a building permit, the purpose of such a permit would be to provide both an applicant for a land use activity and other governmental entities with a central checklist containing an itemization of all information required prior to making a decision regarding the proposed activity.

CW 1.07 To accomplish a cooperative and coordinated land use planning effort among the

region’s municipalities, it is herein the policy of Boulder County to enter into intergovern- mental contracts with the municipalities for the purpose of implementing the land use proposals and policies of the jointly adopted municipal com- prehensive plans.

CW 1.08 The county shall support and endorse state and federal legislation which focuses upon the development of equitable tax programs designed to preserve agricultural, forest, and other natural resources.

CW 1.09 The county shall thoroughly assess the environmental impacts of any land use proposal prior to the approval or denial of an application for subdivision, rezoning, or Special Use.

CW 1.10 The county acknowledges that information pertinent to land use decision-making and involving both quantifiable and unquantifiable environmental factors is lacking or incomplete in certain areas. It is, therefore, the policy of the county to search out information and to make said information available and intelligible to the public.

CW 1.11 A diversity in housing construc- tion shall be encouraged through flexibility in regulations and codes to reflect the various desires of individuals and to insure the ability of the owner builder to utilize his or her own labor, design, skills, and any other resources facilitating owner-built housing.

CW 1.12 When appropriate, the county shall encourage and support the formation of citizen groups to

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Additional County-Wide [CW] - Page 3

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participate in planning-related matters; and for such purposes the county commissioners or agencies may appoint/form ad hoc citizen advisory groups or request the appointment of such groups.

CW 1.13 The county recognizes that the location of potentially hazardous developments within the unin- corporated area of the county is a matter of particular public concern. A “potentially hazard- ous development” means a land use which by its nature poses significant potential hazards that may extend beyond the geo- graphic boundaries of the land area. Such uses shall include, but not be limited to, reservoirs, power plants, use or storage of hazardous material, and disposal of hazardous waste. When making any decision the county is otherwise authorized to make , the county shall evaluate the proposal and require the elimina- tion or reduction to an accept- able level of any of the hazards which such development may pose to the public. Policies to address the special problems of potentially hazardous develop- ment shall be as follows:

CW 1.13.01 It shall be county policy to cooperate with the municipalities of the county with respect to the evaluation, elimina- tion, and reduction of potentially hazardous developments located within the unincorpo- rated areas of the county.

CW 1.13.02 It shall be county policy to require that an

assessment of the hazards shall be con- ducted by professional practitioner(s) that have expertise in the subject matter. It shall be county policy to require that such assessment, performed at the applicant’s expense, incorporate analytical methods reflecting current, generally accepted professional principles and practices.

CW 1.13.03 In evaluating a “poten- tially hazardous develop- ment” and in seeking to eliminate or reduce its hazards, decisions by the county shall consider among all other relevant factors:

a) The thoroughness of the applicant’s site selection process and the sound- ness of the conclusions reached, including the analysis of alternative sites with consideration of the potential hazard- ous impacts of the proposed use.

b) An assessment of the technological and economic factors affecting the proposed development and the consideration given by the applicant to the implementation of other practical and economi- cally feasible alterna- tives that can provide the same functions, while minimizing potential hazards for the public.

Additional County-Wide [CW] - Page 4

Goals, Policies, and Maps

5/27/99

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c) The official position of a municipal government if the potentially hazardous development is proposed within, adjacent to, or would directly affect lands within its future service/comprehensive planning area as mutu- ally adopted by the municipality and county; and

d) All applicable rules, regulations, and policies in effect at the time the proposal is submitted.

CW 1.14 The county shall encourage the utilization of the Colorado Joint Review Process, CRS 34-10- 101et seq., as amended, for any major natural resource develop- ment proposed to be located in Boulder County. The county encourages the utilization of the Colorado Joint Review Process to reduce confusion and delay in the permitting process and to create a more efficient process that recognizes the integrity of each office and agency of local, state and federal government.

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Southeast Subregion [SE] - Page 1

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The function of the subsequent policies is to acknowledge the physical form of land uses in the Southeast Subre- gion as being characterized by municipali- ties surrounded by agricultural lands. A major objective of these policy statements is to acknowledge that future urban developments should be channelled into the service areas of the municipalities rather than occupying the surrounding agricultural lands.

It is imperative that land use decisions which affect the Southeast Subregion be made responsibly over the planning period to attain particular public and private objectives concerning the physical form of future growth. Such objectives for the Subregion have been derived from numer- ous neighborhood meetings in the unincor- porated areas as well as from consistent statements that exist within the context of the Subregion’s comprehensive plans. The purpose of the following objectives is intended to assist in the interpretation and implementation of the Southeast Subre- gional policies.

Land Use Objectives

The five municipalities of the Subre- gion shall be designated as Community Service Areas, and consequently will be the only geographic locations where urban growth will be accommodated.

Land areas that surround the Subregion’s Community Service Areas are non-urban in nature and should continue as such throughout the planning period.

As an effort to preserve community identity, all practical efforts should be made to prevent the Subregion’s Commu- nity Service Areas from physically grow- ing together.

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Subregional boundaries were established in 1978. The graphic above shows the general location of the subregion. Larger scale maps are available in the First Edition of the Boul- der County Comprehensive Plan, archived at the Land Use Department offices.

The majority of land within the Southeast Subregion has been annexed to municipali- ties and Intergovernmental Agreements are also common in this area. As such, policies SE 1.01 through SE 1.04 have generally been accomplished.

Southeast Subregion [SE] - Page 2

Goals, Policies, and Maps

5/27/99

Policies

SE 1.01 New residential, commercial, or industrial development shall be channelled into the geographic area contained within designated Community Service Areas. For the purposes of administering this policy as well as others, the following Community Service Areas are recognized as the only designated Community Service Areas within the Subregion.

� The Broomfield Service Area � The Erie Service Area � The Lafayette Service Area � The Louisville Service Area � The Superior Primary Development

Area

SE 1.02 The existing agricultural land uses that generally surround the Subregion’s Community Service Areas shall be acknowledged as the dominant land use which should be continued throughout the planning period. Residential densities shall be in conform- ance with the provisions of the Agricultural policies of the Plan.

SE 1.03 To accomplish a cooperative and coordinated land use planning effort among the Subregion’s municipalities, it is herein the policy of Boulder County to enter into intergovern- mental contracts with the municipalities for the purpose of implementing the land use proposals and policies of the jointly adopted municipal com- prehensive plans.

SE 1.04 In recognition that the develop- mental policies, proposed land uses, and existing zoning distri- bution patterns on lands of

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Adams, Jefferson, and Weld Counties may result in incompat- ible or detrimental land use impacts on Boulder County, it is herein the policy of Boulder County to establish an effective intergovernmental understanding and agreement among said counties and any affected municipalities for the purpose attempting to mitigate or mini- mize any potential land use or related impacts upon the incor- porated or unincorporated areas of Boulder County.

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Lefthand/Niwot/Boulder Creek Subregion [NIW] - Page 1

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The only geographic area within the Subregion that has been planned to accommodate future development is the semi-rural Niwot Community Service Area which, for the limited purposes set out in these policies, shall be considered a “Limited Community Service Area”.

Niwot also has designated Transfer- able Development Rights receiving sites and specifically mapped sending parcels, which will act as a buffer for the commu- nity. In addition, a significant amount of agricultural acreage in this subregion has been secured as public or private open space.

Policies

NIW 1.01 Based upon past and present land use, lack of community services, physical conditions and citizen desires, it is county policy to recognize and designate the existing land use character of the Lefthand/ Niwot/Boulder Creek Subre- gion (with the exception of the Niwot Community Service Area) as being agricultural in nature and to ensure that the accompanying Land Use Plan Map and attendant Boulder County Land Use Code will acknowledge such character in the designation and imple- mentation of future land use types.

NIW 1.02 In recognition and support of the designated agricultural character of the Subregion, the Boulder County Land Use Code shall be developed in such a manner as to discourage the further subdivi- sion of lands, situated outside of designated “Community Service Areas” for the purpose of creating new building sites for residential,

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A detailed map of the Niwot Community Service Area is included in the maps section of this document.

Lefthand/Niwot/Boulder Creek Subregion [NIW] - Page 2

Goals, Policies, and Maps

5/27/99

commercial, or industrial land uses(except as otherwise permitted within these policy statements or by state stat- utes). Furthermore, new residential structures shall only be permitted on vacant lots within recorded rural residen- tial subdivisions or on other previously established building sites where past public and private commitments have been made for the creation of such structures and their attendant service needs.

NIW 1.03 New business, commercial, and industrial uses shall be situated within “Community Service Areas” in order to be within a close proximity to the shopping public and respective labor forces, as well as to move toward the goals of reducing energy consumption and attendant commuter time. This policy is not intended to relate to “minor” expansion of existing industrial or business uses.

NIW 1.04 The Foothills portion of the Subregion, situated west of US 36 is agricultural (grazing) in character. Future land uses in this area shall be consistent with the provisions of policy NIW 1.03 above and further- more, shall be planned in such a manner as to compliment the character as well as promote the existing scenic vista of the Foothills.

NIW 1.05 When considering new development requests (subdi- visions, rezonings, special use reviews and the like) on lands in this Subregion affected by the Table Mountain National Radio Quiet Zone Area, the

county shall seek recommen- dations from the Department of Commerce relative to preservation of the area in a state as free from electromag- netic pollution as possible, pursuant to C.R.S. 30-11-601 et seq.

NIW 1.06 The Niwot Community Service Area is recognized as the only Community Service Area within the Subregion.

Niwot Community Service Area

The community of Niwot is the only area within the Subregion where signifi- cant public and private commitments have occurred in the form of centralized sewer, water, a range of residential densities, and housing types, fire protection, public educational facilities, limited commercial developments, as well as industrial uses on the southern periphery that are buffered from the predominantly residential areas. As a result of these commitments, land uses of a non-agricultural character have taken place within this area. Conse- quently, Niwot is planned to be the only designated service area within the Subre- gion and the geographic area wherein the majority of future growth will be accom- modated. It is, therefore, the intent of the following policies (NIW 2.01-NIW 2.14) to acknowledge Niwot as a “Limited Com- munity Service Area”.

Furthermore, the physical and cultural nature of the Niwot community, as per- ceived by its residents, consists of a “semi- rural” quality characterized as low density residential uses surrounded by agricultural uses. With the designation of Niwot as a “Limited Community Service Area”, which implies orderly physical expansion consis- tent with ability of various service entities to provide a continual level of service, the quality and physical form of proposed

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5/27/99 Lefthand/Niwot/Boulder Creek Subregion [NIW] - Page 3

developments are of utmost concern to the residents. Future developments, including TDRs, shall compliment and enhance this semi-rural character.

In an effort to assure that proposed developments are compatible with and complimentary to the “semi-rural” charac- ter of the Niwot community, the following statements are included to identify the various components which make-up the desired “semi-rural” character.

�� Components of Niwot’s “Semi- rural” Character

� Residential densities that do not exceed 1.0 units/gross acre;

� Business uses that are primarily oriented to the local community or otherwise compliment the “Semi- Rural” character;

� The existence of internal open space that serves to physically separate non- agricultural land uses;

� An ultimate geographic size that acts to physically contain the community, enhance community identity, and prevent development “sprawl” into the surrounding agricultural lands and/or other existing or potential “Community Service Areas”;

� The existence of external open space (agricultural land) that is contiguous to the ultimate developmental peripheries of the community;

� The regulatory provisions to permit the possession and maintenance of animal units (horses) for recreational pur- poses;

� The application of county Road Standards and Specifications consis- tent with the area’s stated semi-rural character only where sound engineer- ing considerations allow.

� The geographic location of the Niwot community relative to the surrounding land uses which are predominantly agricultural in character.

Because of the residents’ concern for

the quality and physical form of future developments in the Niwot area, the positive relationship between the man- made environment and the surrounding agricultural lands is an important determi- nant in preserving the desired character and enhancing the quality of life. Just as the above statements describe the compo- nents of the desired “semi-rural” character that should be recognized by the private sector when proposing future develop- ments, additional statements are included below to establish the general objectives which are intended to guide the physical form of future development.

Community Service Area Objectives

� Future growth in the Niwot area shall only occur within the adopted Niwot Community Service Area.

� Growth shall be phased and gradual. “Leap-frog” development shall be discouraged.

� The character of residential develop- ment shall be of a low-density nature and be compatible with surrounding land uses in terms of use and design.

� Future developments shall be immedi- ately serviceable with sewer, water, and fire protection. In addition, adequate educational facilities shall be available.

� Development that occurs on the periphery of the Niwot Community Service Area shall be designed in such a manner as to physically define the boundaries of the Niwot Community Service Area.

� Development that occurs adjacent to major transportation arteries shall be designed to minimize vehicular noise impacts and maximize resident safety as well as other positive attributes of residential living environments.

� Future developments shall be designed to afford effective internal open space for passive and active recreational purposes.

� Future developments and their road- ways shall be designed to optimize

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Lefthand/Niwot/Boulder Creek Subregion [NIW] - Page 4

Goals, Policies, and Maps

5/27/99

circulation for the entire Niwot Community Service Area in accor- dance with the Niwot Area circulation plan.

To move toward the realization of the previously stated “semi-rural” character, developmental objectives, and the Boulder County Goals, the following Niwot Com- munity Service Area policy statements are established.

Policies

NIW 2.01 It shall be county policy to designate the Niwot Commu- nity Service Area as a “Lim- ited Community Service Area”.

NIW 2.02 It shall be county policy to recognize the desired charac- ter of the Niwot Community Service Area as being “semi- rural” and encourage addi- tional future development be compatible with the “semi- rural” character.

Additional industrial develop- ment adjacent to or within the Niwot Community Service Area beyond that which currently exists or is contem- plated in the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan shall be strongly discouraged. New business or commercial plan designation shall not be considered compatible with such “semi-rural” character, except as such uses may be clearly needed to serve Service Area residents.

NIW 2.03 It shall be county policy, to maintain the “semi-rural” character, the maximum overall gross density (exclud- ing areas designated for other

than residential purposes) of the Niwot Community Service Area shall be 1.0 residential unit/acre; that open space in and around future develop- ments shall be maximized. In addition, new developments planned adjacent to existing developments and within the same zoning district shall reflect the general density and design characteristics of the existing developments.

NIW 2.04 In an effort to prevent devel- opment sprawl and to pre- serve agricultural lands within the Subregion, it is the policy of Boulder County to contain the Niwot Community Service Area to those boundaries delineated on the Niwot Community Service Area Land Use Plan. Such bound- aries are intended to be the limits of the Niwot community. The rationale underlying the Niwot Community Service Area boundaries is based upon limiting the amount of inten- sive development on desig- nated prime agricultural croplands; defining the gravity flow limitations of the sanita- tion treatment plant by topo- graphic contours; creating aesthetic setback distances to physically shape the Niwot community; providing safe and effective distances to separate future residences from major arterials; and, moving toward the realization of the citizens’ geographic “sense of commu- nity identity”.

Furthermore, existing agricul- tural land uses surrounding the Niwot Community Service Area will be acknowledged as those land uses which should

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5/27/99 Lefthand/Niwot/Boulder Creek Subregion [NIW] - Page 5

be continued into the future.

NIW 2.04.01 Any proposed expansion of the Niwot Commu- nity Service Area must conform with the goals and policies of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan and with the Niwot Community Service Area objectives and policies, including, particularly, the need to maintain a “semi-rural” character and to preserve a geographic sense of community.

NIW 2.05 The Niwot Community Service Area presently consists of land areas zoned primarily for rural residential and agricultural use with a few small areas zoned for business, commercial, and economic development. Future land uses proposed within the rural residential zone shall be of a residential and agricultural nature and conform to the bulk regula- tions associated with such zone as described in the Boulder County Land Use Code.

Furthermore, developments proposed at the boundaries of the Niwot Community Service Area shall ensure compatibility with surrounding agricultural lands and contribute toward the containment and definition of the Niwot Community Service Area.

NIW 2.06 The open space corridor designated on the Open Space Plan Map is designed to buffer and thus define the Niwot

Community Service Area.

NIW 2.07 Open Space will be principally utilized for agricultural, passive, and trail corridor uses that require a minimum level of maintenance or develop- ment consistent with whatever interest the county may have acquired in such land.

NIW 2.08 The county shall encourage the development of a network of pedestrian and bicycle pathways that are protected from vehicular encroachment and that serve the resident’s needs to safely and efficiently move between activity areas and living areas within the Niwot Community Area.

NIW 2.09 The county does not intend to provide nor maintain intensive, developed recreational facilities but may make available to appropriate organizations in Niwot land for the development of such facilities. Lands appropriate for the location of such recreational facilities shall be those areas designated as a Park on the Niwot Area Parks and Trails Plan. Development of such facilities shall be based upon a plan approved by the county Commissioners after review by individuals and organiza- tions of the Niwot Community, the Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee, and review and recommendation from the Planning Commis- sion. Appropriate organiza- tions shall be capable of carrying out development, responsible for maintenance and willing to accept liability.

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Goals, Policies, and Maps

5/27/99

NIW 2.10 Trail locations in the Niwot Community Service Area should follow principal ditches, roadways, and other appropri- ate courses, tying together business, school. and recre- ational activity centers and shall be located so as to minimize their impact on the environment and surrounding private properties.

NIW 2.11 Future developments that are proposed within the Niwot Community Service Area are encouraged to select the option of clustering residential dwelling units on a portion of the land parcel of record to minimize the infrastructure cost (sewer, water, line extensions, and road improve- ments) eventually borne by the consumer, ensure compatibility with the “semi-rural” charac- ter, and to maximize open space areas as well as other attributes associated with the unit development concept. Future developments that select the clustering option shall in effect, transfer the total allotted density of their parcel(s) to within the con- fines of individual building envelopes while conforming to the density prescribed in Policy NIW 2.03.

NIW 2.12 It shall be county policy to enter into a contract with the City of Boulder as enabled by 29-20-105 CRS, as amended, for the purpose of limiting the City’s northern corporate limits to those boundaries as described on the revised Boulder Valley Comprehen- sive Plan. (General descrip- tion; the northern boundaries of the City’s green belt west

of Colorado 119, Monarch Road west of Colorado 119, and Mineral Road, North 71st Street and Lookout Road, located east of Colorado 119).

Furthermore, any intention by the City of Boulder to consider lands outside of the officially adopted Boulder Valley Planning Area and into the land east of the designated Lefthand/Niwot/Boulder Creek Subregion for the purpose of providing services, annexation or any other land use proposal different than those uses designated on the Subregional land use plan, shall be considered as suffi- cient reason to conduct a public hearing for the purpose of considering an amendment to the Boulder Valley Com- prehensive Plan.

NIW 2.13 In consideration of future developments proposed within the Niwot Community Service Area, the Boulder County Land Use Staff shall make recommendations of approval, approval with conditions, or denial of such developments based on their conformance with these policies, the Niwot Community Service Area objectives, and the various standards and criteria of the Boulder County Land Use Code.

NIW 2.14 It shall be county policy to provide a level of services to the semi-rural Niwot Commu- nity Service Area which is no higher than the level provided to other rural subdivisions in the county, except as may be provided by special taxing districts.

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5/27/99 Longmont/Lyons/St. Vrain Valley Subregion [LO] - Page 1

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The St. Vrain Valley is the most highly irrigated portion of Boulder County and consequently contains the most productive agricultural lands. It is within the purpose of the following policies to acknowledge the land use character of this subregion as being agricultural in nature.

The two municipalities of Lyons and Longmont are the only political subdivi- sions within the Subregion that have general police powers as well as the ability to coordinate the provision of necessary services demanded by the urban populus. Thus, the service areas of these two communities are designated as the only geographic areas of the subregion where future urban growth will be accommo- dated.

Longmont has experienced substantial growth in population and employers since 1978, and has intergovernmental agree- ments with Boulder County for both comprehensive planning and TDRs. Lyons’ growth has been fairly evenly paced over the past 20 years.

The environs of St. Vrain Creek contain significant resources for the continued livelihood of the Valley, county and region. Existing within the creek’s surroundings are wildlife habitats, signifi- cant agricultural lands, recreational opportunities and commercial mineral deposits. Perhaps most important, the creek is the source of water which is extensively used for agricultural, manufac- turing and domestic purposes. With these varying interests continually competing for resource utilization and preservation, it becomes evident that comprehensive land use management policies be developed. Such policies as mineral resource utiliza- tion, wildlife habitat preservation, and agricultural land use have been formulated to guide future decisions affecting the St. Vrain Creek environs as well as other riparian areas of the county. However, in light of the above “base” policies, the subsequent Subregion policy statements

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Goals, Policies, and Maps

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dealing with the St. Vrain Creek have as their underlying intent the preservation of water resources for the continuance of the agricultural livelihood of the Valley.

Policies

LO 1.01 New concentrations of urban development shall occur only within the designated Commu- nity Service Areas of the subregion, specifically the Municipal Service Area of Longmont and that portion of the Town of Lyons’ Potential Service Area that is within the Community Service Area.

LO 1.02 It is the policy of Boulder County to designate the charac- ter and form of land uses within the Subregion (outside of the adopted Community Service Areas) as being agricultural in nature and to project continual agricultural usage throughout the planning period. Future land use decisions that occur outside of designated Community Service Areas shall be consistent and harmonious with the agricultural character of the land and with the provisions of the Agricultural Policies of the Plan, including those specifying non-urban residential density.

LO 1.03 Many land use and zoning decisions have been made in the past 12 years without the use of a comprehensive plan to guide in the formulation of such deci- sions. With the development of the goals and policies of the Boulder County Comprehen- sive Plan it is clear that many past decisions now conflict with the underlying plan objective of channelling urban growth into Community Service Areas while preserving the surrounding

agricultural land. To rectify these obvious conflicts between existing zoning and future land use, it is the policy in this subregion to modify the existing zoning pattern to reflect the present and future use of the county’s agricultural lands.

LO 1.04 The community of Hygiene has been traditionally characterized as an unincorporated settlement composed of residents engaged in agricultural activities and business establishments provid- ing the necessary services to the local residents. Although Hygiene has witnessed several minor land use changes in recent years, the area can still be acknowledged as a low density, rurally-oriented unincorporated community and not a Commu- nity Service Area. Based upon resident desires, existing land use patterns and attendant non- urban utility levels, it is the policy of Boulder County to designate the character of Hygiene as an unincorporated rurally-oriented community. Land use decisions that occur within Hygiene or the immediate area shall be harmo- nious with and compliment the community’s character. In addition, as a means of preserv- ing community identity, Boulder County shall attempt to ensure that Hygiene will remain physi- cally separated from the City of Longmont.

LO 1.05 Given that the Subregion is directly dependent upon the utilization of the St. Vrain Creek for agrarian purposes, it is the policy of the county to preserve the continued agricultural use of the St. Vrain Creek and its tributaries consistent with Goal E.1.

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LO 1.06 When considering new develop- ment requests (subdivisions, rezonings, special use reviews and the like) on lands in this Subregion affected by the Table Mountain National Radio Quiet Zone Area, the county shall seek recommendations from the Department of Commerce relative to preservation of the area in a state as free from electromagnetic pollution as possible, pursuant to C.R.S. 30- 11-601 et seq.

LO 1.07 To accomplish a cooperative and coordinated land use planning effort among the subregion’s municipalities, it is herein the policy of Boulder County to enter into intergovern- mental contracts with the aforementioned municipalities for the purpose of implementing the land use proposals and policies of the jointly adopted municipal comprehensive plans.

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Jamestown Comprehensive Plan

The Jamestown Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the Boulder County Planning Commission on August 26, 1981 with the following provisions:

1. The “Policies” section and “Proposed Land Use Map” are hereby adopted as part of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan and recom- mended for adoption by the Board of County Commissioners of Boulder County.

2. Other portions of the text, maps and appendices of the Jamestown Com- prehensive Plan are hereby recognized as background information, supportive documentation and program direction for implementation of the Plan.

3. The existing Town limits of Jamestown are hereby adopted as the Town’s Service Area and recommended for adoption by the Board of County Commissioners of Boulder County. No annexations to the Town shall be approved without consideration of an amendment to the Plan.

4. These “Special Interest Areas” (Gillespie Gulch, Owens Flats, Por- phyry Mountain) identified in the Jamestown Comprehensive Plan are hereby designated “Natural Land- marks” in the Environmental Re- sources Element of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan and are recommended for designation by the Board of County Commissioners of Boulder County. This designation and recommendation for designation is adopted with the understanding that federal cooperation is necessary and that county action may be advisory only in some cases.

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Mountain Communities Subregion [MS] - Page 2

Goals, Policies, and Maps

5/27/99

5. By this adoption of the Jamestown Comprehensive Plan it is mutually agreed by the Town of Jamestown and Boulder County that the town and county will pursue development of an intergovernmental agreement pursuant to CRS, 29-1-203, as amended, to further the implementation of this Plan and other coordinated planning efforts.

On October 26, 1981, the Board of County Commissioners approved the Plan and signed an intergovernmental agree- ment with the Town of Jamestown.

Resolutions of the Boulder County Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners, including policies and maps of the Jamestown Comprehensive Plan, may be consulted in the Boulder County Land Use Department.

Eldora Preservation Plan

The Eldora community formally disincor- porated as a municipality in 1973. Steadily increasing growth pressures, including increased visitations to surrounding National Forest lands motivated Eldora citizens to develop a preservation plan for their community. The Boulder County Planning Commission adopted the follow- ing policies on July 19, 1995.

MS 1.01 The county shall utilize the Eldora Civic Association as a referral entity for land use applications within the Eldora Preservation Plan study area that require or may require a public hearing pursuant to the provisions of the Boulder County Land Use Code. The Civic Association shall be responsible for insuring that such referrals are directed to any other committees or organiza- tions charged with administration and management of the Eldora Environmental Preservation Plan.

MS 1.02 Certain types of land use proposals regulated by the Boulder County Land Use Code such as “Areas and Activities of State Interest”, rezonings, special uses, and planned unit developments may have impacts reaching well beyond the proposal site. The county may refer such proposals to the Eldora Civic Association when they are located within an extended referral area bounded by the Continental Divide on the west, the Boulder/Gilpin county line to the south, the westerly corporate limits of the Town of Nederland on the east, and the Caribou Townsite/County Road 128 to the north.

MS 1.03 The county recognizes the unique rural and historic charac- ter of the Eldora community. In addition, policy MPA 1.08 of the Boulder County Comprehen- sive Plan, Mountain Planning Area, authorizes the county to assist communities desiring to preserve their historic character. Therefore, future development proposals which have potential visual, noise, or transportation impacts on the community from either within or outside the townsite shall be reviewed and acted upon by the county with significant weight being given to the compatibility of those proposals with the maintenance of that rural and historic charac- ter.

MS 1.04 Where consistent with the Land Use Code and other goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan, the county may work with the Eldora community and other land owners/managers in the area to further cooperative

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planning and land use manage- ment initiatives and actions.

MS 1.05 As provided by the Eldora Civic Association from time to time, the county Land Use Depart- ment shall maintain a current edition of the Eldora Environ- mental Preservation Plan and attendant maps, tables, and figures for reference by county staff, other interested parties, and the public when reviewing land use proposals and plans in the Preservation Plan and extended referral areas.

Notes

1 Not to be confused with 24-65.1, CRS, (H.B. 1041, “Areas and Activities of State Interest”) and the Colorado State Land Use Commission.

2 “geohazards” includes soils, landslides, slope, rockfalls, flashflood corridors, floodplains, subsidence, avalanches, and alluvial fans.

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5/27/99 Appendix A - Page 1

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Intergovernmental Agreements are legally binding agreements between local governments that help to plan and shape future growth. The following list includes those agreements that specifically guide land use. Please note that Boulder County has entered into other IGAs for purposes such as solid waste management, historic preservation, and building inspection services. For more information about the agreements listed on this page, please contact the Land Use Department at 303-441-3930.

Name of Agreement Parties Effective

Date Term Amendments

Amendment Date

IGA for the Purpose of Planning and Regulating the Development of Land

In the Jamestown Vicinity

Town of Jamestown and Boulder County

10/26/81 NA N/A N/A

Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan City of Boulder and Boulder

County 12/20/90 N/A N/A N/A

East Central Boulder County Comprehensive Development Plan

Town of Erie, City of Lafayette, and Boulder County

12/21/94 20 yrs See Below See Below

Kenosha Farms Property Amendment

12/19/96

Futhey/CMN Enterprises, Inc. Property

12/30/97

Leyner Property 1/17/98

Boulder Valley TDR Comprehensive Development Plan

City of Boulder and Boulder County

5/8/95

10 yrs (may be

terminated between

4/1/00 and 6/1/00

See Below See Below

First Amendment to the Boulder Valley TDR IGA

12/18/97

City of Lafayette, Boulder County TDR Comprehensive Development

Plan

City of Lafayette and Boulder County

12/5/95 10 yrs N/A N/A

IGA Between the City of Longmont and Boulder County Concerning

TDRs

City of Longmont and Boulder County

2/5/96 10 yrs N/A N/A

Lafayette/Lousville Buffer Comprehensive Development Plan

City of Lafayette, City of Louisville, and Boulder County

7/9/96 20 yrs N/A N/A

Southeast Boulder County Comprehensive Development Plan

City of Broomfield, City of Lafayette, and Boulder County

1/16/97 20 yrs N/A N/A

Superior Area Comprehensive Development Plan and Road

Maintenance Agreement

Town of Superior and Boulder County

5/8/97 20 yrs See Below See Below

Longmont Planning Area Comprehensive Development Plan

City of Longmont and Boulder County

6/19/97 10 yrs See Below See Below

First Amendment to the Longmont Planning Area

Comprehensive Development Plan (Keyes)

8/27/98

Northwest Parkway IGA City of Broomfield, City of

Louisville, City of Lafayette, City of Louisville, and Boulder County

2/18/99 30 yrs N/A N/A

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Appendix B - Page 1

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The following is a list of selected re- sources that can provide more information about land use and planning topics.

County Offices �� Land Use Department Phone: (303) 441-3930 Web: http://co.boulder.co.us/lu/

Questions about building, zoning, and planning for areas OUTSIDE OF MU- NICIPALITIES.

�� Parks & Open Space Dept. Phone: (303) 441-3950

Questions about environmental resource mapping, open space acquisition and management.

�� Transportation Department Phone: (303) 441-3900

Questions about floodplain mapping, access permits, and road maintenance.

�� Health Department Phone: (303) 441-1100

Questions about septic systems, potable water supply, food service, air pollution. Also address other health issues.

�� Assessor’s Office Phone: (303) 441-3530 Questions about tax assessment and

ownership.

�� Clerk and Recorder’s Office Phone: (303) 441-3515

Questions about deeds and other recorded documents.

Cities For information about properties within one of the following cities, please contact them directly.

� City of Boulder (303) 441-3270 � Broomfield (303) 438-6284 � Erie (303) 926-2770 � Jamestown (303) 449-1806 � Lafayette (303) 665-5588 � Longmont (303) 651-8330 � Louisville (303) 666-6565 � Lyons (303) 823-6622 � Nederland (303) 258-3266 � Superior (303) 499-3675 � Ward (303) 459-3423

Other Resources �� State Engineer Phone: (303) 866-3587 Help With: Issuance of well permits.

�� State Forest Service (Private Lands) Phone: (303) 442-0428 Help With: Forest management questions

�� US Forest Service (Public Lands) Phone: (303) 444-6600 Help With: Questions about management and use opportunities in the National Forest.

�� Agricultural Extension Office Phone: (303) 444-1121 Help With: Questions about agricultural land manage- ment.

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

5/27/99 Appendix C - Page 1

� �� !�� Approved January 20, 1999 � Creation of a Trails Element and amend-

ment of the Trails Map. No goal or policy amendments.

� ��"�� !�� Approved February 19, 1997 � Amendment changing the status of Niwot

Road from Minor Arterial to Collector.

� ��#��$ ��%&�� Approved July 16, 1997 � Amendment to the Significant Agricultural

Lands map and created the Agricultural Element. Agricultural policies were removed from the Environmental Re- sources Element.

� ��#��' ��(�� )�� Approved July 17, 1996 � Amendment to the Open Space Element

text and the Open Space Plan Map.

� ��#�� *+)+� ,�� )�� -�� Approved May 15, 1996 � This amendment does not impact any

BCCP text or maps. The request was for Boulder County endorsement of various Forest Plan alternatives.

� ��.��" ��!�� Approved October 18, 1995 � Text amendment of the Transportation

Element. Removal of the Road Plan Map (map 8), Transit Plan Map (map 9), and Bikeway Plan Map (map 10).

� ��.��# ��/��0�1�� Approved October 18, 1995 � Creation of a new element. No map

amendments.

� ��.��. � � ��2� �� ,�� !3- � Approved July 19, 1995 � Map amendment of the Significant

Agricultural Resources Map redesignating the Meadow Green Farms area from National to State Importance.

� ��.��4 � � /�2�� )�5��&�� Approved January 11, 1996 � Amendment to the Niwot Community

Service Area Land Use Map expanding the Commercial land use designation to include the Niwot Post Office.

� ��.��$ � � �� )�5�� &�� Approved July 19, 1995 � Text and map amendments adopting

portions of the Eldora Environmental Preservation Plan. Five policies and a map of referral areas were added to the BCCP.

� ��.��' � � �� -�� Approved March 22, 1995 � Text and map amendments dealing with

Environmental Conservation Areas, Rare Plant Sites, and Significant Natural Communities (formally Critical Plant Associations).

� ��.�� & %�� Approved August 15, 1995 � Text amendment to the Plains Planning

Area Element policies pertaining to TDR density.

��"��#� �"�!$� � �#�%��&��

� � � � � ��

��.� �� !

Appendix C - Page 2

Goals, Policies, and Maps Element

5/27/99

� ��4��$ � � �� & %�� Approved August 17, 1994 � Creation of a new element. No map

associated.

� ��4��' � � �� -�� Approved July 20, 1994 � Text and map amendments altering the

Wetlands and Natural Landmarks/Natural Areas policies and map boundaries for Natural Areas and Natural Landmarks.

� ��4�� -�� Approved July 27, 1994 � Creation of a new Cultural Resources

Element. No map amendments were included.

� ��$�� !��% � �� Approved October 20, 1993 � Map amendment to the Trails Map

� ��. � � /�2�� )�� %�� % � � � � � Approved November 14, 1990 by Long

Range Planning Commission; January 10, 1991 by the Board of County Commission- ers.

� Expansion of the Niwot CSA in the south half of Section 21-T2N-R69W (Somerset).

� ��4 ��6�7�� -�� Approved June 27, 1990 � Adoption of the City of Lafayette’s 1990

Revised Comprehensive Plan.

5/27/99 Index - Page i

Boulder County Comprehensive PlanBoulder County Comprehensive PlanBoulder County Comprehensive PlanBoulder County Comprehensive PlanBoulder County Comprehensive Plan

INDEXINDEXINDEXINDEXINDEX

Goals, PGoals, PGoals, PGoals, PGoals, Policies, and Maps Elementolicies, and Maps Elementolicies, and Maps Elementolicies, and Maps Elementolicies, and Maps Element

AAAAA

access PPA Page 3, PPA Pages 5-6, OS Pages 2-3, OS7, TR Pages 2-4, NH Page 5 accessibility OS Page 7, TR Page 4 Aggregate Resource Area GE Page 2, GE Page 4 agricultural leases OS Page 6 agriculture Goals Page 1, PPA Page 2, CR Page 4, AG Pages 1-6 air quality Goals Page 4, ER Page 7, TR Page 4 airport OS Page 8, TR Page 4, AIR Page 1 alternative transportation Goals Page 4 (see also “transit”) annexation PPA Page 2, OS Page 4, CR Page 3, NIW Page 6, MS Page 1 archaeological ER Page 1, ER Page 4, OS Page 2, OS Page 5, CR Pages 1-5 architecture CR Page 4

BBBBB

bicycling OS Page 7 Board of County Commissioners GE Pages 3-4, ER Page 4, ER Page 8, OS Page 1, OS Page 4,

OS Pages 8-10, CR Page 1, SW Page 3, SW Page 6, MS Pages 1-2 Boulder, City of PPA Page 3, CR Pages 3-4, AG Page 2, EC Page 1, NIW Page 6 Boulder County Wildfire Mitigation NH Page 6 Boulder Valley Natural Ecosystems Map OS Page 5 Broomfield PPA Page 1, SE Pages1-2

CCCCC

capital improvements OS Page 9 Certified Local Government CR Page 1, CR Page 3 classification, roadway TR Page 2 clustering, of development Goals Page 1, NIW Page 6 (see also “Non-Urban Planned Unit

Development”) coal GE Pages 3-4 Colorado Division of Wildlife ER Page 8 Colorado Historical Society CR Page 4 Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board GE Page 4 commercial use Goals Page 3, TR Page 4, AG Page 3, EC Page 1, SE Page 2, NIW Page 1,

LO Page 1 commercial mineral deposits GE Page 1-3 Community Service Area PPA Pages 1-2, PPA Page 6, AG Page 4, NIW Page 1-6,

LO Page 2 conservation easement PPA Pages 4-5, OS Page 3, AG Page 2 Consortium of Cities OS Page 9 critical elk range ER Pages 8-9 critical wildlife Goals Page 2,PPA Page 6, ER Page 3, ER Pages 6-9, ER Pages 11-12,

OS Page 5

Page Number- ing Guide

PPA Plains Planning

Area

GE Geology

ER Environmental

Resources

O S Open Space

TR Transportation

C R Cultural Resources

N H Natural Hazards

A G Agricultural

H O Housing

S W Solid Waste

AIR Land Use

Surrounding Airports

FP Fire Protection

TE Telecommunica-

tions

EC Economics

C W Additional

County-Wide

S O Southeast Subreagion

Goals and Policies

5/27/99Index - Page ii

Critical Wildlife Habitat GE Page 3, ER Page 8 cultural resource Goals Page 4, CR Pages 2-5

DDDDD

dedication, land OS Page 3, OS Page 7-9 density, development PPA Pages 1-4, ER Page 12, CR Page 5, NH Page 1, AG Page 1,

NIW Pages 2-4, NIW Page 6, LO Page 2 development rights PPA Pages 2-5, OS Page 3, OS Page 8, TR Page 1, NIW Page 1,

AG Page 2, AG Page 4 discrimination HO Page 2 ditches OS Page 7 diverse population OS Page 6 donation, land OS Page 4, OS Page 9 drainage PPA Page 4

EEEEE

economic development EC Page 1-2, NIW Page 5 ecosystem Goals Page 2, PPA Page 4-5, ER Page 1, ER Page 8, ER Page 10,

ER Pages 12-13, OS Page 2, OS Page 5-6, NH Pages 5-6, AG Page 5 education Goals Page 1, Goals Pages 3-4, PPA Page 3,

ER Pages 4-5, OS Page 6, TR Page 4, CR Page 2, CR Page 4, NH Page 3, NH Page 6, AG Page 6, SW Pages 4-6, EC Page 2, NIW Pages 2-3

educational facilities PPA Page 3, TR Page 4, NIW Pages 2-3 Eldora, Townsite of MS Pages 1-3 eminent domain OS Page 5 employment Goals Pages 2-3, TR Page 1, TR Page 4, HO Page 2, EC Page 2 endemic species ER Page 5 energy conservation HO Page 2 Environmental Conservation Areas Goals Page 2, ER Page 1, ER Page 3, ER Page 6,

ER Page 8, ER Pages 11-13, OS Page 5 environmental resources Goals Page 2, PPA Page 3, GE Page 3, ER Pages 1-13, OS Page 1,

OS Page 8, NH Page 2, AG Page 3, AG Page 5, SW Page 3, MS Page 1 equestrian TR Page 2, TR Page 4 (see also “horses”) Erie, Town of PPA Page 1, SE Page 2 erosion OS Page 9, TR Page 5, NH Page 3, NH Page 5 exotic species ER Page 10, ER Page 13

FFFFF

facilities AG Page 3 farming PPA Page 2, OS Page 3, AG Page 1-2 FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) NH Page 5 fire PPA Page 3, NH Pages 5-6, AG Page 6, HO Page 2, FP Pages 1-2, NIW Pages 2-3 flood PPA Page 2, GE Page 2, NH Page 2, NH Page 4, NH Page 5, MS Page 3 flood insurance NH Page 2, NH Page 5 foothills ER Page 3, PPA Page 3, NIW Page 2 forestry Goals Page 1, PPA Page 3, AG Page 3, EC Page 2 fossil ER Page 5 funding OS Page 4, TR Page 2-3, AG Page 2, SW Page 5

GGGGG

geologic constraint NH Page 4 geologic hazard GE Pages 1-2, NH Page 4

Page Number- ing Guide

PPA Plains Planning

Area

GE Geology

ER Environmental

Resources

O S Open Space

TR Transportation

C R Cultural Resources

N H Natural Hazards

A G Agricultural

H O Housing

S W Solid Waste

AIR Land Use

Surrounding Airports

FP Fire Protection

TE Telecommunica-

tions

EC Economics

C W Additional

County-Wide

S O Southeast Subreagion

5/27/99 Index - Page iii

good stewardship practices OS Page 6 groundwater (see also “potable”) GE Page 5 growth Goals Page 1, Goals Pages 3-4, PPA Pages 1-3

HHHHH

habitat Goals Pages 1-2, PPA Page 2, GE Page 3, ER Page 2, ER Pages 4-5, ER Pages 7-9, ER Pages 11-13, OS Pages 3-4, OS Page 7, LO Page 1

hazardous development CW Page 3 hazardous waste SW Page 4, CW Page 3 Health Department ER Page 7, SW Page 3, SW Page 4 Historic Preservation CR Pages 1-5 Historic Preservation Advisory Board CR Pages 2-4 Home Occupation CW Page 2 homestead PPA Page 4, PPA Page 6 horses NIW Page 3 (see also “equestrian”) Housing Authority HO Pages 1-2 Hygiene, Townsite of ER Pages 2-4, LO Page 2

IIIII

incentives, financial Goals Page 4, ER Page 2, ER Page 5, OS Page 9, CR Page 2, CR Page 4, NH Page 3, SW Page 5, EC Page 1

industrial Goals Page 3, TR Page 3, EC Page 1, SE Page 2, NIW Pages 1-2, NIW Page 4

infrastructure PPA Page 1, TR Page 3, AG Page 3, AG Pages 5-6 intergovernmental PPA Page 5, ER Page 9, ER Page 11, OS Page 4, OS Page 8,

CR Page 3, AG Pages 2-3, SW Pages 4- 5, CW Pages 1-2, SE Pages 1-2, LO Page 1, LO Page 3, MS Page 2

irrigation AG Page 3, OS Page 7

JJJJJ

Jamestown, Town of MS Pages 1-2

LLLLL

Lafayette, City of PPA Page 1, SE Page 2 Land Use Code PPA Page 4, ER Pages 7-8, ER Page 11, OS Page 3,

OS Page 7, CR Page 3, NH Page 2, AG Page 5, FP Page 1-2, TE Page 1, CW Page 2, NIW Page 1, NIW Pages 5-6, MS Page 2

landfill SW Pages 2-3, SW Page 5-6 landmark GE Page 3, OS Page 2, OS Page 5, OS Page S7, CR Pages 2-4, MS Page 1 leases, land OS Page 4 (see also “agricultural leases”) Longmont, City of PPA Page 1, CR Page 4, LO Pages 1-3 Louisville, City of SE Page 2 low income housing HO Page 1 Lyons, Town of PPA Page 1, LO Page 1-2

MMMMM

management plan Goals Page 4, ER Page 13, OS Page 7, SW Pages 1-3, SW Page 5 Mule Deer ER Page 9 multi-modal Goals Page 4 (see also “alternative transportation”)

Page Number- ing Guide

PPA Plains Planning

Area

GE Geology

ER Environmental

Resources

O S Open Space

TR Transportation

C R Cultural Resources

N H Natural Hazards

A G Agricultural

H O Housing

S W Solid Waste

AIR Land Use

Surrounding Airports

FP Fire Protection

TE Telecommunica-

tions

EC Economics

C W Additional

County-Wide

S O Southeast Subreagion

Goals and Policies

5/27/99Index - Page iv

NNNNN

Native American CR Page 1, CR Page 5 natural communities Goals Page 2, ER Pages 7-9, ER Page 10, OS Page 5 natural features Goals Page 2, PPA Pages 4-5, ER Page 4 natural hazard Goals Page 2, Goals Page 4, TR Page 2, NH Pages 1-4 natural landmark ER Page 2, ER Page 4 Nederland, Town of SW Page 4, MS Page 1-2 Niwot, community of PPA Page 1-2, AG Page 4, NIW Pages 1-6 noise Goals Page 2, ER Page 1, ER Page 7, TR Page 5, NH Page 3, SW Page 3,

NIW Page 3, MS Page 2 non-profit organization OS Page 6, CR Page 4 Non-Urban Planned Unit Development PPA Pages 2-4, AG Page 1 noxious weeds AG Page 6

OOOOO

oil and gas AG Page 5-6 open mining GE Page 3, GE Page 5 open space acquisition OS Page 4, OS Pages 8-9

PPPPP

parking OS Page 2, TR Page 4 parks Goals Page 2-3, ER Page 4, ER Page 6-11, OS Page 1, SO Pages 3-4,

OS Pages 6-10, CR Page 4, AG Page 6, NIW Page 5, HO Page 1, EC Page 1 Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee OS Page 1, OS Pages 8-10, CR Page 4, NIW Page 5 passive recreation OS Pages 2-3 paving TR Page 3 pedestrian OS Page 9, TR Pages 2-4, NIW Page 5 pests AG Page 6 Plains Planning Area PPA Pages 1-6, AG Page 2 Planning Commission GE Pages 3-4, OS Page 8, HO Page 1, TE Page 1, NIW Page 5,

MS Pages 1-2 plant associations ER Page 9, ER Page 11 pollution Goals Page 2, ER Page 1, ER Page 7, TR Page 5, NH Page 3,

SW Page 3, EC Page 2, NIW Page 2, LO Page 3 potable, water GE Page 5 power plant CW Page 3 Pre-Disaster Flood Mitigation Plan NH Page 5 prehistoric ER Page 1, CR Pages 1-2 private sector Goals Pages 2-3, HO Page 1, SW Pages 1-2, SW Pages 4-5, EC Page 2,

NIW Page 3 public education NH Page 6, SW Page 4-6 public facilities Goals Pages 1-2, PPA Page 2, NH Page 2 public participation Goals Page 4, OS Page 10, SW Page 4

RRRRR

radiation NH Page 6 rancher AG Page 2, AG Page 5 rare plant Goals Page 2, ER Page 3, ER Pages 6-7, ER Pages 9-12, OS Page 5 receiving site PPA Page 2, PPA Pages 4-6, OS Page 3, NIW Page 1 recreation OS Page 1, OS Pages 2-3, OS Pages 7-8, NIW Page 3, NIW Page 5 recreational facilities OS Page 8 recycling SW Page 2, SW Pages 5-6

Page Number- ing Guide

PPA Plains Planning

Area

GE Geology

ER Environmental

Resources

O S Open Space

TR Transportation

C R Cultural Resources

N H Natural Hazards

A G Agricultural

H O Housing

S W Solid Waste

AIR Land Use

Surrounding Airports

FP Fire Protection

TE Telecommunica-

tions

EC Economics

C W Additional

County-Wide

S O Southeast Subreagion

5/27/99 Index - Page v

Register, historic ER Page 5, CR Pages 3-4, MS Page 3 regulations PPA Pages 1-6, GE Pages 4-5, ER Pages 2-3, ER Pages 5-8, OS Page 5, CR Page 1,

CR Page 3, CR Page 5, NH Page 2, NH Pages 5-6, HO Page 2, SW Pages 3-5, AIR Page 1, CW Page 2, CW Page 4, NIW Page 5

rehabilitation Goals Page 3, TR Page 3, HO Page 1 reservoir CW Page 3 restoration, environmental ER Page 5, ER Page 10, ER Page 13, NH Page 5, AG Page 6 revegetation TR Page 5 rezoning PPA Pages 1-2, CW Pages 1-2, NIW Page 2, LO Page 3, MS Page 2 right-of-way OS Page 7, TR Pages 2-4 riparian ecosystems Goals Page 2, ER Page 10, ER Pages 12 Road and Bridge Fund TR Page 3 rural character Goals3, PPA Pages 1-3, PPA Pages 5-6, OS Page 5, OS Page 8, AG Pages 2-3,

NIW Pages 2-3

SSSSS

safety Goals Page 3, TR Page 2, TR Page 5, CR Page 4, NH Pages 1-2, NH Page 4, AG Pages 3-4, HO Page 2, SW Page 4, AIR Page 1, TE Page 1, NIW Page 3

sanitation PPA Page 6, SW Page 3, NIW Page 4 (see also sewer) scenic corridor OS Page 7 scenic vista ER Pages 2-3, OS Page 2, OS Page 7, NIW Page 2 school Goals Page 3, PPA Page 6, OS Page 4, OS Page 6, NH Page 5, HO Pages 1-2,

NIW Page 5 seismicity NH Page 6 semi-rural character NIW Pages 2-3 sending area PPA Page 5 senior citizens OS Pages 6-7, HO Pages 1-2 septic SW Pages 3-4 sewage PPA Page 3 sewer NIW Pages 2-3, NIW Page 6 significant habitat ER Page 8 (see also “critical wildlife habitat”) slope GE Page 2, ER Page 1, TR Page 5, NH Page 3, MS Page 3 sludge SW Pages 3-5 Soil Conservation Service ER Pages 9-11, AG Page 3 solid waste Goals Page 4, NH Page 2, SW Pages 1-6 special district Goals Page 3 special population OS Page 7 (see also “senior citizen” and “accessibility”) Special Review TE Page 1 St. Vrain OS Page 8, LO Pages 1-2 Standards and Specifications, road TR Page 2, NIW Page 3 statistics AG Page 1, EC Page 2 subdivision PPA Pages 1-2, PPA Page 4, OS Page 1, OS Page 3, TR Page 4, AG Page 1,

CW Page 2, NIW Pages 1-2, NIW Page 6, LO Page 1, LO Page 3 subsurface mining GE Pages 4-5 Superior, Town of PPA Page 1, SE Page 2

TTTTT

Table Mountain ER Page 3, NIW Page 2, LO Page 3 tax Goals Page 3, ER Page 5, OS Pages 3-5, OS Page 8, CR Page 5, AG Pages 1-2,

HO Page 2, SW Page 5, EC Page 1, CW Page 2, NIW Page 6 traffic PPA Page 2 trail Goals Page 3, ER Page 10, ER Pages 12-13, OS Pages 1-4, OS Pages 8-9, NIW Page 5 trailhead OS Page 2, OS Page 8 transferable development zrights PPA Page 2, PPA Page 3, PPA Page 4, PPA Page 5, OS Page 3,

Page Number- ing Guide

PPA Plains Planning

Area

GE Geology

ER Environmental

Resources

O S Open Space

TR Transportation

C R Cultural Resources

N H Natural Hazards

A G Agricultural

H O Housing

S W Solid Waste

AIR Land Use

Surrounding Airports

FP Fire Protection

TE Telecommunica-

tions

EC Economics

C W Additional

County-Wide

S O Southeast Subreagion

Goals and Policies

5/27/99Index - Page vi

AG Page 2, NIW Page 1 transit PPA Page 6, TR Pages 3-4 (see also “alternative modes”) transportation Goals Pages 3-4, PPA Page 5, ER Page 7, NH Page 2, HO Page 2, TR Pages 1-5,

SW Pages 2-3, SW Page 5, NIW Page 3, MS Page 2 trespass OS Pages 8-9

UUUUU

University of Colorado ER Page 4 urban development Goals Page 1, PPA Page 1, PPA Pages 3-4, OS Page 4,

AG Page 3, SE Page 1, LO Page 2 (see also “growth”) urban interface, wildfire NH Page 5 urban services Goals Page 1, Goals Page 3, PPA Pages 1-3, AG Page 3 urban sprawl OS Page 8

WWWWW

Ward, Town of MS Page 1 water Goals Pages 2-3, PPA Page 3, PPA Page 6, GE Page 5,

ER Page 1, ER Page 7, ER Page 9, OS Page 2, OS Page 7, NH Pages 2-3, NH Page 5, AG Pages 1-6, HO Page 2, CW Pages 1-2, NIW Pages 2-3, NIW Page 6, LO Pages 1-2

water quality ER Page 1, ER Page 7 weather NH Page 6 weed OS Page 6, AG Page 6 wetland Goals Page 2, ER Pages 2-3, ER Page 6, ER Page 9-12, OS Page 5, AG Page 5 wildfire NH Pages 5-6 Wildfire Hazard Identification and Mitigation System NH Page 6 wildlife habitat Goals Pages 1-2, PPA Page 2, GE Page 3, ER Page 2,

ER Page 7-8, ER Page 11, ER Page 13, OS Page 4, LO Page 1

ZZZZZ

zoning PPA Pages 1-3, OS Page 1, CR Page 3, HO Page 2, CW Pages 1-2, SE Page 2, NIW Page 2, NIW Page 4, NH Page 5, AG Page 3, HO Page 2, LO Page 2, LO Page 3

Page Number- ing Guide

PPA Plains Planning

Area

GE Geology

ER Environmental

Resources

O S Open Space

TR Transportation

C R Cultural Resources

N H Natural Hazards

A G Agricultural

H O Housing

S W Solid Waste

AIR Land Use

Surrounding Airports

FP Fire Protection

TE Telecommunica-

tions

EC Economics

C W Additional

County-Wide

S O Southeast Subreagion

Saint

Vrain

Glaciers

Isabelle Glacier

Moomaw Glacier

Navajo Glacier

Arikaree Glacier

Saint

Vrain

Glaciers

Isabelle Glacier

Moomaw Glacier

Navajo Glacier

Arikaree Glacier

Saint

Vrain

Glaciers

Isabelle Glacier

Moomaw Glacier

Navajo Glacier

Arikaree Glacier

Saint

Vrain

Glaciers

Isabelle Glacier

Moomaw Glacier

Navajo Glacier

Arikaree Glacier

N 75

TH ST

N 63

RD ST

NELS ON

RIDGE RD

SU NS

ET ST

ELDOR A

N 11

5T H

STN

71 ST

DILLON RD

N 4 5TH ST

N63RDST

N 77

TH ST

OVERLAND RD

SAINT VRAIN RD

NEVA RD

N 57

TH ST

LEE

HILL DR

LEFTHAND

CANYON DR

CH ER

RY VA

LE RD

FL AG

ST AF

F RD

N 79

TH ST

NIWOT RD

75 TH

ARAPAHOE RD

N 83

RD ST

N 11

5T H

INDEPENDENCE RD

EA ST

CO UN

TY LIN

E R D

SAINT VRAIN RD

WOODLAND RD

65 TH

NIWOT RD

LOOKOUT RD

GROSS D

N 75

TH ST

N 83

RD ST

N7 3R

DS T

JAMES C ANYON

COLD SP RINGS R D

ELDORA S K I RD

VALMONT RD

95 TH

OL DE

ST AG

E RD

SUGARLOAF RD

95 TH

HYGIENE RD

MAGNOLIA DR

FOU RMILE

CANYON

D R

G OLD H

ILL RD

EA ST

CO UN

TY LIN

E RD

SOU TH BOULD ER RD

GOLD HILL R

COAL

CREEK CAN YO N

PEAK TO PEAK

SCENIC BYWAY

BOUL DER

CAN

DIA GO

NA L H

MA IN

UTE HWY

SO UTH

SAINT

AIN DR

NO RTH

INT VRAIN DR

MARS HAL

L DR

ELDO RADO

SPR INGS

BR OA

DW AY

BROADWAY

MINERAL RD

10 7T

H ST

MA GN

OL IA

N FO

OT HIL

BO U LDER

CANY ON DR

NOR THW

EST PKW

Y (Toll)

D EN VER-BOULD ER TURN PIKE

BUFFALO HIGHWAY

SUGARL OAF

FOURMILE CA NYON

D R

HYGIENE RD

SUNSHI NE

CAN YON

CANYON BLVD

SOUTH BOULDER RD

AI RP

OR T

PEA K

PEA

K SC

EN IC

BY W AY

SP IN

E RD

PEAK

SCENIC

BYWAY

N 76

TH ST

ROGERSRD

KEN PRATT PKWY

N 11

9T H

GOLD RUN RD

28 TH

SO U T

H FO

OT HI

LL S

HW Y

LE FT

HA ND

CA NYO

N DR

JAY RD JASPER RD

ISABELLE RD

VALMON T RD

61 ST

N 63

RD ST JAY RD

95 TH

BASELINE RD

S 12

0T H

EMPIRE RD

Gilpin County Jefferson County

Grand County

Broomfield County

Larimer County

Weld County

L o u i s v i l l eL o u i s v i l l e

S u p e r i o rS u p e r i o r

L o n g m o n tL o n g m o n t

L a f a y e t t eL a f a y e t t e

L y o n sL y o n s

E r i eE r i e

B o u l d e rB o u l d e r

N e d e r l a n dN e d e r l a n d

J a m e s t o w nJ a m e s t o w n

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"5 "8

"12 "12

"13

"21

"36

"59

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"60

"29

"10

"38

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"40

"41

"42

"43

"44

"45

"46

"47

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"54 "55

"56

"11

"93

"16 "16

"17

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"86

"87

"63

"65

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"37

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"58

"67

"68 "69

"19

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"20

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"71

"72 "73

"74

"75

"76

"77 "78

"80

"81 "81

"83

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"61

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X95

X96

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"64

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"31

"82 "82

"88 "88

"79

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"15

Critical Wildlife Habitat

and Migration Corridors

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

The user agrees to all Terms of Use set forth by Boulder County For Terms of Use, please visit: www.bouldercounty.org/mapdisclaimer

² 0 1.5 30.75 Miles

FILE: V:\gispa\BCCP\ArcMap_projects\FinalMaps\BCCP_CWH_Migration.mxd

Critical Wildlife Habitats

An area of unique habitat which has a crucial role in sustaining populations of native wildlife and in perpetuating and encouraging a diversity of native species in the county. The area may be significantly productive habitat or particularly vital to the life requirements of species that are critically imperiled or vulnerable to extirpation.

Wildlife Migration Corridors

A specific, delineated area of known elk migration movement for a major elk herd in Boulder County.

Adopted October 15, 2014 Planning Commision

! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !! !

! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! !

! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

N 75

TH ST

N 63

RD ST

NELS ON

RIDGE RD

SU NS

ET ST

ELDOR A

N1 15

TH STN

71 ST

DILLON RD

N 45TH ST

N63RDST

N7 7T

HS T

OVERLAND RD

SAINT VRAIN RD

NEVA RD

N 57

TH ST

LEE

HILL DR

LEFTHAND

CANYON DR

CH ER

RY VA

L E RD

FL AG

ST AF

N7 9T

HS T

NIWOT RD

75 TH

ARAPAHOE RD

N 83

RD ST

N 11

5T H

INDEPENDENCE RD

EA ST

CO UN

TY LIN

E RD

SAINT VRAIN RD

WOODLAND RD

65 TH

NIWOT RD

LOOKOUT RD

GROSS D

AM RD

N 75

TH ST

N 83

RD ST

N7 3R

DS T

JAMES C ANYON

COLD SPR INGS R D

ELDORA SKI RD

VALMONT RD

95 TH

OL DE

ST AG

E RD

SUGARLOAF RD

95 TH

HYGIENE RD

MAGNOLIA DR FO U RMILE

CANYON

G OLD H

ILL RD

EA ST

CO UN

TY LIN

E RD

SOUTH BOULDER RD

GOLD HILL R

COAL

CREEK CAN YON

PEAK TO PEAK

SCENIC BYWAY

BOUL DER

CAN

DIA GO

NA L H

MA IN

UTE HWY

SOU TH

SAINT

AIN DR

NOR TH

INT VRAIN DR

MARS HALL

ELDOR ADO

SPR INGS

BR OA

DW AY

BROADWAY

MINERAL RD

10 7T

H ST

MA GN

OL IA

N FO

OT HIL

BOU LDER

CANYON DR

NOR THW

EST PKW

Y ( Toll)

DENVER-BOULDER TURNPIKE

BUFFALOHIGHWAY

SUGARL OAF

FOURMILE CA NYON

HYGIENE RD

SUNSHIN E

CAN YON

CANYON BLVD

SOUTH BOULDER RD

AI RP

OR T

PEAK

PEA

K SC

EN IC

BYW AY

SP INE

PEAK

SCENIC

BYWAY

N 76

T H ST

ROGERSRD

KEN PRATT PKWY

N 119

TH ST

GOLD RUN RD

28 TH

SO UT

H FO

OT HI

LL S

HW Y

LE FT

HA ND

CA NYO

N DR

JAY RD JASPER RD

ISABELLE RD

VALMON T RD

61 ST

ST N

63 RD

ST JAY RD

95 TH

BASELINE RD

S 12

0T H

EMPIRE RD

Gilpin County Jefferson County

Grand County

Broomfield County

Larimer County

Weld County

L o u i s v i l l eL o u i s v i l l e

S u p e r i o rS u p e r i o r

L o n g m o n tL o n g m o n t

L a f a y e t t eL a f a y e t t e

L y o n sL y o n s

E r i eE r i e

B o u l d e rB o u l d e r

N e d e r l a n dN e d e r l a n d

J a m e s t o w nJ a m e s t o w n

W a r dW a r d

North St. Vrain

Rabbit Mountain

South St. Vrain/Foothills

East County

Table Mountain

Boulder Valley Ranch/Beech Open Space

Walker Mountain

White Rocks/Gunbarrel

Hill

Boulder Mountain

Park/South Boulder

Indian Peaks

Fourmile Creek/Bald Mountain

Hawkin Gulch/Walker Ranch/Upper

Eldorado Canyon

Magnolia

!13 !10

!11 !4

!12

!7 !6

!14

Winiger Ridge

Environmental Conservation

Areas

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

The user agrees to all Terms of Use set forth by Boulder County For Terms of Use, please visit: www.bouldercounty.org/mapdisclaimer

² 0 1.5 30.75 Miles

Environmental Conservation Areas

Areas of the County that possess a relatively low amount of fragmentation, contain high quality natural resources or habitats, are designated at a sufficient size to provide ecological benefit, and/or have significant potential for restoration

Overland Habitat Connectors ! ! !

Areas of wildlife movement across relatively unfragmented landscapes which provides connectivity among Environmental Conservation Areas

Riparian Habitat Connectors

Areas of wildlife movement adjacent to relative unfragmented waterways which provides connectivity among Environmental Conservation Areas

Adopted October 15, 2014 Planning Commision

N 75 TH ST

N 63 RD

NELS ON

RIDGE RD

SU NS ET

ELDOR A RD

N1 15 TH STN

71 ST ST

DILLONRD

N 45TH ST

N63RDST

N7 7T H ST

OVERLAND RD

SAINTVRAINRD

NEVA RD

N 57 TH ST

LEE

HILL DR

LEFTHAND

CANYON DR

CH ER RY VA LE

FL AG ST AF F

N 79 TH ST

NIWOT RD

75 TH

ARAP AHOE RD

N 83 RD ST

N 11 5T H

INDEP ENDENCERD

EA ST

CO UN TY

LIN E

SAINTVRAIN RD

WOODLAND RD

65 TH

NIWOT RD

LOOKOUT RD

GROSS D AM

N 75 TH

N 83 RD

N7 3R D ST

JAMES C ANYON

COLD SP RINGSRD

ELDORASKIRD

VALMONT RD

95 TH

OL DE

ST AG E

SUGARLOAF RD

95 TH

HYGIENE RD

MAGNOLIA DR

FOURMILE

CANYON

GOLD H

ILL RD

EA ST

CO UN TY

LIN E

SOUTH BOULDER RD

GOLD HILL R

COAL

CREEK CAN YON

P EAK TO PEAK

SCENIC BYWAY

BOU LDE R

CAN

DIA GO NA LH WY

MA IN

UTE HWY

SOU TH

SAINT

AIN DR

NOR TH

INT VRAIN DR

MARS HAL L

ELDOR ADO

SP R INGS

BR OA DW AY

BROADWAY

MINERAL RD

10 7T H

MA GN OL IA

N FO OT HIL LS

BOU LDER

CANYON DR

NOR THW EST

PKW Y (

Toll)

DENVER-BOULDERTURNP IKE

BUFFALOHIGHWAY

SUGARLOAF

FOURMILE CA NYON

HYGIENE RD

SUNSHI NE

CAN YON

CANYONBLVD

SOUTH BOULDER RD

AI RP OR T RD

PEA K

PEA

K SC EN IC

W AY

SP IN E RD

P EAK

PEAK

SCENIC

BYWAY

N 76 TH ST

ROGERSRD

KEN P RATT P KWY

N 11 9T H ST

GOLD RUN RD

28 TH

SO UT H

FO OT HI LL S

HW Y

LE FT HA ND

CA NY

ON DR

JAYRD JASP ER RD

ISABELLE RD

VALMON T RD

61 ST ST

N 63 RD

ST JAY RD

95 TH

BASELINE RD

S 12 0T H

EMPIRERD

Gilpin County Je fferson County

Grand County

Broom field County

Larim er County

Weld County

LouisvilleLouisville

Supe riorSupe rior

Longm ontLongm ont

La f a ye tteLa f a ye tte

LyonsLyons

ErieErie

Bould e rBould e r

Ne d e rla n dNe d e rla n d

Ja m e stownJa m e stown

Wa rdWa rd

Habitat Conservation

Areas for Prebles Meadow Jumping Mouse

Bould er County Comprehensive P lan

The user agrees to all Terms of Use set forth by Boulder County For Terms of Use, please visit: www.bouldercounty.org/mapdisclaimer

² 0 1.5 30.75 Miles

FILE: V:\gispa\BCCP\ArcMap_projects\FinalMaps\BCCP_PMJM.mxd

Zone 1 Mouse Management Area (MMA)

Areas in which P MJM is known to occur, includ ing a d jacent habitat patches that are likely to be occupie d. Managem ent should em phasize m aintaining higher quality riparian habitat and higher numbers of mice. Areas of poor quality are priorities for restoration with high expectations for success. Zone 2 Possible Linkages

Linkages are d esignate d for populations that once occurred as a single unit, but are now fragm ente d. Linkages provid e a d equate structure for a few mice to “m ake it to the other sid e”, facilitating dispersal, population m aintenance, and genetic exchange. Zone 3 Suitable Contiguous Habitat

Areas of suitable habitat that are contiguous to a known population and are not known to be occupie d by P MJM (i.e. P MJM either have not been captured or no trapping has occurred). Zone 4 Potential Restoration, Contiguous

Areas not known to be occupie d but contiguous with known populations where restoration of unsuitable or d egra d e d habitat could result in a significant increase in a P MJM population. Zone 5 Suitable, Noncontiguous Habitat

Areas of suitable habitat that are NOT contiguous to a known population and are not known to be occupie d by P MJM. Foothills Perennial Stream Habitat

Areas of suitable P MJM habitat along foothills perennial streams up to 7,600 ft. in elevation not covere d und er one of the other d esignations. P MJM are known to occupy riparian habitat up to this elevation (USFWS 2004).

Habitat Conservation Areas are a d apte d from the “P ossible Conservation Zones” of the P MJM Conservation Handbook. The d esignations guid e conservation of P MJM habitat with the overarching goal of aid ing in the recovery of this Threatene d species.

Habitat Conservation Areas Descriptions

Revisions Ad opte d July 15, 2015 P lanning Comm ision

N 75 TH ST

N 63 RD

NELS ON

RIDGE RD

SU NS ET

ELDOR A RD

N1 15 TH STN

71 ST ST

DILLONRD

N 45TH ST

N63RDST

N7 7T HS T

OVERLAND RD

SAINTVRAINRD

NEVA RD

N 57 TH ST

LEE

HILL DR

LEFTHAND

CANYON DR

CH ER RY VA L E

FL AG STA FF

N7 9T HS T

NIWOT RD

75 TH

ARAPAHOE RD

N8 3R D ST

N 11 5T H

INDEP ENDENCERD

EA ST

CO UN TY

LIN E

SAINTVRAIN RD

WOODLAND RD

65 TH

NIWOT RD

LOOKOUT RD

GROSS D AM

N 75 TH

N 83 RD

N7 3R DS T

JAMES CA NYON

COLD SP RINGSRD

ELDORASKIRD

VALMONT RD

95 TH

OL DE

ST AG E

SUGARLOAF RD

95 TH

HYGIENE RD

MAGNOLIA DR FOURMILE

CANYON

GOLD H

ILL RD

EA ST

CO UN TY

LIN E

SOUTH BOULDER RD

GOLD HILL R

COAL

CREEK CAN YON

PEAK TO PEAK

SCENIC BYWAY

BOUL DER

CAN

DIA GO NAL HW Y

MA IN

UTE HWY

SOU TH

SAINT

AIN DR

NOR TH

INT VRAIN DR

MARS HALL

ELDOR ADO

SPR INGS

BR OA DW AY

BROADWAY

MINERAL RD

10 7T H

MA GN OL IA

N FO OT HIL LS

BOU LDER

CANYON DR

NOR THW EST

PKW Y (

Toll)

DENVER-BOULDERTURNP IKE

BUFFALOHIGHWAY

SUGARLOAF

FOURMILE CA NYON

HYGIENE RD

SUNSHIN E

CAN YON

CANYONBLVD

SOUTH BOULDER RD

AI RP OR TR D

P EA K

PEA

K SC EN IC

BYW AY

SP INE

PEAK

SCENIC

BYWAY

N 76 T H ST

ROGERSRD

KEN PRATT PKWY

N 11 9T H ST

GOLD RUN RD

28 TH

SO UT H

FO OT HI LL S

HW Y

LE FT HA ND

CA NYO

N DR

JAYRD JASP ER RD

ISABELLE RD

VALMON T RD

61 ST ST N 63 RD

ST JAY RD

95 TH

BASELINE RD

S 12 0T H

EMP IRERD

Gilpin County Je ffe rson County

Grand County

Broom fie ld County

Larim e r County

Weld County

LouisvilleLouisville

Supe riorSupe rior

Lon g m ontLon g m ont

La f a ye tteLa f a ye tte

LyonsLyons

ErieErie

Boulde rBoulde r

Ne de rla ndNe de rla nd

Ja m e stownJa m e stown

Wa rdWa rd

#41

#31

#21

#25

#48

#34

#43

#35

#40 #22

#39

#38

#28

#44

#45

#33

#46

#49

#23

#29

#47

#24

#17

#15

#26

#36

#32

#42

#18

#30 #8

#12

#10

#27

#13

#16

#11

#19

#20

#14

Lost Lake South

Como Creek

South Saint Vrain Saint Vrain Mountain

Beaver Creek

Tumblesom Lake

Delonde Creek

Middle Saint Vrain Creek at Peaceful Valley

Duck Lake above Ward

Left Hand Canyon

Springdale

Lake Albion

James Creek

Ceran Saint Vrain

North Beaver Creek

North Boulder Creek at Caribou Ranch

Copeland Willow Carr

Roaring Fork

Winiger Gulch

Steamboat Mountain

Chittenden Mountain

The Ironclads

Button Rock Mountain

Bald Mountain

Table Mountain

North Boulder

Grasslands

Mount Sanitas Hogbacks

Betasso

Gold Hill at Switzerland

Trail

Coney Creek

North Saint Vrain

Coal Creek below Rocky Flats Doudy Draw

Lykins Gulch

Gordon Creek

Boulder Creek

Marshall Mesa

Niwot Ridge

Coffintop Mountain

Indian Lookout Mountain

Boulder Foothills

Shanahan Grassland

Rabbit Mountain

Fairview Peak

Red Hill south of

Lyons

South Boulder Creek

Mount Audubon

Middle Boulder Creek at Eldora

High Biodiversity

Areas

Boulde r County Comprehe nsive P lan

The user agrees to all Terms of Use set forth by Boulder County For Terms of Use, please visit: www.bouldercounty.org/mapdisclaimer

² 0 1.5 30.75 Miles

FILE: V:\gispa\BCCP\ArcMap_projects\FinalMaps\BCCP_HBA.mxd

B1: Outstanding Biodiversity Significance (Irreplacable)

An area that on a global scale is irreplaceable. The area has a concentration of four or more globally critically imperiled to globally imperiled (G1-G2) element occurrences that are in excellent or good (A- or B-ranked) condition.

B2: Very High Biodiversity Significance (Nearly Irreplacable)

An area that on a global scale is nearly irreplaceable and significance on a national scale. An area has a concentration of several biodiversity elements that are globally rare (G3) and/or species that are common globally (G4 or G5) but rare within Colorado.

B3: High Biodiversity Significance

An area that has state-wide importance. The area has a concentration of several biodiversity elements that are more common globally but are excellent or good for this ecoregion.

An are a with a conce ntration of rare e nvironm e ntal re source s that repre se nts one of the g re ate st opportunities for pre se rving specific aspects of Boulde r County’s natural he rita g e. These are as have b e e n ide ntified and ranked by the CSU Natural Herita g e P rog ram.

High Biodiversity Areas

Adopted Octob e r 15, 2014 P lanning Comm ision

N 75

TH ST

N 63

RD ST

NELS ON

RIDGE RD

SU NS

ET ST

ELDOR A

N1 15

TH STN

71 ST

DILLON RD

N 45TH ST

N63RDST

N7 7T

HS T

OVERLAND RD

SAINT VRAIN RD

NEVA RD

N 57

TH ST

LEE

HILL DR

LEFTHAND

CANYON DR

CH ER

RY VA

L E RD

FL AG

ST AF

N7 9T

HS T

NIWOT RD

75 TH

ARAPAHOE RD

N 83

RD ST

N 11

5T H

INDEPENDENCE RD

EA ST

CO UN

TY LIN

E RD

SAINT VRAIN RD

WOODLAND RD

65 TH

NIWOT RD

LOOKOUT RD

GROSS D

AM RD

N 75

TH ST

N 83

RD ST

N7 3R

DS T

JAMES C ANYON

COLD SPR INGS R D

ELDORA SKI RD

VALMONT RD

95 TH

OL DE

ST AG

E RD

SUGARLOAF RD

95 TH

HYGIENE RD

MAGNOLIA DR FO U RMILE

CANYON

G OLD H

ILL RD

EA ST

CO UN

TY LIN

E RD

SOUTH BOULDER RD

GOLD HILL R

COAL

CREEK CAN YON

PEAK TO PEAK

SCENIC BYWAY

BOUL DER

CAN

DIA GO

NA L H

MA IN

UTE HWY

SOU TH

SAINT

AIN DR

NOR TH

INT VRAIN DR

MARS HALL

ELDOR ADO

SPR INGS

BR OA

DW AY

BROADWAY

MINERAL RD

10 7T

H ST

MA GN

OL IA

N FO

OT HIL

BOU LDER

CANYON DR

NOR THW

EST PKW

Y ( Toll)

DENVER-BOULDER TURNPIKE

BUFFALOHIGHWAY

SUGARL OAF

FOURMILE CA NYON

HYGIENE RD

SUNSHIN E

CAN YON

CANYON BLVD

SOUTH BOULDER RD

AI RP

OR T

PEAK

PEA

K SC

EN IC

BYW AY

SP INE

PEAK

SCENIC

BYWAY

N 76

T H ST

ROGERSRD

KEN PRATT PKWY

N 119

TH ST

GOLD RUN RD

28 TH

SO UT

H FO

OT HI

LL S

HW Y

LE FT

HA ND

CA NYO

N DR

JAY RD JASPER RD

ISABELLE RD

VALMON T RD

61 ST

ST N

63 RD

ST JAY RD

95 TH

BASELINE RD

S 12

0T H

EMPIRE RD

Gilpin County Jefferson County

Grand County

Broomfield County

Larimer County

Weld County

L o u i s v i l l eL o u i s v i l l e

S u p e r i o rS u p e r i o r

L o n g m o n tL o n g m o n t

L a f a y e t t eL a f a y e t t e

L y o n sL y o n s

E r i eE r i e

B o u l d e rB o u l d e r

N e d e r l a n dN e d e r l a n d

J a m e s t o w nJ a m e s t o w n

W a r dW a r d

White Rocks

Copeland Willow Carr

Boulder Mountain

Park

Boulder Mountain

Park

Colorado Tallgrass Prairie

North St. Vrain

Niwot Ridge

Rabbit Mountain

South Draw

North Grasslands

Red Hill

Foxhills Sandstone

%11

%12

#26

#15

#22

#23

#4#6

#12

South Boulder Creek/Colorado TallgrassPrairie

South Boulder Creek

%13

#18

#17

#24

#8 #3

#19 #20 #25

%11

#13#16

#14

#21

#10 #2

#11

Red Rocks

Hygiene Plains

Cottonwood Hygiene Hogback

Ironclads

Coffintop Mountain

Indian Lookout Mountain

Deer Ridge

Steamboat Mountain

Big Elk Park

Grassy Top Bighorn

Mountain

Haystack MountainBuckinghamPark Hogback

Porphyry Mountain

Miller Rock

Table Mountain

Flatirons Eagle Rock

Boulder Falls

Profile RockSugarloaf Mountain

Valmont Dike

Continental Divide

Winiger Ridge

Twin Sisters Peak

Indian Mountain Natural

Landmarks and Natural

Areas

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

The user agrees to all Terms of Use set forth by Boulder County For Terms of Use, please visit: www.bouldercounty.org/mapdisclaimer

² 0 1.5 30.75 Miles

FILE: V:\gispa\BCCP\ArcMap_projects\FinalMaps\BCCP_NLNA.mxd

Natural Landmarks

A landscape feature designated solely for its visual and scenic prominence that distinguishes a specific locality in Boulder County.

Natural Areas

An area especially unique and important to the natural heritage of the county that typifies native vegetation and associated biological and geological features and provides habitat for rare or endangered animal or plant species; or includes geologic or other natural features of scientific or educational value.

Adopted October 15, 2014 Planning Commision

N 75

T H ST

N 63

RD ST

NELS ON

RIDGE RD

SU NS

ET ST

ELDOR A

N1 15

TH STN

71 ST

DILLON RD

N 45TH ST

N63RDST

N7 7T

HS T

OVERLAND RD

SAINT VRAIN RD

NEVA RD

N 57

TH ST

LEE

HILL DR

LEFTHAND

CANYON DR

CH ER

RY V A

LE RD

FL AG

ST AF

N7 9T

HS T

NIWOT RD

75 TH

ARAPAHOE RD

N8 3R

DS T

N 11

5T H

INDEPENDENCE RD

EA ST

CO UN

TY LIN

E RD

SAINT VRAIN RD

WOODLAND RD

65 TH

NIWOT RD

LOOKOUT RD

GROSS D

AM RD

N 75

TH ST

N 83

RD ST

N7 3R

DS T

JAMES CA NYON

COLD SP RINGS R D

ELDORA SKI RD

VALMONT RD

95 TH

OL DE

ST AG

E RD

SUGARLOAF RD

95 TH

HYGIENE RD

MAGNOLIA DR FO U RMILE

CANYON

D R

G OLD H

ILL RD

EA ST

CO UN

TY LIN

E RD

SOUTH BOULDER RD

GOLD HILL R

COAL

CREEK CAN YON

PEAK TO PEAK

SCENIC BYWAY

BOUL DER

CAN

DIA GO

NAL HW

MA IN

UTE HWY

SOU TH

SAINT

AIN DR

NO RTH

INT VRAIN DR

MARS HALL

ELDOR ADO

SPR INGS

BR OA

DW AY

BROADWAY

MINERAL RD

10 7T

H ST

MA GN

OL IA

N FO

OT HIL

BOU LDER

CANYON DR

NOR THW

EST PKW

Y ( Toll)

DENVER-BOULDER TURNPIKE

BUFFALOHIGHWAY

SUGARL OAF

FOURMILE CA NYON

D R

HYGIENE RD

SUNSHIN E

CAN YON

CANYON BLVD

SOUTH BOULDER RD

AI RP

OR TR

PEA K

PEA

K SC

EN IC

BYW AY

SP INE

PEAK

SCENIC

BYWAY

N 76

TH ST

ROGERSRD

KEN PRATT PKWY

N 119

TH ST

GOLD RUN RD

28 TH

SO UT

H FO

OT HI

LL S

HW Y

LE FT

HA ND

CA NYO

N DR

JAY RD JASPER RD

ISABELLE RD

VALMON T RD

61 ST

ST N

63 RD

ST JAY RD

95 TH

BASELINE RD

S 12

0T H

EMPIRE RD

Allens Lake

Autrey Res.

Baseline Res.

Beaver Res.

Bohn Lake

Boulder Res.

Brainard Lake

Burch

Copeland Lake

Cowdrey Res. No. 2

Crystal Lake

Divide Res.

Dodd Res.

Eagl e Lake

Elwood Res.

Erie Lake

Foothil ls

Frigid Lake

Frozen Lake

Gl acier Lake

Gol d Lake

Goose Lake

Green Lake

Green Lakes

Gro ss

Harper Lake

Highland Res. No.2

Hillcrest Lake

Hodgson-Harris Res.

Independent Res.

Ish Res.

Island Lake

Jasper Lake

Jenny Lake

Knoth Res.

Kossl er Lake

Lagerman Res.

Lake

Leggett- Owen Res.

Lost Lake

Loui svil le R es.

Marshall Lake

McC all Lake

Mitchell Lake

Ouzel Lake

Rainbow Lakes Re

Res.

Panama Res. No. 1

Prince Lake No. 1

Prince Lake No. 2

Red R ock Lake

Sandbeach Lake

Silver Lake

Sixmile Res.

Stapp Lakes

Steele Lakes Swede Lakes

Terry Lake

Thunder Lake

Triple Lakes

Diamond Lake

Tumbl eson Lake

Twin Lakes

Valmont Res.

Wal ker Res.

Yankee D oodl e Lake

Boulder Cr eek

Bell Gulch Cre ek

Upper Diam ond Lake

Lake Dorothy

Frozen Lake

Lake Isabelle

Blue Lake

Pear R es.

Fi nch Lake

Pipit Lake

Junco Lake

Coal Cre ek

Co al

C re

Dr y

C re ek

D ry C ree k

Dry Cree k No. 1

Arikaree Glacier

Left Hand Valley R es.

Ouzel Creek

Fourmil e Cr eek

James C r e e k

Hic ks

Gul c h Creek

Jame s Cre

e k

Jasper C re ek

L e ft

n d Cr e ek

North B eaver Cre ek

Rock

C re ek

North Sai nt

Vrain

Cr e ek

Saint Vrain Creek

Bluebird Lake

Navajo Glacier

Barke r Res.

Sherw ood C reek

Hors e

Cre ek

So uth

Bo ul

de r

Cr e e

Moomaw Glaci er

Woodland Lake

Devi ls Thumb Lake

Skyscraper R es.

Betty Lake

Bob Lake

King Lake

Storm Lake

South Fork Middle B

oulde r

Creek

South Sa i nt Vrain

Cr ee

So uth

Sai nt

Vrain

Cre ek

R oar ing Fork

Creek

Peterson Lake

Lake Eldora

Isabelle Gl acier

Gl aciers

Arapaho Glaci er

Sai nt Vrain

Delonde Cree k

C arib ou

Cr ee

North F or

M id dle Bo uld er

Creek

McI ntosh Lake

Hor sesh o e Cr eek

B eaver Cre ek

Fo rs y t he Can

yon Cr eek

Joder Res.Upper Coney Lake

Coney Lake

Red D eer Lake

Long Lake

Lake A lbion

Wi ni g e r Gulch

CreekM idd

Bo ulde

r Cree

Keplinger Lake

Li on Lake No. 2 Snowbank Lake

Li on Lake No. 1

Buttonrock Res.

N orth Boulder

C r e e k

Spring Gulch Creek

Little Ja mes

Creek

Con y C

ree k

Be aver Cre ek

Mi dd le

Bo uld

Cre ek

syl van

ia Gul

c h

F o u r

m ile

Creek

Midd le

Sain t

Vrai n Cre ek

C ab in Creek

Los Lagos Res.

South Opalair

Res. Gl en Res.

North Boulder Cree k

No r th Saint Vrain

Cr eek

Clark Lake

Bo uld

Cr e ek

Fo urmil e C anyon

C re

ek Left Ha

nd C reek

Ro ck

Cre ek

W ood s

Gulc h

Left Hand Valley Res. No. 2

Left Hand Cre ek

Hidden Lake

Chasm Lake

Lake Waneka

Great Western

Res.

Olig a rc hy D it c h

Davi s Res.

Bu rc h La k e

M c Into s h La k e

Clover Basin Res.

South Bo ulder Cre ek

S o uth B r an

Lef t Ha

nd Cr eek

St . Vra i n C re ek

H i g h

la nd

D i t c

Left Hand Res.

S o ut h L edg e D itch

Inl et

Sm e a d Di tc h

S m e ad

D i tc h

Fo ot

h ill

s In

le t

Saint Vrain Creek

Sm e a d D itc h

Gaynor Lake

Wonderland Lake

Little Th om

on Ri

v er

Go s s Pr iv a te

Burke Lake

La yc

o ok

D itc

Sm e a d D itc h

Go s s Pr iv a te

B o ulde r Fe e d e r C a n a l

J a m e s Ditc h

R o u g h

& R e a d

y D it c h

C lo

ve r

B as

in D

itc h

Peck M id.

Br anch

We bs te r &

M c C a s lin D itc h

S w e de D itc h

S we d e D itc h

Pa l m e r ton Di tc h

S up p ly Di t

C lo u g h Pr iv at e

Tre v a rto n Re s .

M c C a s lin La k e

Foot hills Re s .

M c C a ll La k e

Inde p e nde nt Re s .

Tel ler Lake Marfell Lakes

R uny a n Di tc h

D e nio/T a y lor & M ill D i tc h

N ort h B ra n c h

C l o u g h & T r u e

L o n g m

o n t Sup p ly D itc h

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hi l l s

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l et

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Eggleston Res. No. 4

McC asl in Lake

Trevarton Res.

Little Thompson R i v er

Sawhi ll Ponds

Stearns Lake

Mesa Res.

St. Vra i n C re e k

Sou th F lat D itch

L o u i s v i l l eL o u i s v i l l e

S u p e r i o rS u p e r i o r

L o n g m o n tL o n g m o n t

L a f a y e t t eL a f a y e t t e

L y o n sL y o n s

E r i eE r i e

B o u l d e rB o u l d e r

N e d e r l a n dN e d e r l a n d

J a m e s t o w nJ a m e s t o w n

W a r dW a r d

Rare Plant Areas and Significant

Natural Communities

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

The user agrees to all Terms of Use set forth by Boulder County For Terms of Use, please visit: www.bouldercounty.org/mapdisclaimer

² 0 1.5 30.75 Miles

FILE: V:\gispa\BCCP\ArcMap_projects\FinalMaps\BCCP_RarePlants_SNC.mxd

Significant Natural Communities

An area where a combination of plant species (a plant association) that is critically imperiled or vulnerable to extirpation is present.

Rare Plant Areas

An area known to have or have a high likelihood of having occurrences of Plant Species of Special Concern.

Revisions Adopted July 15, 2015 Planning Commision

N 75

TH ST

N 63

RD ST

NELS ON

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SU NS

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N1 15

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71 ST

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N 45TH ST

N63RDST

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SAINT VRAIN RD

NEVA RD

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75 TH

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N 83

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WOODLAND RD

65 TH

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LOOKOUT RD

GROSS D

AM RD

N 75

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N 83

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N7 3R

DS T

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COLD SPR INGS R D

ELDORA SKI RD

VALMONT RD

95 TH

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95 TH

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SOUTH BOULDER RD

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SUNSHIN E

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CANYON BLVD

SOUTH BOULDER RD

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28 TH

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ISABELLE RD

VALMON T RD

61 ST

ST N

63 RD

ST JAY RD

95 TH

BASELINE RD

S 12

0T H

EMPIRE RD

Jefferson County

Gilpin County

Grand County

Broomfield County

Larimer County

Weld County

L o u i s v i l l eL o u i s v i l l e

S u p e r i o rS u p e r i o r

L o n g m o n tL o n g m o n t

L a f a y e t t eL a f a y e t t e

L y o n sL y o n s

E r i eE r i e

B o u l d e rB o u l d e r

N e d e r l a n dN e d e r l a n d

J a m e s t o w nJ a m e s t o w n

W a r dW a r d

Wetlands and

Riparian Areas

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

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² 0 1.5 30.75 Miles

FILE: V:\gispa\BCCP\ArcMap_projects\FinalMaps\BCCP_Wetland_Riparian.mxd

Riparian Areas

An area recognized by the presence of linear bands of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation along a waterway where plant communities and soil moisture differ from surrounding upland vegetation and soils

Wetlands

Lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water with one or more of the following attributes: (1) at least periodically, the land supports predominantly hydrophytes (wetland plants); (2) the substrate is predominantly un-drained hydric soil; and/or (3) the substrate is non-soil and is saturated with water or covered by shallow water at some time during the growing season of each year (USFWS 1993).

Adopted October 15, 2014 Planning Commision

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Saint

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Navajo Glacier

Arikaree Glacier

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan: Goals, Policies, & Maps Element (Second Edition)
Title Page
Table of Contents
Executive Summary

Adoption Process
Second Edition Features

Goal and Policy Numbering

Introduction

The Role of the Plan in the Context of Planning in Boulder County
The Boulder County Land Use Code
State Statutory Background
Intergovernmental Agreements
Regionalism & Jurisdiction

Goals

Design of the Region
Environmental Management
Parks and Open Space
Residential Goals
Community Facilities
Economic Conditions
Transportation
Public Involvement
Government Relations
Solid Waste Management
Cultural Resources
Natural Hazards
Agricultural Resources

Plains Planning Area

Existing Land Form
Rural Density & Development
Issues

Inefficient Growth Patterns & Service Provisions
Loss of Agricultural Lands & Open Space
Rural Character & Visual Impact
Lack of Predictability in the Development Process

Objectives
Plains Planning Area Policies
Authorization Actions

Non-Urban Planned Unit Developments
Transferable Development Rights

Geology

Definitions

Land Uses
Geologic Hazards and Constraints
Aggregate Resource Area
Lode Mineral Area

Policies

Geologic Hazards and Constraints
Mineral Resources
Groundwater

Environmental Resources

Overview
Goals of the Environmental Resources Element
Environmental Resource Policies
General Policies for Environmental Resources
Air, Soil, Water, Noise and Light Policies
Environmental Conservation Areas Policies
Natural Landmarks and Natural Areas Policies

Open Space

Definition and Functions of Open Space
Methods of Open Space Preservation/Acquisition

Subdivision Dedication
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)
Purchase of Fee Interest In Land
Purchase of Land Without Development Rights
Purchase of a Conservation Easement (also called the purchase of development rights)
Bargain Sale
Purchase of Land With Leaseback
Donation of Fee Interest or Conservation Easement
Intergovernmental Transfers (lease or patent)
Intergovernmental Cooperation

Open Space Funding
Open Space Policies

Acquisition
Resource Management
Scenic Area and Open Corridor Protection
Recreational Use
Rural Character Preservation and Community Buffering
Trails
Public/Private Partnerships
Public Decision Making

Transportation
Cultural Resources

Goals
Policies

Natural Hazards

Issues and Concerns
Natural Hazards Goals
Policies

General
Specific Hazards

Geologic Hazards and Constraints
Erosion
Flooding
Wildfire
Radiation
Seismicity
Extreme Weather Conditions

Agricultural

Agricultural Objectives
Agricultural Goals
Agricultural Policies

Infrastructure Development & Oil and Gas Operations on Agricultural Land
Weed and Pest Management

Housing

Housing Policies

Solid Waste

Boulder County’s Role
Primary Concentration
Transportation
Secondary Concentration
Processing
Resource Recovery and Recycling
Final Disposal
Regulation
Services Fees and Charges
Solid Waste Policies

Environmental
Public Involvement
Governmental Relations
Solid Waste Management
Resource Recovery and Recycling

Land Use Surrounding Airports
Fire Protection
Telecommunications
Economics
Additional County-Wide
Southeast Subregion

Land Use Objectives
Policies

Niwot, Lefthand, Boulder Creek Subregion

Policies
Niwot Community Service Area

Components of Niwot’s “Semirural” Character
Community Service Area Objectives

Policies

Longmont, Lyons, St. Vrain Subregion
Mountain Subregion

Jamestown Comprehensive Plan
Eldora Preservation Plan

Intergovernmental Agreements
Information Sources
Amendment History
BCCP Index
Comprehensive Plan Maps

Public Lands Map
Comprehensive Development Plan Intergovernmental Agreements Between Boulder County and Municipalities Map
Geologic Hazard and Constraint Areas Map
Mineral Resource Areas Map
Critical Wildlife Habitat and Migration Corridors
Environmental Conservation Areas
Habitat Conservation Areas for Prebles Meadow Jumping Mouse
High Biodiversity Areas
Natural Landmarks and Natural Areas
Rare Plant Areas and Significant Natural Communities
Wetlands and Riparian Areas
County Open Space Plan Map
County Trails Map
County On-Street Bikeways Plan
Archaeologically Sensitive Areas Map
Significant Agricultural Lands Map
Niwot Community Service Area Map