County Commissioners approve changes to agricultural uses in Land Use Code

Boulder County, Colo. – After more than a year of research, public outreach and focus group meetings conducted by the Land Use Department, the Board of County Commissioners have approved changes to the Land Use Code related to agricultural uses in unincorporated Boulder County.

Some of the changes were minor clarifications to existing regulations, while other changes provide the opportunity for more Boulder County residents to participate in residential-scale agriculture, expand the opportunities for market farmers to connect with their customers, and allow small-scale processing on farms.

“Over the past 30-years the county has made tremendous strides in preserving and protecting agricultural land,” said Boulder County Commissioner Cindy Domenico. “These regulations are the next evolution of this process. They recognize the diverse farming community within the county and the need to have flexibility and economic opportunity which then allows the land serve a viable purpose and maintains the rural character of the county so many of us appreciate.”

Land Use Department planner Abby Shannon said the approved code revisions recognize the significance and diversity of farming and ranching in Boulder County.

“These code amendments will provide Boulder County farmers with more options for connecting with their customers and the community,” Shannon said.

Farm events, such as farm-to-table dinners, will now be allowed by-right on farms. More than six events could be allowed through a planning review process. Previously, the Land Use Code did not specifically address farm-to-table dinners.

The changes to the regulations simplify processes and procedures for farmers to be able to sell their products to customers by clarifying definitions and allowing small scale agricultural sales without a planning review process. They also allow the ability for residents to have up to eight chickens and to do limited residential bee keeping. 

The Board also supported the ability of farmers to work cooperatively and share large capital expenses such as commercial kitchens for the purpose of creating value-added food products such as jams and canned vegetables.

The Board recognizes the importance of economic viability and sustainability in their support of a robust local agricultural sector, which includes large scale commodity farms and small scale market farms. They are thankful for the public involvement over the course of the past year, which included small group meetings with farmers to talk about specific issues, a comprehensive review of existing regulations, and brainstorming sessions.

The Land Use Code amendments approved on Jan. 3 are expected to become effective this month.

For more information about the county’s role in agricultural development, visit the county’s Land Use Code agricultural update webpage or contact Abby Shannon at 720-564-2623 or ashannon@bouldercounty.org.

-BoulderCounty.org-

Barbara Halpin
Boulder County Public Information Officer
BHALPIN@bouldercounty.org
303-441-1622