Boulder City Council Approves Height Modifications for New Housing Development

Boulder City’s Planning Board has taken significant steps toward enhancing local housing options by recommending approval for a site review amendment and an annexation agreement amendment during their recent meeting on August 14, 2025. This decision aims to facilitate the construction of new homes while ensuring a portion remains affordable for middle-income families.

The proposed project includes six market-rate homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), with a request to modify height restrictions. The amendment seeks to increase the maximum height for market-rate homes to 40 feet and for ADUs to 32 feet, allowing for more usable living space. This adjustment is crucial as the site is situated in a slight depression, making the existing grade lower than surrounding neighborhoods.

The Planning Board previously approved the annexation of the property in February 2024, which designated it for low-density residential use. The current proposal maintains the original density and design standards while addressing the need for additional height due to increased fill requirements during the engineering review process.

A key aspect of the project is its commitment to community benefits. The annexation agreement mandates that at least 40% of the new units, or six homes, will be permanently affordable for households earning between 100% and 150% of the area median income (AMI). This is a significant addition to Boulder’s housing stock, which has been under pressure from rising costs.

The Planning Board’s recommendation will now move to the City Council, which is scheduled to review the amendments on August 21, 2025. If the council does not call for a public hearing, the Planning Board's decision will stand, paving the way for the development to proceed. This initiative reflects Boulder’s ongoing efforts to balance growth with the need for affordable housing, ensuring that the community can accommodate diverse residents while preserving its character.