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Boulder council approves first reading of revised zoning code, keeps Planning Board's lot-line rule
Summary
The City of Boulder approved the first reading of Ordinance 2025-03 after agreeing to Planning Board language that lets property owners build over interior lot lines without a variance, and set internal appeal deadlines to 45 days. Second reading is scheduled for Sept. 15.
The Boulder City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 2025-03 on Aug. 18, 2025, adopting a comprehensive update to the city's zoning code while keeping the Planning Board's approach to lot-line variances.
Council members debated recommended edits by City Attorney Ed Guza, who proposed grammatical clarifications, changes to nonconforming-lot rules and removing a paragraph on page 26 as redundant. A central policy dispute concerned whether residents should require a variance to build over interior lot lines even if they own adjoining lots. Planning engineer Jerry Grebenc and the Planning Board argued for allowing building over a property owner's own lot lines; Guza warned that permitting it without oversight could enable oversized structures.
After discussion the council sided with the Planning Board and left the code provision so owners may build over their own interior lot lines without a variance. Council also agreed to Guza's suggested changes on notice language and accepted Drew Dawson's proposal to standardize appeal decision time limits at 45 days.
During the public hearing, resident Christine McCabe said she was concerned about introducing mixed-use zoning near her home and asked what kinds of businesses would be allowed. Planning engineer Jerry Grebenc said mixed use is intended to provide a transition from the central business district into residential neighborhoods; business owner Kelly Weber said reclassifying her laundromat at 108 East Second Avenue as mixed use would give her more flexibility to use the property.
Mayor Russell Giulio read the ordinance in full during the hearing and later commended the Planning Board and planning staff for their work on the document. The council's motion to approve the ordinance's first reading, with the discussed changes, carried on a 4-0 vote.
The ordinance will return for a second reading at the council's next regular meeting on Sept. 15, 2025, when the council may adopt the ordinance or take additional action.
