Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Boulder, CO (2026)
4 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Boulder, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Specific Plans Overview
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP), jointly adopted with Boulder County, guides land use citywide and is supplemented by subcommunity and area plans for North Boulder, East Boulder, and other neighborhoods with distinct planning needs.
Boulder Comprehensive Plan and Subcommunity Plans
Some RestrictionsDensity Bonus Law
Boulder's 1973 Inclusionary Housing program — the first US city such law — requires 25% affordable units in new residential development, with density bonuses and fee-in-lieu options under BRC Title 9 Chapter 13.
Boulder Inclusionary Housing and Density Incentives
Some RestrictionsTransit-Oriented Communities (TOC)
Boulder's Transit Village Area Plan and mixed-use zoning districts (MU, BMS, BR) under BRC Title 9 concentrate higher-density housing and commercial uses near RTD bus rapid transit stops along 28th Street and at Boulder Junction.
Boulder Transit Village and Mixed-Use Districts
Some RestrictionsHillside Overlay Rules
Boulder's hillside protection standards under BRC Title 9 limit grading, vegetation removal, and structure visibility on slopes and within the foothills, protecting iconic Flatirons viewsheds and reducing wildfire and erosion risk on steep parcels.
Boulder Hillside and Foothills Site Review
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Boulder County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Boulder city rules.
Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Boulder County →