Land Use and Zoning

The Fort Chambers / Poor Farm property is located west of the City of Boulder in unincorporated Boulder County.

Boulder County Zoning


The Fort Chambers / Poor Farm property is located in the Area III – Rural Preservation Area of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) where the city and county intend to preserve existing rural land uses and character.


The property is zoned as Rural Residential; this zone is comprised of residential areas developed at a density and character compatible with agricultural uses. Uses permitted in this area include: open agricultural and agricultural accessory uses; some community, education, or recreation uses; church uses and single-family dwellings. There are also different uses that are permitted through various review processes and include: various agriculture and agribusiness-related uses; adaptive reuse of a historic landmark; bed and breakfast, vacation rental (but no other overnight lodging, resort, conference centers); group care or foster home; demonstration farm/farm camp or farm events; grading of more than 500 cubic yards; and temporary group gatherings, special events, or special uses.


Zoning Details:

  • Rural Residential Zone Purpose: Residential areas developed at a density and character compatible with agricultural uses.
  • Lot size: When subdivided with water & sewer in a community service area, minimum lot size is 1 acre; when unsubdivided, minimum lot size is 35 acres.
  • Minimum setbacks: Front: 25’, Side: 7’, Rear: 15’ Height: 30’
  • Additional restrictions: 2 animal units/acre

Boulder County Zoning

Agricultural
Rural Residential
General Industrial
Business
Suburban Residential
Commercial
Light Industrial
Transitional
Estate Residential
Multiple Family
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1,000 m
2,000 ft
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Open Space & Mountain Parks Charter Purposes


As land managed by the City of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks department, the Fort Chambers / Poor Farm property is subject to Section 176 Open Space Purposes (Boulder Revised Code). This dictates that the land shall be maintained, preserved, and used only for purposes related to: 1) preservation or restoration of natural areas, water resources, land for passive recreational use, and agricultural uses, 2) utilization of land to shape and define urban and non-urban lands or prevent floodplain encroachment, and 3) preserve the aesthetic and passive recreational value and its contribution to community quality of life. Any uses outside of these Charter Purposes would require disposal under Section 177 of the Boulder Revised Code.