Springs Valley Estates Annexation

In Progress 1 meeting

Status: In Progress — Planning Board approved 4-0; City Council second hearing May 21, 2026 Lead Body: City Council Related Bodies: Planning Board, Boulder Fire Rescue First Active: 2023 (petition filed) Case Number: LUR2023-00001

Springs Valley Estates is a 36-home North Boulder subdivision (Linden Drive / Cholla Court / Spring Valley Road / Cactus Court) developed between 1966–1977 that is seeking annexation into the City of Boulder. The primary driver is fire safety: the Springs Valley Mutual Water Association (SVMWA) private wells cannot sustain fire suppression pressure. The neighborhood was evacuated during the Goat Trail Fire approximately two weeks before the April 2026 Planning Board hearing.

The annexation enables connection to Boulder's public water system and qualifies the district for a $1 million DOLA (Department of Local Affairs) grant — contingent on annexation being completed by November 14, 2026. The annexation is proceeding by election because not all property owners signed the petition.

Property and Zoning

  • Area: 43.194 acres
  • Homes: 36 lots
  • Proposed zoning: RE (Residential Estate)
  • Location: North Boulder, east of Broadway and north of Iris

Key Facts

  • Primary driver is fire safety — SVMWA wells cannot sustain suppression pressure
  • Neighborhood evacuated during Goat Trail Fire (~2 weeks before Apr 21 hearing)
  • $1M DOLA grant contingent on annexation completed by November 14, 2026
  • Annexation by election (not all owners signed petition)
  • Planning Board added motion for staff to negotiate high-value/low-cost fire mitigation into terms and conditions (approved 4-0)
  • LID (Local Improvement District) cost estimates to be converted from "preliminary" to "final" per board direction

Timeline

Date Body Event
2023 Planning Board Petition filed (LUR2023-00001)
2026-04-21 Planning Board Recommended annexation with RE zoning 4-0; added fire mitigation motion 4-0
2026-05-21 City Council Second hearing — final vote
2026-11-14 State deadline DOLA grant contingent on annexation completion by this date

Open Questions

  • Will Council approve at May 21 hearing?
  • Which specific high-value/low-cost fire mitigation measures will be negotiated into terms and conditions?
  • Special election process and timeline following Council approval
  • Final LID cost estimates for infrastructure connection

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