Why you should hire a Boulder architect
If you’ve never built a house before, you may not be aware of how complex the process can become. You’ll want to find a seasoned architect who can handle the job, of course, but if you are building locally or along the Front Range, you’ll want to make sure to hire a Boulder architect who understands the nuances of the area’s complicated and strict zoning codes. The city of Boulder's Energy Conservation Code aims to be 100% renewable by 2030 and Boulder County has a BuildSmart program that promotes reduction in energy use, greenhouse gases, and materials sent to the landfill. This makes a Boulder architect’s standard practices far better than most areas. I have been building homes in Boulder for almost 20 years.
Both the city and the county are leaders in energy conservation but take different approaches to address the issue. In the end, both aim to create energy-efficient striations that reduce greenhouse gases and require net-zero homes based on the property’s size. (The larger the home the more energy efficiency is required.)
A look at the area’s complex energy goals
Size restrictions in the city of Boulder are based on your zoning and the size of your property, while Boulder County is based on a calculation of the average size of the houses immediately around your property. The specific zoning regulations aim to control the form of the house and how it impacts your neighbor. For example, the home’s solar shadow matters. This rule restricts how much of a shadow you can cast on your neighbor’s property. There are also bulk and shape zoning requirements, max building coverage rules to preserve the open space on the lot, sidewall articulation, setbacks zoning regulations, air sealing, and fire protection requirements.
When building in the county, zoning restrictions are more subjective in nature and are based on fitting in with your neighbors. Rather than specific zoning regulations like the city of Boulder, applicants submit their design to the county for Site Review, which adds time to the design process. The county zoning staff then determines if it fits with these general requirements, such as having a low visual impact on the neighborhood and how well the home fits into the landscape.
While this sounds complex—and it is—it’s important to remember that architects are masters at creative problem-solving. By hiring a skilled Boulder architect, you are setting yourself up for success. For example, I recently worked on a project that was close to the city of Boulder but was unincorporated. After performing a detailed analysis of the pros and cons of annexing into the city, it was decided that, in this case, it was better to pursue annexation based on the home’s size. In the city, the home’s size is permitted based on the property size, whereas in the county, it’s based on how large the houses are immediately around you. In this case, the home ended up being a “little” large house.
Architects also help ensure every penny of your construction dollar goes exactly where it should. Energy-efficient buildings may require a higher upfront cost but save on fuel over time. This is why a Boulder architect’s standard practice is far better than most areas. Good building practices often don’t add too much expense and make your home more efficient and comfortable to live in.
If you’re looking to build a house in the city of Boulder, Boulder County, or along the Front Range, I am an experienced Boulder architect who can help you navigate the complexities of the area. Let’s talk about how we can help you build your dream home.
