The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) met on February 24, 2026, to consider infrastructure improvements, updated building and wildfire codes, election planning, and several community partnerships.
Special Recognition: Supporting a WWII Veteran
Human Services Director Janey Barker presented a Special Shout-Out Award to Veteran Service Officer Clayton Hood for his extraordinary service to a local World War II veteran and Battle of Iwo Jima survivor.
Through his advocacy, the veteran secured funding for critical home modifications, significant savings on prescriptions and healthcare costs, and in-home care assistance. The Board recognized Mr. Hood’s dedication and commitment to serving Gilpin County veterans.
March Proclaimed as Red Cross Month
The Commissioners proclaimed March 2026 as Red Cross Month in Gilpin County. Representatives from the American Red Cross highlighted their humanitarian work and emergency response efforts, including support provided during the December 2025 power outages.
Natural Heritage Survey Reveals Rare Species and Ecosystems
The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) presented findings from a statewide survey conducted in Gilpin and Clear Creek Counties. The project was supported by local funding to leverage a larger state grant.
Highlights included:
- 26 locations with rare plants and plant associations, including several newly documented occurrences.
- Identification of globally imperiled species and rare wetland ecosystems.
- Discovery of more than 60 snow-dwelling invertebrate species, including a new state record for a winter crane fly.
CNHP will provide a public data summary and is exploring a future community presentation.
2024 Building Codes Adopted
The Board adopted the 2024 International Building Codes, along with updated state electrical, plumbing, fuel gas, and energy codes. The new codes take effect April 1, 2026.
Updates include:
- Transition to Climate Zone 6.
- Modest energy efficiency updates.
- Residential fire sprinkler requirements for certain larger homes or those in extreme hazard areas.
These updates align Gilpin County with current state and national standards.
Wildland-Urban Interface & Wildfire Resiliency Code Approved
Commissioners also adopted the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code and the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, as required by state law.
Key provisions include:
- Designation of most of the county as WUI.
- 30-foot defensible space requirements for new construction.
- Ignition-resistant building materials.
- Reflective address markers for new builds.
- Additional fire safety measures in extreme hazard areas.
The locally created WUI map was formally adopted as part of the resolution.
Election Planning for 2026
The Board approved the Courthouse at 203 Eureka Street as the Voting Service and Polling Center (VSPC) for the June 30, 2026 Primary Election.
A public comment period for the November 2026 General Election VSPC and ballot drop box locations will open February 27 and run through April 27.
Infrastructure Investments
Generator Relocation Project
Commissioners approved a $315,000 agreement with Morton Power Inc. to relocate a 440kW generator from the Justice Center to the Community Center, which serves as a secondary evacuation shelter.
The project comes in under budget, allowing savings to support other capital projects. Work will begin soon, with the generator expected to be operational by mid-to-late summer.
Dory Lakes Headgate Improvements
The Board awarded a contract for approximately $75,000 to automate the Dory Lakes headgate on Ralston Creek and install piping to reduce water loss.
The improvements will:
- Improve efficiency.
- Reduce response time for water diversions.
- Strengthen protection of the County’s water rights.
Early Childhood Partnership Formalized
Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Gateway Partnership of Early Childhood (GPEC), formalizing Gilpin County’s participation in the regional Early Childhood Council and ensuring local oversight of state early childhood funds.
County Updates
- Proposed Employee Handbook revisions will return to the Board on March 10.
- A joint meeting with Clear Creek County is being planned for July to discuss Charlie’s Place and Bellevue plan development.
- A transportation work session with Boulder County is anticipated in April.
- Gaming revenue is projected at $15,042,245—just under the conservative 2026 budget estimate—indicating the County remains on track financially.
The full meeting recording is available online.