Boulder Laboratories Master Plan

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) maintains a master plan and associated environmental assessment for the 206-acre Department of Commerce (DOC) Boulder Laboratories campus located in Boulder, CO. The master plan provides a framework for the future physical development of the campus in support of the DOC Boulder Laboratories' mission of advancing science and technology. It emphasizes quality, collaborative research, and sustainable, efficient operations. In addition to existing and future facilities, the master plan addresses roads and entrances, parking, pedestrian and bicycle access to and through the site, landscape and stormwater management, cultural resources,site utilities infrastructure, energy and water conservation, and sustainability. Agreements with the City of Boulder and Native American Tribes have been respected, and all designated Protected Areas, totaling more than 100 acres of open space, continue to be preserved.

The current iteration of the master plan was originally completed in June 2017 and then updated in May 2026. The update effort engaged stakeholders to re-evaluate campus priorities as well as incorporated construction that was completed during the intervening years. One of the most significant priority changes is a heightened focus on wildfire risks. This informed the new proposed location of the daycare facility further from wildlands to the west, and added recommendations on hardening facilities against wildfires, for both existing building retrofits and new construction.

The final updated master plan documents current needs as well as projected future requirements and articulates a vision for sustainable campus development over twenty years through proposed projects grouped into phasing packages. While many of the existing buildings are retained, the master plan includes replacement of laboratories, a centrally located coffee bar with informal collaboration space, and a new "campus green" that compliments the stunning view and surroundings.

An environmental assessment (EA) was prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The EA considers the effects of the "Proposed Action" (the master plan) and a "No Action" alternative on the natural and human environment and includes proposed mitigation measures for anticipated impacts. DOC has determined that no significant impacts to the environmental conditions of the DOC Boulder Laboratories campus and/or the surrounding community will result from implementation of the Master Plan (Proposed Action).

Actual realization of the master plan, or any specific project within it, will depend on priorities of the Department of Commerce, Congressional and Presidential policy decisions, and federal budgetary decisions.

NIST, with participation from NOAA and NTIA, served as the lead bureau in the development of the master plan and EA. Master planning is the responsibility of the Office of Facilities and Property Management, NIST.

DOC Boulder Laboratories Campus Updated Master Plan and Environmental Assessment, May 2026

The final updated master plan and EA documents can be downloaded here:

DOC Boulder Laboratories Updated Campus Master Plan, May 2026
DOC Boulder Laboratories Updated Environmental Assessment, May 2026
Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSI) - signed May 2026

Draft Updated Master Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment, June 2025
The draft updated master plan and associated draft environmental assessment (EA) were made available to Federal, State and local agencies, and Native American Tribes for review and comment. Comments were accepted from March 9^th, 2026, to April 3^rd, 2026, and all comments were considered in preparation of the final Master Plan and EA.

Draft Master Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment Presentation

A presentation was provided to the City of Boulder on March 18^th, 2026:

City of Boulder Presentation 03-18-2026

DOC Boulder Laboratories Campus Master Plan and Environmental Assessment, June 2017 (superseded)

The final master plan and EA documents can be downloaded here:

DOC Boulder Laboratories Campus Master Plan, June 2017_SUPERSEDED
DOC Boulder Laboratories Environmental Assessment, June 2017_SUPERSEDED
Findings of No Significant Impact - signed July 2017_SUPERSEDED

The NIST team responsible for development of the 2017 Boulder Laboratories Master Plan was awarded the Department of Commerce 2018 Energy & Environmental Stewardship Award for "development of a comprehensive Master Plan for the NIST Boulder campus that provides the framework for future development and articulates a sustainable vision for campus development over the next 20 years.

Draft Master Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment, October 2016
The draft master plan and associated draft environmental assessment (EA) were made available to Federal, State and local agencies, Native American Tribes, interested parties, the general public and DOC Boulder Laboratories staff fohttps://www.nist.gov/document/docbouldermpeafonsisigned7-24-17pdfr review and comment. Comments were accepted from October 19, 2016 through December 5, 2016, and all comments were considered in preparation of the final Master Plan and EA.

Draft Master Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment Presentation

A presentation was provided to the City of Boulder City Council on October 18, 2016:

City Council Briefing 10-18-16

Public Meeting, January 2016
A public informational meeting was held on January 12th at the Boulder Public Library Canyon Theater. The purpose of the meeting was to notify the public that the Department of Commerce was preparing an environmental assessment (EA) for the Boulder Laboratories campus master plan in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347, and to afford the public an opportunity to comment on the scope of the master plan and EA. Written comments were accepted through February 12, 2016. The presentation and handouts are available here:

DOC Boulder Laboratories Master Plan Public Presentation 1-12-16
DOC Boulder Laboratories Master Plan Handout 1-12-16

Information requested at the 1-12-16 public meeting can be found here:

DOC & Consultant Representatives
In Progress Master Plan Program (superseded by program information in final master plan)