Agenda Date: 08/18/2026
Subject:
Title
Hauler Licensing and Equal Space Ordinance Proposal Discussion
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Brent Soderlin, Director of Public Works & Utilities |
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Laura Rosenbaum, Sustainability Coordinator |
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Presentation: |
Laura Rosenbaum, Sustainability Coordinator |
PURPOSE:
Present findings from hauler engagement, recommend and seek Council direction on elements of a proposed hauler licensing ordinance, and provide an updated timeline for an equal space ordinance.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Sustainable Community with Natural Beauty
DISCUSSION:
The hauler licensing and equal space ordinances are two (2) of the nine (9) city-specific goals for the City of Littleton outlined in the South Metro Waste Diversion Plan. A hauler licensing ordinance would regulate haulers that collect and transport solid waste for residents and businesses in Littleton. An equal space ordinance would require new commercial buildings to provide the same amount of space for recycling infrastructure as trash, ensuring future developments support recycling access. The main topic will focus on the proposed details of a hauler licensing ordinance with a general timeline update on an equal space ordinance.
BACKGROUND:
The South Metro Waste Diversion Plan is a culmination of regional and city-specific strategies based on months of research, including a baseline assessment of waste and recycling, a waste composition study, and an action plan of strategic initiatives to improve individual cities’ and the region’s waste diversion rates. The South Metro Waste Division plan was adopted by resolution in October 2025.
Following the adoption of the South Metro Waste Diversion, Littleton, in conjunction with the City of Centennial, went back through the state technical assistance program called “STEPS” or “Strategic Technical Expertise for the Public Sector.” Through the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE)’s Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise (C3), the cities worked with an external consultant on hauler outreach and engagement as the program is co-implemented and developed.
Internally, Public Works, Finance, and the City Attorney’s Office are currently developing a draft hauler licensing ordinance. If supported by Council, the ordinance could be incorporated into the November fee schedule following appropriate review and consideration through city council. Today’s presentation will include current conditions, findings from the STEPS study and hauler engagement, recommendations, and next steps.
The Sustainability Coordinator, alongside Community Development and the City Attorney’s Office, will be creating a draft equal space ordinance to bring before planning commission and council for consideration in the coming months. This presentation will lightly touch on the overview of that timeline.
Prior Actions or Discussions
• April 23, 2024, council study session, ESB presented their finalized Environmental Stewardship Action Plan.
• June 4, 2024, council study session, council supported and endorsed the Horizon 2027 Strategic Plan, which includes implementing ESB’s Environmental Stewardship Action Plan. A key milestone identified in the plan was for the city to complete a baseline greenhouse gas inventory, which is now completed. Section 3.0 of the Environmental Stewardship Action Plan focuses on “Consumption and Waste Diversion.” The Environmental Stewardship Action Plan is attached for reference.
• July 22, 2025, council study session, council heard a presentation on the South Metro Waste Diversion preliminary draft final plan.
• October 21, 2025, council meeting, council adopted the South Metro Waste Diversion Plan by resolution, and in doing so, allowed staff to explore an equal space ordinance, hauler licensing, and outreach and education efforts moving into 2026. The South Metro Waste Diversion Plan is attached for reference.
• April 14, 2026, council meeting, council heard a comprehensive sustainability update, including progress on hauler licensing and an equal space ordinance.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
Possible revenue generation from hauler licensing fees. The exact amount would depend on the fee structure established by Council and the number of waste haulers participating in the licensing program.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that council supports advancement of the proposed hauler licensing program and equal space ordinance.
ALTERNATIVES:
This is seeking policy discussion and direction, without action on an ordinance, therefore alternatives to the proposed ordinance could emerge from Council discussion. Council could also provide direction to cease development of either of these policy tools.