Agenda Date: 07/14/2025
Subject: Tree Manual and ULUC Implementation
Title
Tree Manual and ULUC Implementation
Body
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Prepared by: |
Atasi Titlow, Sr. Assistant City Attorney |
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Presentations: |
Atasi Titlow, Sr. Assistant City Attorney Andrea Vaughn, Senior Planner, AICP Brian Nevans, Grounds Operation Supervisor |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this item is to discuss the adoption of the Littleton Tree Manual and resulting amendments required to the Unified Land Use Code.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Sustainable Community with Natural Beauty
DISCUSSION:
Staff will provide a presentation to discuss an overview of the proposed Littleton Tree Manual and resulting amendments required to the Unified Land Use Code (ULUC). Staff intends on moving forward with a recommendation for approval of the code text amendments within the ULUC on July 28th, with council action to begin August 19th, in conjunction with adoption of the Tree Manual and Littleton Engineering Design Standards (LEDS).
BACKGROUND:
In 2023, the City hired a consultant to review Littleton’s general tree ordinance provisions. The consultant identified various areas for improvement to increase the effectiveness of our code, including the following: i) developing a comprehensive and robust tree manual; ii) updating terminology and definitions to ensure clarity and consistency; iii) clarifying permitting procedures and violations to ensure compliance with Littleton’s tree regulations; iv) promoting best practices to preserve the urban forestry; and v) streamlining the review of applications between the Community Development department and the Public Works, Forestry division.
In addition to the comprehensive review of Littleton’s general tree regulations, over the course of the past year, Public Works’ staff have been diligently developing the LEDS, which is currently set to be adopted in Q4 of 2025. *As a note, the public comment period is open for review of the LEDS and may be found online at <https://www.littletonco.gov/Building-Development/Development-Engineering>.
After several stakeholder meetings, which included the City Attorney’s Office, the Public Works & Utilities (Forestry) group, and the Community Development group, staff has proposed amendments to the following areas of the Littleton City Code:
1) Section 10-1-3.6, Greenscape Design Standards;
2) Title 8, Chapter 4, Trees; and
3) Section 3-16-4, Classification (under Contractor Licensing and Registration).
The purpose of amendments to the above-referenced sections, in conjunction with the adoption of both LEDS and the Littleton Tree Manual, would accomplish the following:
i) Remove redundant greenscape provisions within the ULUC and shift said requirements into the Tree Manual, with some development related items transitioning to the LEDS;
ii) Resolve conflicting greenscape provisions between the ULUC and the Tree Manual;
iii) Provide better guidance, including an outline of best practices to contractors and residents regarding protection and preservation of our urban forestry; and
iv) Consolidate arborist licensing requirements in Title 3, Chapter 16; and
v) Consolidate purview of application review in Public Works, who has the requisite experience to review and make recommendations on our urban forestry.
The proposed amendments to the ULUC include the following:
Section 10-1-3.6.A Purpose, Applicability, and Design
Addition of reference to Tree Manual;
Addition of type of licensing professional (ISA certified arborist)
Section 10-1-3.6.B Planting Requirements
Removal of standards related to tree planting
Updates to Plant Variety and Prohibited plant species
Section 10-1-3.6.C Protection and Preservation
Removal of Entire Section, Shifting to Tree Manual
Section 10-1-3.6.D
Removal of Requirements related to Street Trees, Shifting to Tree Manual
Section 10-1-3.6.E Tree Canopy Coverage Requirements
Increasing % of Minimum Canopy Coverage
Removal of Other Coverage Provisions, Shifting to Tree Manual
Proposed amendments to Title 8, Chapter 4 include a complete repeal and reenactment, with the focus being on the following:
1) Formal adoption of the Littleton Tree Manual;
2) Reorganization of the Chapter 4 to improve clarity and flow of the tree regulations;
3) Remove redundant and conflicting provisions, with the addition of clarifying definitions.
Prior Actions or Discussions
None to date.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that Planning Commission review the code text amendments presented, with a recommendation for approval to follow at a later regular meeting.
ALTERNATIVES:
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
N/A
Body
REFERENCES: