Agenda Date: 10/20/25
Subject:
Title
Major-Minor Alterations Chart and Owner Engagement Discussion
Body
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Prepared By: |
Sara Dusenberry, Senior Planner |
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Presentations: |
Sara Dusenberry, Senior Planner |
PURPOSE:
To discuss the priorities of the Major-Minor Alterations Chart and engagement survey to determine property owner priorities.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Vibrant Community with a Rich Culture
High Quality Governance
DISCUSSION:
The HPC has held two meetings to discuss potential changes to the ULUC and Major-Minor Alterations Chart (the chart). From these meetings, it was determined further understanding of the purpose and goals of the chart is needed. The questions and statements below will be utilized to help guide the discussion and reach a consensus regarding the chart.
1. Is the chart in line with the strategic plan goals and objectives (attached)?
2. Does the chart help accomplish the purpose of historic preservation as laid out in the ULUC (linked below)?
3. What are the strengths of the chart?
4. What are areas for improvement?
In addition to defining the purpose and effectiveness of the chart by the HPC, there was discussion around engaging with owners of designated properties. The HPC reached a consensus that a simple survey to determine owner opinions on the COA and regulatory processes around historic preservation may be a valuable step to take in the process. The potential topic areas listed below are provided as a framework for discussion and development of questions. This list is not exhaustive and may warrant expansion. Potential survey question(s) are also included under topic areas.
1. Importance of architectural elements on historic buildings.
a. Does the chart adequately assess the importance of various architectural elements of historic buildings?
b. What architectural elements do you find most important to review?
i. Demolition, additions, new construction
ii. Windows, doors, porches, chimneys, siding, etc.
iii. Accessory buildings and structures
2. Ease of navigating the process.
a. With or without staff assistance, is the COA process easy to understand and work through?
b. Is it clear from the chart what work does/does not require a COA, and the type of approval required?
3. Benefits/negatives of owning/living-in/working-in a historically designated building/district.
a. Do you believe the historic designation on your property is beneficial to you as an owner and for the city of Littleton?
b. Would you recommend someone owning a historically designated property in Littleton? What prevents you from recommending someone own a historically designated property?
4. Areas for improvement and/or expansion of historic preservation in Littleton.
a. How might historic preservation in Littleton be more accessible to residents/property owners?
5. Resident alignment with HPC goals and priorities.
a. Do you believe the chart meets (purpose of the chart as defined by HPC)?
Through this discussion, staff is hoping to define:
1. The HPC’s priorities around different types of alterations and whether this is captured in the chart.
2. Any potential amendments to the chart.
3. What information is being sought through the property survey.
4. Potential questions and structure of the survey.
The survey will be discussed with Communications staff to ensure best practices are implemented and the questions will result in useable information. The final survey will be provided to the HPC prior to its dissemination to property owners to ensure it aligns with members’ goals and priorities.
ULUC Historic Preservation Purpose Statement: https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/littleton-co-cc/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-4125 <https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/littleton-co-cc/doc-viewer.aspx>
FISCAL IMPACTS:
No fiscal impacts are expected from the discussion.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
No staff recommendations have been developed for this discussion.
ALTERNATIVES:
No alternatives have been developed for this discussion.