Agenda Date: 04/21/2026
Subject:
Title
Ordinance 11-2026: An ordinance on first reading amending Title 10, the Unified Land Use Code, Chapter 9, Administration, Section 4, Code and Zoning Amendments
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Reid Betzing, City Attorney |
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Presentations: |
Reid Betzing, City Attorney |
PURPOSE:
To approve code changes related to notifications for comprehensive rezoning and text amendments that add, remove or change the types of residential uses that are allowed in SLR, MLR, LLR, and ACR zoning districts to be consistent with recent charter amendment.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
High-Quality Governance
DISCUSSION:
On January 7, 2025, City Council considered making changes to some of the zoning districts in the City of Littleton to allow for different types of residential units such as duplexes to be allowed uses. After consideration, City Council decided to postpone the ordinance indefinitely, which essentially had the effect of killing the ordinance.
In an effort to address some of those concerns regarding notification, City Council directed that an ordinance be prepared to increase the notification required for any city-initiated comprehensive rezoning changes including additions and removals to the types of residential uses allowed in the SLR, MLR, LLR, and ACR zoning districts.
On September 2, 2025, City Council approved Ordinance 17-2025 which expanded notification requirements for comprehensive rezoning to be done by mailings to all affected property owners by United States Postal Service.
On November 4, 2025, Littleton voters approved ballot measure 3A which added Charter Provision 65.5 to the City’s Charter. Within 65.5 contained language that stated: “Furthermore any action by Council to initiate any comprehensive rezoning and official zoning map amendments, including text changes, shall first require notification to all affected property owners by First Class mail delivered by the United State Postal Service.”
The City’s adopted version did not have “first class” as the designated delivery mechanism as it had previously relied upon bulk rate mailing options from the USPS for purposes of cost and efficiency.
Prior Actions or Discussions
On April 7, 2026, Council provided direction to bring forward an ordinance amending our ULUC to comply with the charter amendment, Sec. 65.5.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
The costs, in the event that the City ever intends to initiate comprehensive rezoning, are approximately $22,000 per item.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff supports changes to the code to be consistent with charter requirements.
ALTERNATIVES:
Council can choose not to adopt any changes to its current process for comprehensive rezonings.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve Ordinance 11-2026 on first reading amending Title 10, the Unified Land Use Code, Chapter 9, Administration, Section 4, Code and Zoning Amendments, and to set the second reading and public hearing for May 5, 2026.