Agenda Date: 09/28/2026
Subject:
Title
Planning Commission Joint Study Session - Discussion on priorities and updates to the Unified Land Use Code (ULUC)
Body
|
From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
|
Prepared by: |
Andrea Vaughn, Senior Planner |
|
Presentations: |
Jerad Chipman, Community Development Planning Manager |
|
|
Andrea Vaughn, Community Development Senior Planner |
|
|
Zareen Tasneem, Community Development Senior Planner |
|
|
Jesse Sheets, Community Development Planner II |
PURPOSE:
Staff will provide City Council and the Planning Commission with an overview of proposed updates and priorities related to the Unified Land Use Code (ULUC). The joint study session is intended to facilitate a robust discussion of these topics, explore perspectives and policy considerations, and help inform the prioritization and development of future ULUC amendments.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
High-Quality Governance; Robust and Resilient Economy; Sustainable Community with Natural Beauty
DISCUSSION:
Consistent with the Planning Commission’s adopted work plan, staff will facilitate a joint discussion with City Council and the Planning Commission regarding potential amendments and priorities for the ULUC. The discussion will focus on topics identified through implementation of the Code, previous Planning Commission discussions, and the Commission’s work plan, with an emphasis on improving clarity and consistency, streamlining processes, and considering policy areas that may warrant additional research or future amendments.
The joint study session is intended to provide an opportunity for robust discussion between City Council and the Planning Commission, identify areas of shared interest, and help inform the prioritization and development of future ULUC amendments.
BACKGROUND:
In 2021, the City of Littleton adopted the Unified Land Use Code (ULUC), establishing the City's current regulatory framework for land use and development. Since its adoption, staff and the Planning Commission have identified opportunities to clarify provisions, improve consistency, streamline development review processes, and better align the Code with City policies and priorities.
In 2026, staff and the Planning Commission identified several potential amendments for further consideration.
These updates include:
• Implement the Equal Space Ordinance by establishing requirements for recycling container space comparable to those provided for trash receptacles.
• Establish a clear and consistent methodology for measuring building height.
• Review nonconformity standards, including provisions for reconstruction of damaged structures, resolution of existing Code conflicts, and potential allowances for certain nonconforming uses.
• Amend Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) provisions to ensure consistency with the City Charter.
• Evaluate standards for electronic message signs, including their potential use through the Master Sign Plan process.
• Consider additional priorities identified by the Planning Commission.
Staff will also introduce a high-level discussion regarding data centers. While the City has not participated in a preapplication meeting for a specific data center proposal, staff have received two inquiries regarding how this use would be regulated under the ULUC. At this time, staff do not have information regarding specific proposed projects.
Data centers can raise land use and infrastructure considerations related to energy and water demand, noise, building scale, utility infrastructure, and compatibility with surrounding uses. Staff are seeking direction from City Council regarding whether additional research and development of specific land use standards are warranted and whether a temporary moratorium should be considered while that work is completed.
In addition to the staff-identified amendments, the Planning Commission will discuss recommendations regarding the prioritization of future ULUC amendments. These recommendations generally focus on improving Code clarity, streamlining development review processes, and evaluating potential amendments that could facilitate middle-density housing, generally between two and six dwelling units. The Planning Commission will also discuss the potential development of an annual report to City Council summarizing the Commission's activities, accomplishments, and recommendations from the preceding year.
Prior Actions or Discussions
The City of Littleton Planning Commission discussed most of these topics at their September 28, 2026, study session.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff are seeking clarifying questions and feedback on proposed policy topics to be addressed in forthcoming ordinances.
ALTERNATIVES:
N/A