Agenda Date: 11/10/2026
Subject:
Title
Tree Canopy Goals, Policies and Regulations
Body
From: James L. Becklenberg, City Manager Prepared by:
Brent Soderlin, Director of Public Works & Utilities Matt Knight, Director of Community Development Mary Danser, City Forrester Andrea Vaughn, Senior Planner Presentations: Mary Danser, City Forrester Andrea Vaughn, Senior Planner
PURPOSE:
Tree canopy, specifically as it relates to the inequitable distribution of tree canopy and creating a more resilient and healthy canopy, is an identified strategic priority in Horizon 2027 and the Environmental Stewardship Board’s 2024 Action Plan where we share a common goal to create a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient community. Staff are seeking how the city best can support our development, recreation, and residential partners to meet this common goal to reserve and grow tree canopy and incentivize sustainable development.
This discussion will help shape the Tree Policy and Regulations (TPR) and the Unified Land Use Code (ULUC) text amendments. These amendments are intended to further the goals of the Urban Forestry Management Plan and support the implementation of the TPR[AV1.1]. The TPR document will consolidate all enforceable tree-related policies and regulations into a centralized document, rather than maintaining tree code language across multiple sections of City Code. The TPR will establish consistent, enforceable standards for tree preservation, removal, replacement, and protection throughout the City, improving clarity for residents, contractors, developers, and staff while supporting coordinated development review and the long-term protection and growth of Littleton’s tree canopy.
Staff will refine options based on Council feedback before returning with formal recommendations.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Sustainable Community with Natural Beauty; High-Quality Governance
DISCUSSION:
Staff are preparing for the City’s upcoming code updates and Tree...
Click here for full text