Agenda Date: 05/06/2025
Subject:
Title
Ordinance 08-2025: An ordinance on second reading imposing a temporary moratorium on the submission, acceptance, processing, or approval of any new application related to fuel sales (retail) within the City of Littleton
Body
From:
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager
Prepared by:
Reid Betzing, City Attorney
Presentations:
N/A
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this ordinance is to consider a temporary moratorium on fuel sales (retail) within the City of Littleton to give staff time to consider and recommend specific options to address the number of fuel stations in the city and for Council to make any necessary changes to the city's land use and zoning code.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Vibrant Community with Rich Culture; High-Quality Governance; Robust and Resilient Economy
DISCUSSION:
Currently fuel sales are a use by right in the Business Commercial (BC) and Industrial Park (IP) zoning districts. "Use by right". meaning that there is no formal approval needed outside of site development plans for this type of use in those districts. Fuel stations are also a "conditional use" in the corridor mixed-use (CM) zoning district, meaning those approvals are not automatic but must be granted after a public hearing with Planning Commission where certain criteria are evaluated.
The City of Littleton currently has 24 fuel stations within the city, as well as an additional two (2) that are in the final stages of technical approval. There are also 20 additional fuel stations within 1.5 miles of the City of Littleton.
Additionally, the City of Littleton, as a largely built-out city, has been thoughtful about the limited existing locations available for both commercial, residential, and in-fill opportunities to ensure a healthy base of options for Littleton residents as it relates to sales, living, and options for commercial and professional development.
It is of note that the number of fuel sales within the City of Littleton exceed th...
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