Agenda Date: 09/16/2025
Subject:
Title
Fuel Station Moratorium Update
Body
From:
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager
Prepared by:
Jerad Chipman, Planning Manager
Rachel King, Economic Development Director
Presentations:
Jerad Chipman, Planning Manager
Rachel King, Economic Development Director
Andrew Knudtsen, Managing Principal, Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this discussion is to provide additional findings to Council, based on the research conducted by staff and Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. (EPS), pertaining to the zoning and economics of fuel sales (retail) within the City of Littleton.
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 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 specific criteria are evaluated and met to grant approval.
The City of Littleton currently has 24 fuel stations within the city limits, 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.
The number of fuel sales within the City of Littleton exceed the per capita average for fuel sales to popula...
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