Littleton City Council is postponing a vote that would allow denser housing

LITTLETON, Colo. — Facing strong public opposition and a large turnout at Tuesday’s meeting, the Littleton City Council voted 6-1 to indefinitely postpone a vote on a proposed ordinance that would change zoning laws to allow the construction of denser housing developments across much of the city.

The regulation would enable the construction of the so-called the “missing middle”, i.e. duplexes and multiplexes, in districts where single-family houses currently dominate.

The proposed changes are part of the city’s efforts to increase housing options and affordability in Littleton.

• Read the initial presentation below

Hundreds of people came to Tuesday’s meeting, most of them opposed the proposed changes.

Critics told Denver7 the changes were too radical and would damage the city’s character by taking away the charm and open spaces that attracted many of the city’s residents in the first place. Others argued that the changes would only encourage developers to build expensive versions of these multiplexes and terraced houses, which would only worsen the lack of affordable housing.

Another point of contention arose in the process of introducing changes. Littleton City Council began discussing the changes in late 2023 and conducted a survey and public review last year. But opponents argued there was a lack of communication and many didn’t realize the proposed changes – or how far-reaching they would be – until the start of the 2024 holiday season.

After the decision to postpone, the audience reacted with thunderous applause.

“Our goal was smart, smart growth,” said Chip Block, a member of the opposition group Save Old Littleton. “So there has to be some growth. But I’m so glad we’re all going to sit down. More people will sit at the table. There will be more information.”

There could still be changes to Littleton’s zoning rules in some form. City council members spoke before the postponement vote, with most saying that while they supported the postponement for now, changes would be necessary to add housing options for future generations.