Littleton historic preservation commission outlines survey plan, code review and Littleton Boulevard priorities

The Littleton Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and City Council held a joint study session Feb. 25 in Littleton to review the city’s certified‑local‑government status, recent preservation work and a year‑long citywide survey plan that will inform future local designations and a Littleton Boulevard preservation component.

The commission told the council that Littleton is a Certified Local Government (CLG) —“we are what’s considered a certified local government,” said Sarah Deesberry, senior planner — which makes the city eligible for state grant money and technical assistance through the Colorado State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service. Staff and commissioners reviewed Littleton’s two local historic districts (Littleton Downtown Historic District and Laughlin Heights Historic District), two National Register historic districts (Arapahoe Hills and Littleton Main Street portion), and roughly 30 locally‑designated landmarks, with the most recent local landmark designated in early 2024 at 5870 S. Curtis Street.

Why it matters: local designation carries regulatory review of exterior work and access to state tax credits and smaller grants; National Register status can open federal/state tax credits for income‑producing properties but provides no routine local regulatory protection unless federal funds are involved and Section 106 review is triggered. The commission emphasized the distinction between national recognition and local regulatory protections when explaining why the city pursues local designations and surveys.

The HPC said it reviewed nine applications in the last 14 months (six certificates of appropriateness reviewed by the HPC, one handled administratively by staff, and two approved in February) and awarded two downtown historic district grants (a roof replacement for the Masonic Temple and façade improvements at Grand Station). The commission also completed a five‑year strategic plan and contracted a consultant to lead a citywide survey plan; the consultant kickoff with staff is scheduled for March and the project is expected to take about 12 months.

What’s next: the citywide survey plan will compile prior surveys (1998, 2001, 2018) and set a prioritized, practical program for future reconnaissance and inventory work; planners said the purpose is to create a repeatable method and an Esri‑based survey app to enable HPC volunteers and residents to help document historic resources. Commissioners said the survey results will guide where to pursue future local landmark or district designations and inform the Littleton Boulevard area plan.

Commissioners and councilors discussed prior code work on demolition and other preservation topics that was drafted before the COVID‑19 pandemic and not fully adopted. Commissioners said earlier materials exist in city files and recommended staff pull those records to avoid duplicating past work. Staff said they will review prior submittals and incorporate relevant elements into an upcoming code review. The HPC identified code and process updates as an early priority: updating the major/minor alteration chart that determines which projects need HPC review, clarifying demolition procedures, and improving administrative processes for applicants.

Littleton Boulevard and corridor planning: commissioners and staff urged early HPC participation in the Littleton Boulevard subarea planning process, which will be multidisciplinary and examine land use, transportation, housing, economic development and preservation. Commissioners said Littleton Boulevard’s mix of mid‑century buildings, infill and single‑property interests means traditional district tools may be insufficient; staff and HPC said they will explore alternatives (overlays, targeted preservation tools) aimed at enhancing — not diminishing — historic character.

Public engagement and volunteer opportunities: the HPC emphasized opportunities for resident involvement in the survey work and public engagement for the Littleton Boulevard plan, including volunteer documentation through a planned mobile survey app. Commissioners also discussed outreach to school groups and volunteer organizations to build public understanding of preservation values.

Ending: commissioners requested staff search the city’s files for earlier code amendment drafts (noted as work done pre‑COVID) to avoid redoing prior efforts. Commissioners and council members agreed to continued coordination, with the HPC’s strategic plan and the citywide survey plan shaping next year’s priorities for designation, grant applications and Littleton Boulevard work.