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Littleton council tables proposed "missing middle" zoning changes after public backlash; ADU rulemaking tied to state deadline
Summary
Council members told the Transportation Mobility Board they have tabled proposed code changes to allow duplexes, triplexes and similar "missing middle" housing after strong public reaction. The council asked the city manager to return with a plan; staff and the council also noted a separate state deadline to update ADU rules by June 30.
The Littleton City Council has tabled proposed code changes commonly described as "missing middle" reforms after public opposition, a council member told the Transportation Mobility Board during a council report at the board's meeting.
Staff had developed a recommendation, at council direction, to allow duplexes, triplexes and four-plexes in areas currently zoned only for single-family homes and to consider cottage-court developments. "Staff developed recommendation to essentially allow, duplexes, quads and triplexes anywhere in the city where, where we have single family homes right now," a council member said in the TMB meeting report. That package of ordinance changes drew significant public comment; council members said some residents were surprised by the scope and felt engagement had been insufficient.
Nut graf: the decision to table the ordinance means next steps are uncertain; the mayor asked the city manager to return to council with a plan for how to proceed, and staff said they would address compliance with a separate state requirement to loosen ADU rules by June 30.
Council members described the outcome as a mixed result of process and content. Some members said the council could have done more public engagement in advance of the ordinance proposals; others said they remain committed to some expansion of housing options. The council member's report said the mayor intends to press forward on at least duplex allowances, but that the larger missing-middle package was paused.
Staff and council members highlighted two practical constraints: (1) the state has enacted changes affecting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that local governments must address by June 30; and (2) broader zoning changes that alter use permissions require careful public explanation so residents understand what the code changes permit and where. Several council members asked staff to produce more explanatory, visual materials and to hold additional public meetings before returning to the issue.
Ending: the council member said the manager will bring a recommended process back to council at the next regular meeting; until then the missing-middle ordinance proposals remain tabled and staff will at minimum prepare code changes required by the state ADU deadline.
