Littleton Council sets Jan. 7 hearing on ‘missing middle’ zoning after hours of public comment

Littleton City Council on Tuesday set a Jan. 7 public hearing on proposed changes to the city’s Unified Land Use Code that would re‑legalize so‑called "missing middle" housing — duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and small cottage‑court developments — and moved several related consent items forward.

The hearing was set after roughly three hours of public comment by dozens of residents on both sides of the issue. Supporters urged council to increase housing supply and “gentle density” so younger families and essential workers can remain in Littleton. Opponents said the proposal was rushed, would allow demolitions and teardown redevelopment that would change neighborhood character, and questioned whether the changes would produce affordable housing.

More than 60 residents who signed up to speak filled the council chamber; speakers addressed the same ordinance from widely different perspectives. "Increasing affordability is about increasing supply and the way to do that is through density," said Josh Sarkar, a Littleton resident. "I want to encourage Littleton City Council to approve the recommendations from the Planning Commission." By contrast, longtime resident Tammy Whitney told council, "Blanket, one‑size‑fits‑all rezoning would change the uniqueness of each one of these special neighborhoods."

Why this…