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Littleton staff outlines limits on ADU permits after charter amendment; warns of grant competitiveness risks
Summary
City staff told the Littleton City Council that implementing a November 2025 charter amendment (section 65.5) reinstates pre‑2025 residential land-use rules in certain neighborhoods, limiting processing of accessory dwelling unit (ADU) applications and possibly reducing eligibility for state grants tied to compliance. Council asked staff to return with ordinance and noticing options.
City staff told the Littleton City Council on April 7 that a charter change voters approved last November (ballot question 3A) reinstated residential land‑use rules that existed prior to Jan. 1, 2025, and that those changes limit the city’s ability to process many ADU (accessory dwelling unit) applications under the broader June 2025 ordinance.
The staff presentation, which was provided as an update rather than a request for immediate action, explained the legal interaction between state law and the new charter language and said the city has not been processing ADU applications unless they meet the code that existed before Jan. 1, 2025. The presenter said the city adopted the June 2025 ordinance to implement portions of HB 24‑1152 (the state law on ADUs), but the charter change restored previous limits in many residential neighborhoods.
Why it matters: staff warned council that compliance with state law is a precondition for some state grants — notably in transit and affordable housing — and that the charter-driven limitations could make Littleton less competitive for those funds. Staff estimated additional public‑notice costs if the council directs an amendment to require first‑class mailings for comprehensive rezoning notice (approximately $22,000 per mailing).
Council and staff next steps: staff asked council for direction to prepare an ordinance to amend public‑noticing requirements and to return with options on how to operationalize section 65.5, including clarifying which zoning districts still allow ADUs under the reinstated rules and how the city will process applications going forward. Several councilmembers said they respected the voters’ decision but urged staff to develop solutions that protect grant eligibility and to present trade‑offs and timing for possible code or process changes.
Quotations: “We will not be able to process applications per the state law” as broadly as the June 2025 ordinance allowed, a staff presenter said, noting that some ADU types remain allowed in specified downtown and mixed‑use zoning districts. Mayor Schlachter and councilmembers repeatedly urged staff to return with concrete options and a costed plan.
Ending: Staff will return to council with an ordinance and options; council scheduled further discussion and asked staff to include timing and resource implications so members can prioritize projects in the 2026–27 work plan.
