Littleton Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Littleton Zoning Overview
Littleton is a historic city in Arapahoe County, located south of Denver along the South Platte River. Founded in 1890, Littleton features a charming downtown along Main Street that has been a model for small-town revitalization in the Denver metro area. The city's zoning code establishes traditional residential, business, and industrial districts. Littleton's land use pattern includes older single-family neighborhoods near downtown, newer suburban areas, and a historic commercial district that anchors the community.
Littleton's comprehensive plan focuses on preserving the city's small-town character while accommodating infill development and transit-oriented growth near light rail stations on the C and D Lines. The city spans the South Platte River and includes significant parks, trails, and open space along the waterway. Littleton's Historic Downtown district is subject to design review to maintain architectural compatibility.
Community Development handles planning, zoning, and building permits for the city.
Key Zoning Districts
Littleton's zoning includes R-1 (Single-Family), R-2 (Two-Family), and R-3 (Multi-Family) residential districts. Business districts include B-1 (Neighborhood Business) and B-2 (General Business). The Downtown Mixed Use district encourages pedestrian-oriented development in the historic core.
ADU Regulations
Littleton allows ADUs on residential lots under Colorado HB 24-1152. ADUs are limited to 800 square feet and 20 feet in height. No additional parking is required. Building permits are processed within four to six weeks.
Development Process
Littleton's development review includes administrative review for by-right projects and Planning Commission hearings for rezonings and major developments. The Historic Preservation Board reviews projects within designated historic districts. Building permits are processed by the Building Division.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Littleton
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
County — Arapahoe County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Littleton
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 20 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- No additional parking required
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required
- Permit Timeline
- 4-6 weeks
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Littleton are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Littleton permit fees →