Zoning Information

What is zoning?
Zoning is a series of ordinances adopted by the city council which set standards for the location, size of buildings, and for use of buildings and land throughout the city. It is the primary tool to implement the city’s neighborhood plan, the “COMPLAN,” and to provide for compatibility of neighboring land uses. The zoning ordinance consists of various districts. Each district has development standards such as permitted uses, building height, parking, setback, and minimum open space.

What are the various districts?
In the Littleton Zoning Ordinance we have the following districts. See the Unofficial Zoning Map ( 1.45 Mb, updated in January 2008) for more information.

What does “setback” mean?
“Setback” refers to the minimum distance a structure must be located away from all property lines. Be careful not to make the common mistake of assuming a property line is along a street, gutter or sidewalk.

Minimum setback requirements for a single family home (entire principal structure including attached garage, decks, etc.) in an R-2 zone district are 25 feet in the front, 20 feet in the rear, 5 feet on the north or west side, and 10 feet on the south or east side. (The applicable side setback depends on which way the house faces.) Any accessory structure (detached garage, shed etc.) also has setback requirements. Most properties also have utility easements upon which no structure can be placed, regardless of the setback. Check with the zoning office at 303-795-3748 for setbacks specific to your property.

Are there guidelines for fences?
Yes. In a residential district a fence can be a maximum of 6 feet high anywhere behind the front setback or next to a public right-of-way, a fence can be a maximum of four feet high and must be 50 percent open (for example, split rail, picket or chain link). Don’t forget, a permit is required from the building department before any fence can be erected.

What is a legal nonconformance?
A legal nonconformance is a building, or a use of land or buildings that was lawfully operated within any district prior to the effective date of an ordinance or amendment which prohibits the building or use. A nonconformance continues on the property even after the original owner transfers the property. The term “grandfathered” is sometimes used to describe legal nonconformances. A property owner who claims a legal nonconformance must be able to prove that this use has continued non stop since 1961.

What is a conditional use?
A conditional use is a use of property, specified in the zoning code, that has been approved by the Littleton Planning Commission. A conditional use has a special or peculiar impact on the adjacent properties or neighborhood, such as a preschool or some church facilities. These uses require a special application and are approved, approved with conditions, or disapproved after a public hearing before the planning commission. For more information on conditional uses, please call 303-795-3748 and ask for the planning division.

Am i within the city boundaries?
See map on back of brochure.

Other important numbers
For your convenience, we have listed telephone numbers for other south metro zoning offices.

Arapahoe County 303-795-4450
Bow Mar 303-794-6065
Cherry Hills 303-789-2541
Columbine Valley 303-795-1434
Denver 303-640-2191
Douglas County 303-660-7460
Englewood 303-762-2342
Greenwood Village 303-773-0252
Jefferson County 303-271-8700
Sheridan 303-462-2200

More information
Remember, all of the land in the City of Littleton is subject to zoning codes. If you need additional information about zoning in Littleton, please call 303-795-3748. Also, there are copies of the zoning ordinance and maps for purchase.