Littleton weighs higher tree-canopy requirements for new development
Staff options would increase minimum canopy by 10 percentage points in four zoning districts; the City Council is scheduled to discuss them Nov. 10.
Published at
Littleton staff is proposing a 10-percentage-point increase in minimum tree-canopy requirements for new development in four zoning districts. The City Council is scheduled to discuss the options at its Nov. 10 study session, listed on the council agenda.
Under the options, minimum mature-tree canopy would rise from 20% to 30% in multifamily residential districts, from 15% to 25% in neighborhood commercial and corridor mixed districts, and from 10% to 20% in business commercial districts, staff’s proposal says.
Staff is also considering a $250-per-inch fee in lieu of replacement trees, credits for preserving mature trees, possible flexibility for affordable housing and constrained redevelopment sites, and incentives for developments that exceed minimum canopy requirements. These remain options for discussion, not settled rules or exceptions.
Staff plans to use council feedback to refine the options and assess feasibility, costs, staffing and administrative demands, legal authority and stakeholder input before making formal recommendations and proposing code amendments.