LITTLETON, Colo. — A proposed measure aimed at preserving single-family zoning in Littleton is set to reach voters this November.
A Littleton Organization called Rooted in Littleton said they have enough signatures to get a proposed charter amendment on the November ballot.
The group wants to preserve single-family residential zoning by limiting zoning modifications and prohibiting the development of duplexes, triplexes, or other multi-unit housing types.
"A triplex is situated next to a single-family ranch house? I think a lot of residents think it looks terrible," said Littleton resident Mark Harris, who is with Rooted in Littleton.
Harris has lived in Littleton for eight years and said that triplex-style homes are the type of development his group is trying to avoid throughout the city.
"Let the citizens of Littleton come forward and vote, and we'll let the chips fall where they may. If it's voted against, so be it," said Harris.
He said that Rooted in Littleton is not against housing. Instead, he said they want to make sure neighborhoods are protected.
Back in June, Denver7 spoke with Patrick Santana, who works with Littleton Grows Together, an organization that opposes the proposed measure.
Santana said then that they were open to coming to the table to work with the community.
"We're bigger than just any individual, and one of the things that this community really has, one of the strengths of Littleton, is that it has always had a lot of different voices come to the table and try and find answers and solve things," Santana said.
With the news that Rooted in Littleton has obtained the necessary signatures, Denver7 reached out to Littleton Grows Together to gauge their thoughts on the proposed initiative.
In a statement to Denver7, Littleton Grows Together contends the measure could reduce housing options and expose the city to legal challenges.
The next step in the process is for the city to verify the signatures before the proposed amendment is placed on the city ballot.
Littleton Grows Together Full Statement:
Rooted gathered signatures using false statements and misleading information about their referendum. Many citizens were told things like, “It’s just about getting notifications from the City” and the like.
Rooted makes frequent references to their “intention” about protecting “character” but the actual language of their referendum is a very different beast. The Rooted referendum will roll back housing uses to a fixed date (January 1, 2025), repeal home options such as backyard cottages, and lock Littleton to this state by placing their language into the city’s constitution (rather than where it belongs: in the city’s Land Use Code).
Littleton residents are rightfully concerned about housing. However, unlike what Rooted is telling voters, this proposed Charter Amendment will have negative impacts on housing options, on property rights, and will open up our city to costly litigation.
Littleton’s housing challenges of today are real:
- Families Are Fleeing - since 2010, Littleton has 24% fewer households with children (vs. 11% in Colorado)
- Housing Has Outpaced Wages - in 1984, the median American home cost 3.5x the median income. Today it's 5.8x nationally. And in Littleton it’s even worse: 6.3x our local median income.
- Commuter Congestion - 75% of people who work in Littleton commute from other cities, increasing air pollution and road demand.
- Housing Is Unattainable (Unless You're Already In) - In the U.S. today, the median homebuyer is 56 years old. In 1981 it was 31.
In short: We're in a housing crisis and Rooted’s referendum locks us in a housing crisis indefinitely.
Is this what Littleton residents want for the next 20, 50, or 100 years?
— Littleton Grows Together
Rooted in Littleton released a statement in response, saying:
Rooted in Littleton is a volunteer run, non-profit group and Littleton’s Political
Machine will stop at nothing to take advantage of Littleton residents.
Littleton Grows Together is simply a rebranded continuation of Vibrant Littleton, led by the same core group of organizers, now positioning themselves as architects of Littleton’s future. However, their vision promotes an ideology that many in our community do not share: one that leans toward urban density and a “concrete jungle,” rather than preserving the character and charm of our neighborhoods.
Rooted in Littleton: Setting the Record Straight
Rooted in Littleton categorically denies the false claims regarding how petition signatures were gathered. These accusations are not only false, they diminish the tireless, good-faith efforts of our volunteers, many of whom are lifelong residents. Signers were informed, engaged, and given access to the full referendum language.
Due to coordinated attempts to disrupt the petitioning process, Rooted in Littleton was forced to notify local police and the parks department. These actions were necessary after individuals affiliated with opposition groups attempted to intimidate voters and interfere with lawful petitioning at public booths.
Why the Charter Amendment Matters
This Charter Amendment is a critical safeguard for Littleton’s single-family residential neighborhoods. Earlier this year, the Mayor and City Council attempted to enact sweeping zoning changes with minimal public input or transparency. Our amendment returns that decision-making power to where it belongs: the voters.
It does not ban housing options or halt all development. Rather, it ensures that meaningful changes to zoning—those that impact our neighborhoods and infrastructure—require direct notification and real community engagement. It’s about keeping residents in the driver’s seat.
A Future Guided by Community, Not Special Interests
We believe Littleton’s future should reflect the values of the people who live here, not the agenda of rebranded political groups or outside developers. Our goal is balanced, thoughtful growth rooted in transparency, respect for existing neighborhoods, and a shared vision for the city we all call home.
- Rooted in Littleton collective
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