Before You Build in Littleton, CO: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Littleton's ULUC (Title 10) regulates fence heights. Front yard fences are generally limited to 4 feet. Rear and side yard fences may be up to 6 feet. All fences require a building permit. Corner lot visibility triangles must be maintained.

All fences in Littleton require a building permit under the city's building code (Title 4). Residential and commercial fence permits follow different procedures. The permit process verifies compliance with height limits, setbacks, visibility triangles, and materials standards.

Colorado has no residential shared-cost fence statute. Littleton requires fences to be built on the property owner's side of the property line. The ULUC addresses setbacks and visibility but does not mandate neighbor cost-sharing. Disputes are civil matters.

Above-ground pools in Littleton are regulated under the City's residential building code and fence ordinance. Any swimming or wading pool with a depth of 24 inches or greater must be fully enclosed in residential districts, and all fences require a building permit. Pools generally also trigger building or accessory-structure permitting through Littleton Building & Development.

Littleton requires building permits for permanent swimming pool construction under Title 4 (Building Regulations). Pools must comply with the Colorado-adopted International Residential Code (IRC) Chapter 42, including structural, plumbing, electrical, and fencing requirements.

Littleton follows the Colorado-adopted IRC Chapter 42 for pool barriers: minimum 60-inch height, self-closing/self-latching gates with latches at least 54 inches high, and maximum 4-inch picket spacing. All swimming and wading pools 24 inches or deeper must be fully enclosed.

Littleton enforces pool safety through the adopted IRC and building code (Title 4). Requirements include anti-entrapment drain covers, GFCI electrical protection, backflow prevention, and proper chemical storage. The city follows Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control standards.

Garage conversions in Littleton require building permits under Title 4 and must comply with ULUC parking requirements. Converting a garage to living space may create a parking deficiency if the property's required off-street parking is reduced below the minimum.

Littleton passed Ordinance No. 09, Series 2025, allowing ADUs in all residential zones to comply with Colorado HB 24-1152. The ordinance increases maximum ADU size to 1,000 sq ft, eliminates extra parking requirements, and removes design restrictions that don't apply to primary homes. Effective June 2025.

Littleton's building code (Title 4) and ULUC (Title 10) regulate accessory structures. Structures under 200 sq ft may be exempt from building permits in some cases, but must still comply with ULUC zoning setbacks and lot coverage. Larger structures require permits.

Littleton regulates fire pits under Title 5 (Fire Regulations) and the adopted International Fire Code. Recreational fires must be 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet in height, with 15-foot clearance from combustible structures. Gas/propane fire pits are generally permitted even during burn restrictions.

Littleton prohibits open burning of trash, yard waste, construction debris, and leaves under Title 5 and the adopted fire code. The only permitted outdoor fires are recreational fires (fire pits) meeting size and clearance requirements. Arapahoe County burn bans add seasonal restrictions.

Littleton residents follow water restrictions from their water provider, primarily Denver Water. Summer watering is typically limited to 2-3 assigned days per week with no watering between 10 AM and 6 PM. Colorado CRS Section 37-60-126 protects homeowners' rights to xeriscape.

Littleton's ULUC and public works code regulate tree maintenance on both private and public property. Property owners are responsible for trimming trees that overhang public sidewalks and streets. The city manages public right-of-way trees. Historic Downtown tree canopy is particularly valued.