Littleton, CO Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)

4, Sustainable Building Design, is an opt-in program: nothing forces a builder to go green, but a developer who does can trade specific, countable practices for real relief from the zoning code. 1 lists six separate incentives: an up-to-20-percent density bonus, an extra story of height in the BC or CM districts subject to Fire Marshal sign-off, a 20 percent lot coverage increase in the NC, CM, BC or IP districts, a 15 percent cut to the minimum parking count, a 20 percent boost to sign area or height, and a 15 percent reduction in required open space.

2, Sustainable Development Practices, sorted into Schedule A and Schedule B tiers. The density bonus specifically needs four Schedule B practices, a higher bar than most other incentives, which need only two. Qualifying practices range from rooftop solar and Energy Star air conditioning to LEED certification, underground parking for more than half of required spaces, and green roofs. To claim any incentive, the applicant submits a sustainability plan with the Site Plan or Master Development Plan clearly showing each proposed practice, and city staff confirms the minimum requirements are met before approval. The section was last amended by Ordinance No. 08, Series of 2026, effective April 30, 2026.