Colorado Politics’ Noah Festenstein reports that Littleton voters are backing Ballot Measure 3A, a charter change that disallows multiplexes like duplexes, triplexes and quadraplexes in single-family neighborhoods. Early returns had Yes leading 55 percent to 45 percent with 13,117 votes counted across three counties.
The article notes this ballot fight followed a January council push to allow duplexes, multiplexes, triplexes and ADUs in single-family zones, which homeowners resisted, prompting the council to shelve the ordinance. Pro-density advocates argued affordability; critics warned about neighborhood character and expectations.
The Bullet Point Brief
• 3A’s aim: block multiplexes in single-family zones via charter change. Voters said not so fast to blanket “density.”
• Early tally: Yes 55 percent, No 45 percent; 13,117 votes across Arapahoe, Jefferson and Douglas. That’s a statement.
• Backstory: council floated duplexes, triplexes, ADUs in January. Public pushback parked it. Grassroots, activated.
• Messaging split: affordability vs. neighborhood character and buyer expectations. Familiar trench lines.
• Campaign fuel: Yes on 3A raised ~$38k; No on 3A ~$8.5k; Vibrant Littleton (also against 3A) $2,540. Local dollars, loud voices.
My Bottom Line
My lone comment? The people of Littleton just told the central planners to keep their hands off local zoning. Citizens gathered signatures, put 3A on the ballot, and voted to protect single-family neighborhoods. That is not NIMBY. That is We the People asserting local control.
State leaders have been flirting with the idea that the gold dome knows best. Littleton just sent a polite but firm reply: no. If the Governor’s grand plan is to flatten local land-use authority in the name of density, this vote is a neon sign blinking slow your roll. Want affordability? Start by working with communities, not steamrolling them. The message from Littleton is clear enough to read without bifocals.
Source: Colorado Politics
