Upzoned 2 Towns, 2 Responses to the Housing Crisis. Which Will Succeed?
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Oct 15, 2025 Norm Van Eeden-Petersman, an expert from Strong Towns, discusses the contrasting housing strategies of Littleton and Lakewood, Colorado. He highlights Littleton’s restrictive approach to single-family homes versus Lakewood’s push for diverse housing options. The conversation dives into how suburban zoning laws create barriers to development and the emotional resistance to change. Norm advocates for targeted reforms and incremental housing solutions, cautioning against the long-term consequences of Littleton's measures while emphasizing the need for collaborative community planning.
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Use The Delete Key On Blocking Rules
- Do a targeted code audit and delete unnecessary rules (setbacks, lockout restrictions, roof rules) that block modest redesigns.
- Enable professionals and designers to apply flexible standards so incremental housing options become feasible.
Deed Restrictions Versus Citywide Freezes
- A citywide charter amendment imposes long-term outcomes on all residents while a deed restriction targets only willing owners.
- Deed-level choices let neighbors individually decide whether to lock futures, avoiding a one-size-fits-all city freeze.
Problems With Capping The Next Increment
- Capping the 'next increment' (e.g., backyard cottage only) invites future conflict about what comes after.
- A graduated right-to-redevelop approach allows reasonable, gradual increases without large shocks.