Littleton City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XXX
Village Common
§ 173-215 Intent.
A.
To implement recommendations of the Littleton Master Plan, as amended.
B.
To implement recommendations of the Littleton Common Revitalization Plan, as amended.
C.
To create a mixed-use, inherently walkable, and environmentally sound town center with a hometown feel as a reflection of the existing community.
D.
To ensure that new development retains the characteristics of an established neighborhood of buildings that accumulated additions over time.
E.
To accommodate the diverse sizes and life stages of existing and future households at all income levels with housing types, unit sizes, and price points that may be uncommon in other areas of Littleton.
F.
To promote pedestrian safety and prioritize sidewalk continuity.
§ 173-216 Purpose.
A.
To permit the development of mixed-use and multi-unit residential buildings that do not exceed 2.5 stories in height.
B.
To permit the modification of existing buildings in a manner that increases compliance with this article.
C.
To use discretion in the permitting of curb cuts.
D.
To encourage vehicular access across rear parking lots, discourage new driveways, and consolidate curb cuts within the Village Common.
E.
To meet the intent and purpose of Article XIV, Aquifer and Water Resource Protection District, through the use of low impact and light imprint development techniques and other appropriate measures for stormwater management and groundwater protection.
F.
To support redevelopment and reuse of historic properties and resources.
§ 173-217 Applicability.
A.
This article is applicable to real property located within the Village Common Zoning District as shown on the map entitled “Village Common District Boundary,” dated March 20, 2020, as amended, on file with the Town Clerk as part of the Zoning and Property Maps, Littleton, Mass.
B.
The following sections of this chapter do not apply to real property located within the Village Common Zoning District:
i.
The requirements of Article XVI, Wetlands and Floodplain Regulations, and Article XIV, Aquifer and Water Resource District, shall be incorporated into the site plan review process, as applicable, and shall not require a special permit. This subsection applies only to the following parcels: 410 King Street (U09-28-0) and 450 King Street (U09-23-0).
[Added 5-7-2024 ATM by Art. 13]
C.
The provisions of Article XXIX, Inclusionary Housing, shall apply with the exception listed below. Affordable units must be restricted in accordance with the metrics below.
[Added 5-7-2024 ATM by Art. 13[1]]
a.
Provision of affordable housing. In applicable projects, not fewer than 10% of housing units constructed shall be affordable housing units. For purposes of calculating the number of units of affordable housing required within a development project, a fractional unit shall be rounded down to the next whole number. The affordable units shall be available to households earning income up to 80% of the AMI.
[1]
Editor's Note: This article also redesignated former Subsection C as Subsection D.
D.
Should the provisions of this article conflict with those found elsewhere in this chapter, the provisions of this article apply.
§ 173-218 Definitions.
In addition to the definitions found in Article II of this chapter, the following definitions apply in the Village Common Zoning District:
A.
AWNING — A wall-mounted frame covered with canvas or other material that provides shade and weather protection over a storefront or building entrance.
B.
FACADE — The exterior wall of a building oriented in whole or in part toward a front lot line.
C.
FRONTAGE AREA — The area of a lot between the front lot line and the maximum front setback.
D.
LOT DEPTH — The horizontal distance from the midpoint of the front lot line to the midpoint of the rear lot line of a lot or to the most distant point on any other lot line where there is no rear lot line.
E.
LOT LINE — The boundary that legally and geometrically demarcates a lot.
F.
LOT LINE, FRONT — Any lot line abutting a thoroughfare, excluding an alley.
G.
LOT LINE, SIDE — Any lot line other than a front or rear lot line.
H.
LOT LINE, REAR — Any lot line which is parallel to or within 45° of being parallel to a front lot line, unless that lot line is a side lot line of an abutting lot.
I.
LOT WIDTH — The length of the front lot line of a lot.
J.
MODIFICATION — An alteration, expansion, reconstruction, extension, or structural change to a structure.
K.
ROOF, FLAT — A roof with no slope greater than 2:12.
L.
ROOF, GABLE — A roof sloped on two sides from a central ridge with an exterior wall (gable) enclosing each end.
M.
ROOF, GAMBREL — A compound, gabled roof with two slopes on each of its sides, where the lower has a steeper slope or pitch than the upper, inclusive of English, Dutch, and Jerkin Head gambrel roofs.
N.
ROOF, HIP — A roof with four uniformly pitched or sloping sides, inclusive of kicked hip (witch’s hat) and Hawaiian hip roofs.
O.
ROOF, MANSARD — A compound, four-sided roof where each side has two slopes, where the lower has a very steep, almost vertical, slope or pitch, dormer windows, and eaves extending with a radius or kick, rather than a flat projection.
P.
ROOF, PITCHED — A gable, gambrel, hip, or mansard roof.
Q.
XERISCAPE — A pervious landscape design technique that requires little or no permanent irrigation.
§ 173-219 Permitting.
A.
The Planning Board is the special permit granting authority for the VC District for all special permits required by this chapter.
B.
Site plan approval by the Planning Board is required for the creation of, addition to, or substantial alteration of any structure or parking in the VC District, subject to Article IV, Site Plan Requirements.
a.
The Planning Board may permit proposed development to deviate by up to 3% from any of the specific numerical standards in this article.
§ 173-220 Lot standards.
A.
Standards and measurements.
a.
Any front lot line abutting Great Road, King Street, Meetinghouse Road, and Stevens Street is a primary front lot line.
b.
Building facade(s) must be built parallel to any primary front lot line at or between the minimum and maximum front setbacks.
d.
When development occurs on any lot abutting a sidewalk that is less than 10 feet in total width, buildings must be setback an additional distance and a sidewalk at least 10 feet in width must be provided within the frontage area. The minimum and maximum front setbacks are increased accordingly.
e.
Unless otherwise specified, all parking spaces must be located at or behind any required parking setback.
B.
Standards for all lots.
 | ||||||
Building Setbacks | Parking Setbacks | |||||
A | Primary Front Setback (min/max) | 10 ft | 20 ft | E | Primary Parking Setback | 20 ft |
B | Secondary Front Setback (min/max) | 10 ft | 20 ft | F | Secondary Parking Setback | 20 ft |
C | Side Setback (min) | 10 ft | Lot Development | |||
D | Rear Setback (min) | 10 ft | Lot Coverage (max) | 80%1 | ||
Rear Setback abutting the R District (min) | 20 ft | Facade Build Out (min) | 60% | |||
§ 173-221 Building standards.
This section provides an explanation of the dimensional standards for each building type, defines how to measure certain standards, and provides other requirements and reference information as necessary.
B.
C.
Primary massings.
a.
The primary massing(s) of a building must be of rectangular form with a single type of pitched roof and may be oriented either with the narrow end or long side toward the front lot line, subject to § 173-221M, Building assembly.
b.
Width of the primary massing is measured parallel to the facade, from the exterior plane of each side wall.
c.
Depth of the primary massing is measured perpendicularly from the facade as the maximum length the longest exterior side wall of a building.
 Wide Example |  Deep Example |
D.
Story height.
a.
Each individual story of a building must comply with the minimum and maximum story height requirements specified for each building type and is measured independently for each story of a building.
i.
The height of the ground story and second story of a building is measured vertically from the surface of the finished floor to the surface of the finished floor above, at all points.
ii.
The height of a half story is measured vertically from the surface of the finished floor to the highest point of the ceiling above.
b.
The roof rafters of a half story must intersect the wall plate or top of wall frame of the exterior walls at a height no more than two feet above the finished floor of the half-story.
E.
Number of stories.
a.
Buildings must comply with the maximum number of stories specified for each building type.
b.
The ground story is always counted as one story, except that a single ground story over 16 feet in height is counted as two stories.
c.
The second story is counted as one additional story, except that any upper story with a mezzanine or loft is counted as two stories.
d.
Basements are not counted as one story unless the finished floor of the ground story is five feet or more above the average ground level of the lot.
e.
Habitable space located directly under a pitched roof is counted as a half (0.5) story. Non-habitable attic space located under a pitched roof is not counted as a half story.
G.
Fenestration.
a.
Fenestration must be provided as indicated for each building type and is calculated as a percentage of the area of a facade.
b.
For buildings with ground story commercial spaces, ground story fenestration is measured between two feet and 12 feet above the finished floor of the ground story.
c.
For all other buildings and all other stories, fenestration is measured independently for each story, corresponding with the top of a finished floor to the top of the finished floor above.
d.
Fenestration enclosed with glass may be included in the calculation if it meets the following criteria:
i.
For ground story fenestration, glazing must have a minimum 60% Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) and no more than 15% Visible Light Reflectance (VLR) as indicated by the manufacturer.
ii.
For upper story fenestration, glazing must have a minimum of 40% VLT and no more than 15% VLR as indicated by the manufacturer.
iii.
The Planning Board shall require applicants to submit the material specifications from window suppliers to confirm fenestration glazing is compliant with the above as a condition of any Site Plan approval.
H.
Building separation.
a.
Multiple buildings on a single lot must comply with the building separation distance specified for each building type at all points.
I.
Roofs.
a.
Non-habitable architectural features including, but not limited to, mechanical and stairwell penthouses; vents or exhausts; solar panels or skylights; belfries, chimneys, cupolas, parapets, spires, and steeples are permitted on roofs.
J.
Use and features.
a.
Occupation of floor space by different permitted uses is limited or restricted for buildings dependent upon their position on a lot.
i.
Any building contributing toward the frontage build out calculation must also provide ground story commercial space that is at least 20 feet in depth, measured as the distance from the facade towards the interior of the building, for 100% of the total width of the building. Only non-residential uses may occupy this commercial space.
ii.
Any other building on a lot that does not contribute toward the frontage build out calculation is restricted only to residential uses.
b.
Each primary massing must have at least one principal entrance.
i.
The principal entrance of a building must be located on the facade for any building contributing toward the frontage build out calculation.
ii.
The principal entrance of any other building on a lot should be located on the facade or, as an alternative, on the side wall oriented toward the parking lot provided for the building.
c.
Multi-story buildings with ground floor commercial spaces must have one principal entrance for each commercial space in addition to any principal entrance(s) necessary for any upper stories.
K.
General building standards.
 | |||||||||
Primary Massing | Use and Features | ||||||||
Width (max) | — | Ground Story Occupation | |||||||
A | Narrow End Oriented Front | 45 ft | Upper Story Occupation | ||||||
B | Long Side Oriented Front | 65 ft | Ground Story Fenestration | — | |||||
Depth (max) | — | Commercial (min) | 60% | ||||||
C | Narrow End Oriented Front | 90 ft | Residential (min/max) | 15% | 25% | ||||
D | Long Side Oriented Front | 45 ft | Upper Story Fenestration | — | |||||
Height | All Uses (min/max) | 15% | 25% | ||||||
E | Ground Story Height | — | Building Separation | ||||||
Commercial (min) | 14 ft | I | Distance from any other building (min) | 20 ft | |||||
Residential (min/max) | 10 ft | 12 ft | |||||||
F | Second Story Height (min/max) | 10 ft | 12 ft | ||||||
G | Half Story Height | — | |||||||
Commercial (min/max) | 10 ft | 16 ft | |||||||
Residential (min/max) | 10 ft | 12 ft | |||||||
Number of Stories (max) | 2.5 Stories | ||||||||
H | Building Height, Feet (max) | — | |||||||
Mixed Use | 36 ft | ||||||||
All Residential | 32 ft | ||||||||
L.
Building components.
a.
Building components are accessory features that increase the habitable square footage or enhance the usefulness of a building and are permitted according to the following schedule.
b.
Building components that are not identified below are prohibited.
a. | Side Addition | b. | Rear Addition | ||
 |  | ||||
A | Setback from Facade and Rear Wall (min) | 8 ft (long side) 4 ft (narrow end) | A | Setback from Side Walls (min) | 8 ft (long side) 4 ft (narrow end) |
B | Projection (max) | 18 ft or 50% of the width of the attached primary massing1 | B | Projection (max) | 18 ft or 50% of the depth of the attached primary massing1 |
C | Stories (max) | Same as the attached primary massing | C | Stories (max) | One (1) half story less than the attached primary massing |
D | Roof Ridge Offset (min) | 4 ft | |||
Design Standards: Side additions may attach only to the side wall(s) of a primary massing. Side additions must have a roof type matching the roof of the main massing. | Design Standards: A rear addition may have a flat roof. | ||||
NOTE: | NOTE: | ||
1 | Whichever is less. | 1 | Whichever is less. |
c. | Projecting Gable | d. | Projecting Storefront | ||
 |  | ||||
A | Width (max) | Equal to the shortest side of the attached primary massing | A | Width (max) | 36 ft |
B | Projection (max) | 6 ft | B | Projection (max) | 10 ft |
C | Height (min) | Height of Building in Stories | C | Height (max) | 1 Story |
D | Front Setback Encroachment (max) | 6 ft | D | Front Setback Encroachment (max) | 6 ft |
Design Standards: A projecting gable may attach only the facade of a primary massing. The roof ridge of a projecting gable must be perpendicular to the roof ridge of the attached primary massing. | Design Standards: A projecting storefront may attach only to the facade of a primary massing. A projecting storefront may have a flat roof. | ||||
e. | Dormer | f. | Cross Gable | |||
 |  | |||||
A | Single Dormer Width (max) | Window(s) width + 18 inches | A | Width (max) | 50% of the roof eave below | |
Cumulative Width of all Dormers (max) | 50% of the roof eave | B | Height (min) | Equal to the height of the roof of the attached primary massing | ||
B | Exterior Wall Setback (min) | — | Design Standards: The roof ridge of a cross gable must be perpendicular to the roof ridge of the attached primary massing. The rakes and ridge of the roof of the cross gable must be structurally integrated into the eave and ridge of roof of the attached primary massing. Cross gables may interconnect to provide access and continuity between the half stories of two attached primary massings that are oriented in the same direction. | |||
Roof with Eave | 0 ft | |||||
Roof without Eave | 1 ft | |||||
C | Setback from Gable (min) | 3 ft | ||||
D | Separation from another Dormer (min) | 50% of dormer width | ||||
Design Standards: The face wall of a dormer window may not project beyond the exterior wall of the building and may not interrupt the eave of the roof. | ||||||
e. | Bay Window | f. | Balcony | ||
 |  | ||||
A | Single Bay Width (max) | 16 ft | A | Width (min) | 5 ft |
Cumulative Bay Width (max) | 50% of the width of the exterior wall from which the bays project | B | Depth (min) | 4 ft | |
B | Projection (max) | 3 ft | Area (min) | 25 sf | |
C | Stories (max) | Same as the attached primary massing | C | Front Setback Encroachment (max) | 5 ft |
D | Front Setback Encroachment (max) | 3 ft | |||
Design Standards: Bays may attach to any exterior wall of a primary massing, side addition, or rear addition. A bay window may have a flat roof. | Design Standards: Balconies may attach to any exterior wall of a primary massing, side addition, or rear addition. Balconies may be recessed, projecting, a combination of the two, or terraced as part of the roof of a permitted building component. | ||||
M.
Building assembly.
a.
Up to three primary massings are permitted per building complex.
c.
The exterior walls of multiple primary massings of the same building complex must always be offset from one another by at least eight feet, even when connected by a side or rear addition.
d.
No more than two primary massings may be oriented in the same direction for a single building complex. For example, if two primary massings orient their narrow ends toward the front lot line, a third primary massing must be oriented with its long side toward the front lot line.
 |
Example Massing Combinations |
(optional side and rear additions in grey) |
1 Primary Massing  |
2 Primary Massing  |
3 Primary Massing  |
N.
Frontage types.
a.
Frontage types provide access to principal entrances and serve as the interface and transition between the private realm (building interiors) and the public realm (sidewalks and public spaces) and are defined by a combination of site features and facade characteristics.
b.
Frontage types are permitted according to the following schedule.
c.
Frontage types not expressly authorized are prohibited.
d.
Multiple frontage types are permitted for buildings with more than one principal entrance.
a. | Gallery  | A frontage type consisting of a storefront(s) and an attached lightweight colonnade with a roof, open pergola, or balcony overlapping a paved sidewalk. A gallery may wrap around the corner of a building to create a veranda-like gallery. Projection from Facade (min): 8 ft Clearance (min): 8 ft |
b. | Entry Plaza  | A frontage type consisting of a storefront(s) and a highly paved frontage area. Plaza Pavement (min): 80% Seating (min): 1 linear foot/60 sf Bicycle Parking Spaces (min): 2 |
c. | Dining Patio  | A frontage type consisting of a storefront(s) and outdoor cafe seating in the frontage area. Depth (min/max): 6 ft/15 ft Pedestrian Access, Clear (min): 4 ft • Tables larger than three feet six inches in width or diameter are not permitted. • Standing or stooled table ledges, if provided, must be 18 inches in depth. |
d. | Front Garden  | A frontage type consisting of a storefront(s) and highly landscaped frontage area. Landscaped Area1 (min): 80% Pedestrian Access, Clear (min): 4 ft Bicycle Parking Spaces (min): 2 |
e. | Porch  | A frontage type consisting of a raised platform with a roof supported by columns, piers, or posts; an area for seating; and an optional set of stairs with a landing that provides access to the entrance of a building. Projection (min): 6 ft Clearance (min): 8 ft Furniture Area, Clear (min): 6 ft x 6 ft Bicycle Parking Spaces (min): 2 |
f. | Dooryard or Stoop  | A frontage type consisting of a zero-step entrance or a set of stairs with a landing that provides access to the entrance of a building. • Fencing up to 4 ft in height may delineate the boundary of a private front garden for individual ground story dwelling units. |
g. | Common Lobby  | A frontage type consisting of assembly of entry doors and windows providing access and light to the lobby of a building. Bicycle Parking Spaces (min): 2 |
NOTE: | |
1 | See § 173-222, Design guidelines. |
§ 173-222 Design guidelines.
A.
The Planning Board shall consider the following guidelines in conducting Site Plan Review for projects in the Village Common District. The Planning Board may adopt additional Design Guidelines in its rules and regulations to advance the intent and purpose of the Village Common District.
a.
The assembly of primary massings and building components should differ for buildings on abutting lots, except in circumstances where lot width restricts the assembly options that are available.
b.
Architectural design should not seek to exactly replicate the Town of Littleton’s existing historic structures, but rather complement the Town’s architectural character with contemporary design that references underlying patterns in window configuration, wall materials, and visually interesting architectural details such as siding, corner details, window and door surrounds, shutters, and awnings.
c.
The selection of materials, windows, doors, and ornamentation should result in a consistent and harmonious composition that appears as a unified whole rather than a collection of unrelated parts, whatever the architectural style.
d.
The type and color of materials used for a building should be kept to a minimum, preferably three or less. Wall materials should have the appearance of natural materials such as wood or stone with a non-metallic finish and should be consistent on all exterior walls.
e.
Galleries and porches should be constructed out of light steel, wood, or other material(s) with the appearance of wood.
f.
Landscape design in the frontage area should be coordinated with the abutting public sidewalk to provide additional pedestrian amenities such as seating opportunities and additional trees.
g.
Site landscaping should prioritize the use of materials that are common to Littleton’s agrarian cultural history, such as short stone walls, pervious ground covers, and wood decking.
h.
Site landscaping should prioritize the use of native plant species and xeriscape.
i.
Rain Gardens and bioswales should be installed to infiltrate runoff from parking lots, thoroughfares, entry plazas, dining patios, and other impervious surfaces.
j.
Where vegetative solutions are not feasible, porous concrete or porous asphalt should be used for sidewalks, parking lots, entry plazas, and dining patios to infiltrate stormwater.
k.
Existing historic structures should be preserved and incorporated into new development to every extent practicable.
§ 173-223 Use provisions.
A.
General.
a.
The use of land or occupancy of floor space is permitted as specified in Article V, Use Regulations.
b.
In the VC District, real property may have more than one principal use and more than one accessory use.
c.
Permitted uses may be limited or restricted from occupying floor space according to building location and floor level. See § 173-221J, Use and features, for more information.
d.
Drive-throughs are permitted only for bank uses.
§ 173-224 Site standards.
A.
Nonconforming structures and uses lawfully in existence prior to February 20, 2020, and nonconforming structures lawfully constructed and uses lawfully begun pursuant to a building or special permit issued prior to February 20, 2020, may be modified in conformance with the provisions of § 173-10 of this chapter, except that the special permit granting authority for alterations allowed under § 173-10B(1) and (3) shall be the Planning Board.