Building eras you will find around Littleton
A rough sequence; individual buildings vary.
- Late 1800s to early 1900s
- Brick commercial buildings and homes in and around historic downtown Littleton. Expect plaster, older flooring layers and possibly old heating insulation.
- 1950s to 1960s
- Post-war ranches near the older core. Floor tile, joint compound and duct materials come up often.
- 1970s
- Larger subdivisions with split-levels and two-story homes. Ceiling texture and resilient flooring are common suspects.
- 1980s
- Some products containing asbestos remained in use. Ask an inspector whether sampling is warranted.
- 1990s onward
- Newer construction farther south and west. Original materials are much less likely to contain asbestos.
The mailing address problem
Many homes with a Littleton mailing address are outside the City of Littleton, in unincorporated Arapahoe, Jefferson or Douglas County, or in neighboring municipalities. That matters because the building department that issues your remodel permit, and what it asks for, depends on the actual jurisdiction. Before you call anyone about permits, confirm which government covers your parcel.
Asbestos certification and state permits are handled by CDPHE regardless of which local department issues the building permit. The local department may still want to see an inspection report before approving demolition or renovation.
Areas such as Ken Caryl and Columbine are well-known examples of communities people describe as Littleton that are not part of the city. If you live in one of them, your remodel permit questions go to the county, while the asbestos questions go to a certified inspector and CDPHE just as they would anywhere else in the state.
Downtown commercial versus subdivision home
| Topic | Historic downtown building | 1970s subdivision home |
|---|---|---|
| Likely suspect materials | Plaster, layered floors, old mechanical insulation, roofing | Ceiling texture, floor tile and adhesive, joint compound |
| Who decides | Building owner, often with commercial tenants | Homeowner |
| Rules | Commercial renovation generally requires inspection first | Single-family rules may differ; check CDPHE guidance |
| Extra review | Historic designation may affect exterior work | HOA covenants may affect exterior work |
Common questions
How do I find out whether my address is inside Littleton city limits?
County assessor records and the city's own resources can tell you. If in doubt, call the City of Littleton building division and ask.
Do historic downtown buildings have special asbestos rules?
Historic status mainly affects exterior appearance and review. Asbestos requirements come from state rules for the type of building and work. Owners of older downtown buildings should expect an inspection before renovation that disturbs materials.
General information for the Denver area, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.