Littleton City Council gave initial approval to changes in the zoning code Sept. 4, though some wonder if they’re simply rearranging the perceived problem.

“Are we just putting a different face on the amount of bureaucratic involvement?” asked Councilor Bruce Beckman. “We’re taking a lot of authority and putting it into two departments and two people.”

In an effort to make the city’s zoning process more attractive to developers, Glen Van Nimwegen, director of community development, is proposing taking several steps out of the code – which requires council or planning commission approval – and placing them in administrative operating standards, which can be approved by staff.

“It’s really about vesting those decisions in the departments that have the expertise,” he said. “… The goal is efficiency. We haven’t really taken on more administrative duties.”

Councilor Phil Cernanec noted that having elected or appointed officials making final rulings on building plans takes some pressure off staff.

“Planning commission can be the bad guys,” he said.

City Manager Michael Penny said he shared some of those concerns, but assured council this is normal procedure in most cities.

“We’re putting responsibility where it lies, and the accountability that goes with that, as well,” he said.

Most of the changes involve filing practices, deadlines, minor landscaping, time extensions and the like.

Councilor Jerry Valdes asked how often developers have asked for more than the two years allowed to start building from the time the plan is filed with the city.

“It’s rare,” said Senior Planner Jan Dickinson. “If it takes more than two years to get a plat recorded, that project is probably not happening anyway.”

Council unanimously approved the proposed ordinance on first reading. The public can comment during its second reading on Sept. 18.