Residential Submittal Requirements

  Plan Submittal Requirements for New Single Family, New Townhouse, New Two-Family Dwelling, Single-Family Addition

The City of Littleton has adopted the following codes with amendments:

• 2021 International Residential Code
• 2021 International Existing Building Code
• 2021 International Mechanical Code
• 2021 International Plumbing Code
• 2021 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2021 International Property Maintenance Code
• 2021 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2021 International Fire Code 
• 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
• 2023 National Electrical Code, where conflicts occur between the 2021 International Residential Code and the 2023 National Electric Code, the most restrictive provisions shall prevail.
• Littleton Municipal Code, Title 4

Applicable codes are required to be notated on plans.

***All documents are required to be submitted electronically***

In order for your permit application to be reviewed and processed properly, the following construction information must be provided with the permit application.  Plans stamped “preliminary” and/or “Not for Construction”: and/or “Permit Set” are unacceptable.

The determination of valuation shall be made by the Building Official. The Building Valuation Data as published in the ICC Building Safety Journal may be utilized as recognized standard to establish valuation.

Site Plan

• Provide site plan that shows dimensions reflecting the distances to property lines.
• Indicate all public or private easements.
• Show location of all proposed and existing structures with dimensions.
• Provide type of construction for all structures on site.
• Provide landscaping plan. Contact Planner on Call 303-795-8076.

Structural Plans – Plans must be stamped and signed by a Licensed Colorado Structural Engineer

• Indicate size, location, and method of reinforcement for all proposed footings, column pads, piers, caissons, grade beams, and foundation walls. Specify location of reinforcing steel and anchor bolts.
• Provide complete and clearly dimensioned floor framing plan for each level and roofing framing plan which indicates the materials, types, sizes, and location of all structural elements.
• Provide complete structural design criteria including but not limited to required design loads, material specifications and structural construction requirements.
• Provide complete structural calculations for each structure.

Architectural Plans – Plans must be stamped and signed by a Licensed Colorado Architect

• Provide complete and dimensioned floor layout at each level which identifies the use of each room.
• Provide complete and dimensioned roof plan and indicate all roof slopes.
• Provide complete and dimensioned reflected ceiling plan.
• Provide exterior elevation for each side of building which contains clearly dimensioned overall building height and floor-to-floor heights and indicates location, size and types of all doors and glazed openings.
• Provide building and wall sections which clearly identify the required type and location of all materials for construction of beams, columns, floors, walls, ceilings, and roofs.
• Provide stair geometry. Include rise and run, handrail and guardrail heights.
• Provide one major section through the exterior wall from footings to the highest part of the roof (min. scale ¼” = 1’).
• Provide square foot area breakdown per floor level.

Electrical Plans – not required to be stamped

• Provide electrical plans showing the location and capacity of the service equipment and electrical panels; the location of all smoke detectors, electrical receptacles, switches, and lighting fixtures.

Mechanical Plans – not required to be stamped

• Provide mechanical plans and indicate location of all heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment
• Provide Manual J and Manual D calculations - must be legible.

Plumbing Plans – not required to be stamped

• Provide plumbing plans and indicate location of all plumbing fixtures and appliances. (Isometric may be required per the discretion of the plan examiner).
• Provide supply line size and main discharge size. Note water supply inlet location.
• Indicate whether appliances are gas-operated, electric, or otherwise.  List types of material to be used for all water supply, drainage, and vent piping.
• Gas load calculations and piping diagram is required for gas appliances and must be legible.

Energy Conservation Plans

• Provide verification that the project meets the requirements of the IECC or provide a simulated energy performance analysis such as REScheck.
• If prescriptive method is to be used, indicate on plans and request and obtain from the City of Littleton, Building Inspection Division an inspection for all aspects of prescriptive energy compliance.

   

  Public Works

• Contact Engineering Department: 303-795-3865; Public Works: 303-795-3863 
• Denver Water Fees Application required?
• New Sewer Tap; Size; Existing Sewer Tap?
• If new sewer tap is required, use the property address to identify the Sanitation District. The Sanitation District is paid

  first, then City of Littleton. Use this link to verify Sanitation District:  

  • Sewer, Water, Storm District Map
• Is any portion of the property in a floodplain? Floodplain delineations can be found by contacting Public Works or at:
  • Floodplain Maps
   

PLAN SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL REMODEL PROJECTS

The City of Littleton has adopted the following codes with amendments:

• 2021 International Residential Code
• 2021 International Existing Building Code
• 2021 International Mechanical Code
• 2021 International Plumbing Code
• 2021 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2021 International Property Maintenance Code
• 2021 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2021 International Fire Code 
• 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
• 2023 National Electrical Code, where conflicts occur between the 2021 International Residential Code and the 2023 National Electric Code, the most restrictive provisions shall prevail.
• Littleton Municipal Code, Title 4

Applicable codes are required to be notated on plans.

In order for your permit application to be reviewed and processed properly, the following construction information must be provided. Note: “Preliminary” and/or plans shown as “Not for Construction” or similar are unacceptable.

***All documents are required to be submitted electronically***

Architectural Plans

• Provide an existing floor plan.
• Provide the proposed floor plan including the following information:

• Size, Span and spacing of all structural and framing members. Any alteration of the foundation or structural component(s) will require a plan or detailed drawing stamped by a structural engineer at the time of submittal of permit application.  Inspection of the foundation alteration by the engineer of record or their representative is required to be performed and verified to the Building Division prior to final approval of the project.
  • Note the use, location, and size of all rooms.
  • Note each rooms ceiling height from finished floor material to finished ceiling material.
  • Size, location, and type of all doors and windows.
  • Size and location of all stairways, including rise and run of steps, handrail details, and headroom clearance.
  • Location and type of construction of all fire rated walls and ceilings as applicable

• On basement finishes, provide location of beams and ductwork. Indicate height above finish floor to the bottom of beams and/or ductwork.  Any alteration of the foundation or structural component(s) will require a plan or detailed drawing stamped by a structural engineer at the time of submittal of permit application.  Inspection of the foundation alteration by the engineer of record or their representative is required to be performed and verified to the Building Division prior to final approval of the project.

Electrical Plans

• Electrical plan layout showing the location of all electrical receptacles, switches, lighting fixtures, smoke alarms, ventilation fans, etc. and the location and size of the service

Plumbing & Mechanical Plans

• Provide plumbing and mechanical plans indicating the size and location of all plumbing and mechanical fixtures and appliances.
• Provide Manual J and Manual D calculations when the heating system is being replaced or when duct work is being replaced, relocated, or otherwise altered. (Must be legible. No exceptions.)

Energy Conservation Code

• Demonstration of compliance with the International Energy Conservation Code may be required dependent on scope of work.  Projects affecting the thermal envelope, mechanical, and/or electrical systems may require additional documentation demonstrating compliance.

Resubmittals/Revisions

• Provide a written narrative response with explanation of each revision made, identifying each revision by page number, section, or detail number, etc.
• Provide full page resubmittal for each revised page with all revisions on that page clearly identified.
• Sign in to your eTRAKiT account to upload the required documents.
• Click on ‘My Dashboard’ and go to 'My Active Permits' - click on the permit number and address.
• Click on attachments to upload your required documents. Click 'accept' to upload the documents. ***Make sure that there are no special characters in the filename.
• Email buildingpermits@littletongov.org  referencing the permit number and job address once the required documents are uploaded to the permit record through the eTRAKiT portal.

Building Division Residential Rooftop Solar

and ESS Requirements

The City of Littleton has adopted the following codes with amendments:

• 2021 International Residential Code
• 2021 International Existing Building Code
• 2021 International Mechanical Code
• 2021 International Plumbing Code
• 2021 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2021 International Property Maintenance Code
• 2021 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2021 International Fire Code 
• 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
• 2023 National Electrical Code, where conflicts occur between the 2021 International Residential Code and the 2023 National Electric Code, the most restrictive provisions shall prevail.  

• Littleton Municipal Code, Title 4

Applicable codes are required to be notated on plans.

***All documents are required to be submitted electronically***

These requirements pertain only to residential rooftop photovoltaic (PV) energy systems, as administered by Littleton’s Building and Code Compliance Division. Additional permits, permissions, authorizations, fees, inspections, etc. may be required by other Littleton departments and/or outside authorities having jurisdiction.

All components of a project, such as design, fabrication, installation, and construction, shall comply with City of Littleton’s adopted building codes, ordinances, amendments, and Building and Code Compliance Division policies. As of December 1, 2022, Littleton’s Building and Code Compliance Division administers the 2021 International Code Council’s I-codes and the 2020 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70).

Common Design Considerations

Littleton Design Criteria

Littleton’s design wind speeds are based upon the most recent Colorado Wind Gust Map, as approved by the Structural Engineers Association of Colorado (SEAC). The appropriate wind speed is based upon the structure’s risk category and location within the City of Littleton limits. Ground snow loads shall be assumed to be 30 pounds-per-square foot minimum.

Pathways and Setbacks

Not fewer than two pathways, on separate roof planes from lowest roof edge to ridge and not less than 36 inches wide, shall be provided on all buildings. Not fewer than two (2) pathways shall be provided on the street or driveway side of the roof. For each roof plane with a photovoltaic array, a pathway not less than 36 inches wide shall be provided from the lowest roof edge to ridge on the same roof plane as the photovoltaic array, on an adjacent roof plane, or straddling the same and adjacent roof planes. Pathways shall be over areas capable of supporting fire fighters accessing the roof. Pathways shall be located in areas with minimal obstructions such as vent pipes, conduit, or mechanical equipment.

For photovoltaic arrays, not less than a 36-inch clear setback is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge and from the roof eaves and rakes. Not less than an 18-inch clear setback is required on both sides of a valley or hip No setback is required at roof-to-wall transitions or at changes in roof slope.

These pathway and setback requirements apply in all cases, regardless of the percentage of the roof dedicated to solar, roof slope, habitable or non-habitable structure, principle or accessory structure, presence or not of an automatic sprinkler system, or rooftop-mounted modular system or building-integrated photovoltaic system (PV shingle).

In the case of townhouses and multi-family buildings, the photovoltaic system, pathways, and setbacks shall be restricted to the roof area allocated to the individual dwelling unit. In other words, it is not permissible to fill your townhouse rooftop with photovoltaic and consider your neighbor’s abutting rooftop as providing the required pathway.

Electrical & ESS

Photovoltaic panels and modules shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1703 or with both UL 61730-1 and UL 61730-2. Inverters shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1741. Systems connected to the utility grid shall use inverters listed for utility interaction.

Any exposed grounding conductors on the roof shall be 6 AWG copper or larger. NEC 250.120(C)

If the existing grounding system consists of a single rod, pipe, or plate electrode, then a supplemental grounding electrode must be provided. Electrodes shall be spaced at least 6' apart. (IRC E3608.4)

Energy storage systems (ESS) shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 9540 and be installed per IRC R328.4, the NEC, and Littleton amendments.

ESS shall be installed only in the following locations:

· Detached garages and detached accessory structures.

· Attached garages separated from the dwelling unit living space.

· Outdoors or on the exterior side of exterior walls located at least 3’ from doors and windows directly entering the dwelling unit.

· Enclosed utility closets, basements, storage, or utility spaces within dwelling units with finished or noncombustible walls and ceilings. Walls and ceilings of unfinished wood-framed construction shall be provided with not less than 5/8” Type X gypsum wallboard.

ESS shall not be installed in sleeping rooms, or closets or spaces opening directly into sleeping rooms.

ESS located inside of dwelling units, basements, and attached garages shall be provided with interconnected smoke alarms or heat detectors, as appropriate.

ESS shall be provided with the required warning labels, operation and maintenance manuals, and contact information for qualified maintenance and service providers.

Structural Design Documents

A digitally stamped and signed letter from a State of Colorado-registered Structural Engineer shall be submitted as part of the Building Permit Application process. Such a letter shall clearly state that the Structural Professional Engineer has evaluated the existing, non-concealed elements of the structure, considered the proposed photovoltaic system improvements, and either verifies that no structural modifications are required or provides the design for such required structural modifications.

All sheets within the project drawing set that contain structural design or related information shall be digitally stamped and signed by a State of Colorado-registered Structural Engineer.

Electrical Design Documents

All sheets within the project drawing set that contain electrical design or related information shall be digitally stamped and signed by a State of Colorado-registered Electrical Engineer.

Electrical sheets should at least provide the following information:

· A cover sheet shall provide the basic project information: project address, project location map, designer/installer/contractor contact info, system capacity in both DC and AC, whether the system is interconnected with the utility grid, whether there is an energy storage system, etc.

· A dimensioned site plan shall show the location of the property and its relation to the street or main access road, solar array layout, required pathways and setbacks, and the location of associated equipment, such as a power storage system, disconnect, main electrical panel, meter, etc.

· A one- and/or three-line diagram shall provide a complete, schematic design for the entire photovoltaic system and wiring design.

· A roof attachment diagram shall show how the panels/modules attach to the existing roof structure.

· The required warning labels shall be shown on the plans.

· The electrical documents shall also contain calculations and other details necessary to demonstrate compliance with the National Electrical Code as adopted by the City of Littleton.

Contractor Requirements

Contractors and installers must be licensed to perform photovoltaic and electrical work within the City of Littleton.

Required Inspections

Rough Electrical, Rough Frame, Final Electrical, and Final Building – Close Permit

Please Note: Only 25% of panels may be installed prior to rough frame and rough electrical inspection.

The permit holder shall maintain a complete and current set of Littleton Building and Code Compliance Division-approved documents on-site at all times. Such documents must be printed in color and to a size large enough to be legible. Inspections will not be performed in the absence of such documents.

All work is subject to field inspection and shall not be covered prior to inspection.

Residential Gas Line Submittal Requirements 

***All documents are required to be submitted electronically*** 

Gas pipe isometric drawings are required. Drawings shall provide the following information:

• BTU demand of each appliance served by the piping system.  

• Type of piping material being used with in the piping system (e.g., polyethylene, PS-2, schedule 40 steel, CSST, etc.).

• Pipe diameter and length for each section of piping within the diagram.

• The location of all shut-off valves.

• Size and location of tracer wire as required by code (underground piping only).

• Burial depth of all underground piping.

***NOTE: The pressure test shall be conducted at a minimum of 10 psig (pounds per square inch gauge). The test duration shall be a minimum of 15 minutes.***

Residential Foundation Repair

The City of Littleton has adopted the following codes with amendments:

• 2021 International Residential Code
• 2021 International Existing Building Code
• 2021 International Mechanical Code
• 2021 International Plumbing Code
• 2021 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2021 International Property Maintenance Code
• 2021 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2021 International Fire Code 
• 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
• 2023 National Electrical Code, where conflicts occur between the 2021 International Residential Code and the 2023 National Electric Code, the most restrictive provisions shall prevail.
• Littleton Municipal Code, Title 4

Applicable codes are required to be notated on plans.

***All documents are required to be submitted electronically***

• Stamped engineer plans are required and inspection by the engineer of record may also be required prior to final approval of the project.

Residential Egress Window & Window Well Requirements      

The City of Littleton has adopted the following codes with amendments:

• 2021 International Residential Code
• 2021 International Existing Building Code
• 2021 International Mechanical Code
• 2021 International Plumbing Code
• 2021 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2021 International Property Maintenance Code
• 2021 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2021 International Fire Code 
• 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
• 2023 National Electrical Code, where conflicts occur between the 2021 International Residential Code and the 2023 National Electric Code, the most restrictive provisions shall prevail.
• Littleton Municipal Code, Title 4

Applicable codes are required to be notated on plans.

  ***All documents are required to be submitted electronically***

• Basements in dwelling units and every sleeping room below the fourth story shall have as least one emergency escape and rescue window or door opening directly to an approved outside location.
• The door or window shall be openable from the inside without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge.
• The finished sill height of 44” is measured from the interior finished floor level.
• The minimum net clear openable area is 5.7 square feet. (Exception: The minimum clear are may be reduced to 5.0 square feet if the sill height is not more than 44” above the exterior finish grade.
• The minimum net clear openable area height dimension shall be 24”.
• The minimum net clear openable are width dimension shall be 20”.
• Egress windows with a finished sill height below the adjacent ground elevation shall be provided with a window well. A minimum accessible net clear opening of 9 square feet with a minimum dimension of 36” shall be provided.
• Window wells with a vertical depth of more than 44” shall be equipped with an approved permanently affixed ladder or stairs that are accessible with the window in the fully open position.
• The ladder or stairs shall not encroach into the required dimensions of the window well be more than 6”.
• Bars, grilles, grates or similar devised may be installed on egress windows, doors, or windows wells provided that the devices are equipped with approved release mechanisms which are openable from the inside without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort.
• ***PLEASE NOTE***  Any alteration of the foundation requires a plan or detailed drawing stamped by a structural engineer at the time of submittal of permit application. Inspection of the Foundation alteration by the engineer of record or their representative is required to be performed and verified to the Building Division prior to final approval of the project.