Building Codes, Amendments & Division Policies

The Building and Code Compliance Division is responsible for:

  • Administering and enforcing the adopted International Codes, National Electric Code, and City Ordinances to ensure commercial and residential structures are built to standards that protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens and general public
  • Providing code and ordinance interpretations to citizens, contractors, and design professionals through consultation and informational handouts
  • Reviewing building applications and plans for compliance with ordinances and codes
  • Conducting Inspections of construction work requiring building permits to ensure the safety of the public and compliance with city ordinances and codes
  • Verifying qualifications of licensing of contractors

Adopted Building Codes

  • 2021 International Building Code
  • 2021 International Existing Building Code
  • 2021 International Residential 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

Code Books may be purchased from the International Code Council.

 

City of Littleton Code Amendments

Significant Code Amendment Changes
Amendments


•Permits valid for 365 days – No automatic extension
•Building Board of Appeals hears appeals of decisions
•Preliminary (pre-permit) inspections consistent throughout codes
•Permit valuations include all work on project, including finish work
•List of projects exempt from permit coordinated throughout codes
•Storage sheds require permits unless less than 120 square feet AND under 8 feet in height
•All fences require permit
•All decks require permit
•Townhouses are required to be sprinklered – NFPA 13R
•Ice barrier (Ice and Water Shield) required on most roof types to 24 inches inside exterior wall
•Appendix G – Grading adopted


Design criteria – Table R301.2  30psf snow, 36 in frost depth, Colorado Wind Gust Map (Min 105 mph nominal, Seismic Cat B) 

Code Amendments


2021 International Building Code

•Storage sheds require permits unless less than 120 square feet AND under 8 feet in height
•All fences require permit
•All decks require permit
•Townhouses are required to be sprinklered – NFPA 13R
•Ice barrier (Ice and Water Shield) required on most roof types to 24 inches inside exterior wall
•Appendix G – Grading adopted

 

2021 International Residential Code

•Storage sheds require permits unless less than 120 square feet AND under 8 feet in height
•All fences require permit 
•All decks require permit
•Permits valid for 365 days – no automatic extensions
•Townhouses are required to be sprinklered – NFPA 13R
•Ice barrier (Ice and Water Shield) required on most roof types to 24 inches inside exterior wall
•Two 36" pathways and 36" setbacks from the ridge, eave, and rake for residential solar
•No roof overlays for asphalt shingles
•Gas test pressure – Min 10 psig for 15 minutes
•Sewer minimum of 36 inches deep
•Plumbing vents extend a minimum of 12 inches above roof
•Appendix AC – Vent terminals adopted
•Appendix AQ - Tiny Homes adopted

 

2021 International Mechanical Code

•Appendix A – Chimney Connector Pass-Through adopted


2021 International Plumbing Code 

•Sewer minimum of 36 inches deep
•Plumbing vents extend a minimum of 12 inches above roof


International Fuel Gas Code

•Gas test pressure – Min 10 psig for 15 minutes
•Appendix C – Exit Terminals of Mechanical Draft and Direct-Vent Venting Systems


International Fuel Gas Code 

•NO Technical Amendments


International Energy Conservation Code 

•No Technical Amendments


International Property Maintenance Code

  • Weeds defined and max height set at 8 inches
  • Insect screens require year round
  • Heat required year round
  • Handrails, Guards and Aisle widths coordinated with Building and Fire Codes

International Existing Building Code

  • Adoption of the 2021 International Existing Building Code
  • REPLACEMENT Emergency Escape (Egress) windows allowed to meet existing openable area provided there is no reduction
  • Appendix B – Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Building and Facilities

2020 National Electrical Code

1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings

  •  NO Technical Amendments



Colorado Front Range Gust Map

Colorado Front Range Gust Map - ASCE 7-10 Compatible

https://seacolorado.org/docs/FINAL-COLORADO-FRONT-RANGE-GUST-MAP-2013.pdf


 

Division Policies & Newsletters

Previous Codes Adopted

  2012 International Model Codes Amendments(PDF, 248KB).

  • 2012 International Building Code* (effective 01/01/2014)
  • 2012 International Residential Code* (effective 01/01/2014)
  • 2012 International Mechanical Code* (effective 01/01/2014)
  • 2014 National Electrical Code* (adopted 2/19/2015)
  • 2012 International Plumbing Code* (effective 01/01/2014)
  • 2012 International Fuel Gas Code* (effective 01/01/2014)
  • 2012 Property Maintenance Code* (effective 01/01/2014)
  • 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings*
  • ANSI/ASME A-17.1 2007 Elevator and Escalator Safety Code; ASME A17.3 2005; ASME A18.1 2005 Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts Safety Code; ASME A18.1 2005*
  • 2012 International Energy Conservation Code* (effective 01/01/2014)
  • 2009 International Fire Code (effective 10/20/2009) - Amended in Title 5
  • Littleton Municipal Code, Title 4