Building Department

The primary mission of the Building Department is to provide quality service to the community that is knowledgeable, efficient, comprehensive and helpful to the public. The intention is to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the construction, quality of materials, use of all buildings and structures within the Town of Littleton. The department is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the uniform codes and related Federal, State, and Local adopted laws and ordinances.

EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 2025 - HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

MANUAL J, MANUAL S, & MANUAL D REQUIRED WITH HERS REPORT

Manual J is the recognized standard for calculation heating and cooling loads in residential buildings ensuring HVAC systems are properly sized for efficiency and comfort.

Manual S provides specific procedures for selecting HVAC equipment based upon Manual J loads and design conditions. Manual S use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) data and specifies how large or small the selected HVAC equipment capacity can be when compared to the Manual J load calculation.

Manual D design for HVAC includes a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure the proper sizing, layout, and configuration of ductwork. These guidelines are essential for maintaining energy efficiency, comfort, and performance in HVAC systems.

For replacement of an existing dwelling: Manual J block load and Manual S Equipment Selection Reports are needed if the existing ducted distribution is being used.

An existing dwelling if you are adding an addition or more floor area it would be considered new distribution which would require room by room load calculations to include Manual S, and Manual D.


Tenth Edition 780 CMR
The tenth edition building code was filed with the Secretary of State on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, and became effective on October 11, 2024.

The 9th Edition of the Building Code will apply concurrently with the 10th Edition until June 30, 2025. Building permit applications for projects utilizing the 9th Edition need to be filed on or before June 30, 2025. Applications received on or after July 1, 2025, that are based on the 9th Edition will not be accepted and will not be granted a building permit. Breaking ground on a jobsite does not need to begin immediately when obtaining a permit. However, if breaking ground does not commence within 180 days of a permit being issued, the permit may expire unless extended. See 780 CMR 105.5 for more information.

As a reminder, the new, tenth edition is based on modified versions of the following 2021 Codes as published by the International Code Council (ICC).

· The International Building Code (IBC).
· International Residential Code (IRC).
· International Existing Building Code (IEBC).
· International Mechanical Code (IMC).
· International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
· International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC).
· Portions of the International Fire Code (IFC).

Certified Plot Plans
New dwellings, accessory buildings, pools, and extensions to the existing footprint of a building, such as an addition, porch, or deck require a proposed plot plan at the time the permit application is submitted and an As Built plot plan for Final inspection. In some cases, the Building Commissioner may require a foundation certification before the issuance of a building permit. The certified plot plan must be completed from a Land Surveyor to include their stamp and signature.

Open Permits
It is the responsibility of the Licensed Entity Contractor, Plumbing, Gas, Electrical/Owner to call for (Final Inspections of all permits). Permits that do not have a final inspection will have a signature from the appropriate Inspector that reads No Final Inspection, the card will be uploaded to the portal and put in the property building folder. The portal and folders are public records that are looked at by contractors, residents, insurance companies, real estate agents, attorneys, appraisers, etc. It is especially important to have a final inspection as it closes out that permit and ensures that the work completed is inspected. Open permits can potentially create problems when you are trying to sell your property.

Building Permit Card
Pursuant to 780 CMR, Section R105.7 Placement of Permit: THE BUILDING PERMIT CARD SHALL BE KEPT ON SITE AND ACCESSIBLE UNTIL COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT.

When you call for your inspection, please be sure that you have the inspector sign off the appropriate inspection.


  1. Apply Online Permit
  2. Review Property History
  3. Annual Building Inspection

Homeowners and Contractors can apply for Building permits online.

Contractors only may apply for Gas, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Permits.

Building Inspections:  To schedule building inspections,  call 978-540-2420. Please do not email the building department or leave messages on viewpoint cloud to schedule inspections, Thank you. 

Building Code and Zoning: related questions, please email hfontaine@littletonma.org

Electrical Inspections: To schedule electrical inspections,  call 978-486-0167. 

Plumbing Inspections: To schedule plumbing inspections, call 978-540-2423.

If you have used ViewPoint Cloud in another community you can use your same username and password, otherwise you must create a new account.

ViewPoint Cloud Online Permitting Information

Submit Online Permit Applications.

How to Sign up for an Account

Before you can submit any applications you must create an account for the site.

  1. Go to the home page. 
  2. Choose the "Sign Up" option.
  3. Type in your email address and preferred password.

How to Submit an Application

  1. Go to the home page. 
  2. Select the building department.
  3. Choose the type of permit by clicking Select.
  4. Read through the permit requirements and select Apply Online at the top-right of the page.
  5. Follow the steps on each page to complete the application.


Paying for Your Permit Fee

For Building Permits: You will get notice via email once your application has been approved. At that time, you have the option of paying online by credit card, e-check or check in person. Please note that if you choose to pay by credit card, there is an additional processing fee (this fee will already be included in the estimated fee amount).

The permit card must still be picked up at the Building Department office to be posted on-site.

For all other permits: You have the option of paying online by credit card, or by e-check. If you pay by credit card, once reviewed and approved you will receive an email and can print the permit out, if you pay by cash or check the permit will be issued once payment is received.