New single family residences (detached homes, townhouses, duplexes, etc.) come in many sizes, styles, and features. This should be used as a guide for the most common requirements and systems. Please note while this attempts to address most of the information that is required, unfortunately cannot catch every possibility.

This guide is based on later editions of the International Code Council (ICC) International Residential Code (IRC). The references for this report are based on the 2018 edition but are applicable to many different editions.

This guide is also tailored for submittals in the State of Illinois. Sections that are only pertaining to Illinois will be as such.

The State of Illinois has adopted:

  • 2018 Illinois Energy Conservation Code, which is based on the 2018 ICC international energy conservation code (IECC) with amendments, note that the state energy code is scheduled to be updated this year and will be based on the 2021 ICC IECC

  • 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code as published by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)

  • 2015 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code as adopted by the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s office. This is not a building code and is not applicable for most single family projects or jurisdictions where the local community has adopted the 2012 International Building and Fire Codes.

  • If your local jurisdiction has not adopted a local code the state has set a minimum code for any jurisdictions that have not established their own building code. In those cases the state law requires the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) would be applicable.

Single family homes do not require a design professional in Illinois when they confirm to the prescriptive design guidelines of nationally recognized codes and standards, unless a local amendment requires it.

What is prescriptive design?

Prescriptive design is when the construction utilizes options that are layed out or “prescribed” in the code. For instance using the span tables for joists and rafters would be a prescriptive option.

What is performance design?

Performance design is when the construction utilizes an engineered design to meet the the goals outlined in the code. Using trusses would require a design professional to sign and seal their submittal (drawings and supporting documents) to ensure the design criteria required from Chapter 3 of the International Residential Code are met.

The submittal for a new home can be broken down into multiple parts. Some of these parts are completed by different departments or groups associated with the building department. The main components are as follows:

  • Plat of survey for zoning review completed typically by the building department

  • Plat of survey and/or civil drawings for the engineering review

  • Building plans include the framing, floor plans, section views, details on the construction and are reviewed by the building department or their agent

  • Engineering plans include the Mechanical (HVAC), Electrical, and Plumbing plans which are reviewed by the building department or their agent. These cannot be a deferred submittal by the contractor they are required to issue the construction permit.

  • Septic systems (when applicable) are submitted to the building department unless directed to submit to the local health department for approval.

  • Fire protection plans (when applicable) are the fire sprinkler shop drawings produced by the fire sprinkler contractor and are reviewed by the building department, the fire department or their agent. These can be deferred unless the building department requires them at time of submittal. Note that not all fire departments have the jurisdictional powers for permitting consult the building department.

 

General Information

Within the submittal the following information shall be identified:

  • Project location

  • Applicable codes

  • Scope of the project

 

Building Plans

These are the primary plans for the project that detail the layout of the structure and it's uses. These plans may be combined with information to satisfy other plan review requirements.

The information required for the submittal includes:

  • Design criteria (Wind & Structural Loads)

  • Dimensions

  • Light & ventilation calculations

  • Location of Smoke Alarms (IRC R314)

  • Location of Carbon Monoxide Alarm (IRC R315)

  • Site Address Markings (IRC R319) 4 inch minimum

  • Foundation

    • Soil bearing capacity

    • Footing & Foundation with size (depth and width) and reinforcement

    • Foundation Drainage (IRC R405), Waterproofing & Dampproofing, Sump Pump

  • Framing

    • Materials and sizing

    • Spans and any Cantilever dimensions

    • Sheathing

    • Connection to framing or Blocking

    • Vertical and lateral supports

    • Bearing vs non bearing components

    • girder and header size

    • Framing of the walls, floors, and roof assembly

    • Point loads

    • Braced walls and their location and style

    • Roof covering (shingles / flashing / etc.)

  • Building envelope

    • Wall coverings

    • Vapor barrier

    • Air barrier

    • Insulation

  • Energy information

    • Climate zone

    • Compliance path (Prescriptive, Total Building Performace, Energy Rating Index)

    • Insulation

    • U-factor for fenestrations (doors and windows)

    • Whole house ventilation system (Required in Illinois

 

Engineering Plans (aka MEP Plans)

These are the plans for the mechanical systems, electrical system, and plumbing system.

 

Mechanical

The mechanical system is primarily composed of the system(s) used for heating and cooling the residence. Most residences use a forced air furnace system but this would include radient heating and geothermal systems.

The information required for the submittal includes:

  • Equipment sizing (M1401) via ACCA Manual S & Manual J (or other approved method)

  • Location of equipment

  • Insulation that is to be provided

  • Controls

  • Ventilation information

  • Exhaust Systems (M1501)

    • Termination location

    • Clothes dryer exhaust

    • Kitchen hood (when installed)

  • Fuel systems (typically natural gas)

    • Supply Type / Pressure

    • Materials

    • Sizing of supply

    • Loads

 

Electrical

This portion of the submittal include the power system. Low voltage systems are typically not required for review.

The information required for the submittal includes:

  • Panel schedule

  • Load calculations

  • Grounding and bonding details

  • Service detail that notes the style of service, conductor sizes, etc. (typically contained in a one line diagram)

  • Information on the conductors and raceways

  • Size of circuits that are larger than 20 amps

  • How Ground fault (GFCI) and Arc-Fault (AFCI) is being provided and where

  • location of :

    • Receptacles

    • Switches

    • Panel

    • Meter

    • Smoke alarms

    • Carbon monoxide alarm

    • Other Equipment

 

Plumbing

This portion of the submittal includes the water supply and sewer/drainage system. The plans should clearly indicate if the systems will be connected to a public/private water purveyor (water system maintained by the local government unit) or a private or shared well system. Additionally the plans shall indicate if the sanitary system is connected to the public system or a septic system.

New septic systems shall be submitted and approved by the local health department.

The information required on the submittal includes:

  • Information on the proposed materials

  • Isometric

  • Size of service and distribution piping

  • Location of fixtures

  • Fixture Schedule, the sizing calculations for the service and distribution piping