City of Lakewood Minimum Residential Design Standards
If you are planning a project that requires the Simple Project - Residential application, you are required to confirm in OpenGov that the minimum residential standards listed below have been incorporated into your plans.
You are also required to include these standards verbatim within your submitted plans.
Key: DU = dwelling unit; A = accessory
1. Water supply. Each DU shall have a 1-inch water supply line with a “T” connection after the water meter and before delivery to each separate DU, or install a new water meter.
2. House numbers/mailboxes. Address numbers, minimum 4 inches high, for all DUs shall be visible to the addressed street on a post or structure with arrows to any rear DUs. Mailboxes for all DUs shall be located together near the addressed street.
3. Trash carts. Show a storage area that is not visible from the street. Minimum three carts per lot.
4. Porch. Each DU shall have a covered posted porch or trellis entry that is 5 feet by 5 feet or wider to allow an outdoor chair/table. Posts shall be 4 inches by 6 inches and wrapped, such as with brick.
5. Handrail. All stairs, external and internal, shall have at least one handrail to assist entry.
6. Doors. All new interior access doors shall be either a minimum of 34 inches wide for swing doors or 32 inches wide for pocket/barn-type slide doors. A 36-inch width is recommended.
7. Outlets. All new electrical outlets shall be a minimum of 18 inches to the top of the box.
8. Switches. All new light switches shall be a maximum of 48 inches from the floor.
9. Toilets. All new toilets shall be the tall-elongated type with a minimum 16.5 inches to the top of the rim in a minimum stall width of 32 inches and minimum 24-inch front clearance.
10. Showers. All new showers shall have a minimum 36-inch diameter and be low threshold, maximum 4-inch height. The shower entry should be a minimum of 32 inches wide.
11. Grab bars. All new showers, tubs and toilet areas shall install or have blocking in the walls behind these areas for the current or future installation of stabilization grab bars.
12. Kitchen stoves. Minimum 48-inch clearance in front. Minimum 42-inch clear for kitchen counters.
13. Laundry appliances. Minimum 36-inch clearance in front.
14. Water heaters and A/C. Show all water heaters and A/C units for each DU. Exterior tank-type water heaters, existing or new, shall be in a framed structure, stuccoed/siding and painted to blend. No uncovered metal enclosures are allowed to remain. Plans shall include location and utility connections for an electric heat pump water heater installation.
15. Electric equipment readiness. Each new DU shall be prewired to allow for an all-electric unit with a separate 240V branch circuit to the stove and oven, 50-amp rating, and for space heating, water heating and clothes drying, 30-amp rating. The panel shall have space for each circuit to have a double-pole breaker. A 30-inch by 30-inch external enclosure or inside space with wiring, plumbing and a condensate drain is required for a future heat pump water heater. Gas systems may be installed in addition to these.
16. Second-story DU. Within 10 feet of a neighboring backyard, all second-story windows shall be obscured or the bottom window sill shall be 72 inches or more above the second floor, and there shall be no portion of a second-story balcony or rooftop patio.
Rev. 11/14/2024