School Construction Plan Review What you need to know

Why do I need to submit plans for review? Required by the State Board of Health Primary and Secondary School Regulations Chapter WAC Added benefit - can save time and money by identifying changes needed before plans finalized, sent out for bid or construction started

What do the regulations require for site approval? WAC Site Approval: (1) Before a new school facility is constructed, an addition is made to an existing school facility, or an existing school facility is remodeled, the board of education shall obtain written approval from the health officer that the proposed development site presents no health problems….

What do the regulations include in “New Construction”? WAC (4) Definition of “New Construction”  New school building  Additions to existing schools  Renovation, other than minor repair, of existing schools  Schools established in all or part of any existing structures, previously designed or utilized for other purposes  Installation or alteration of any equipment or systems, subject to these regulations, in schools  Portables constructed after the effective date of these regulations

What do the regulations require for site noise evaluation? WAC Site Approval: (3) Noise from any source at a proposed site for a new school, an addition to an existing school, or a portable classroom shall not exceed an hourly average of 55 dBA … and shall not exceed an hourly maximum (Lmax) of 75 dBA during the time of day the school is in session; except sites exceeding these sound levels are acceptable if a plan for sound reduction is included in the new construction proposal and the plan for sound reduction is approved by the health officer.

What do the regulations require for plan review? WAC Plan Review: (1) Any board of education, before constructing a new facility, or making any addition to or major alteration of an existing facility or any of the utilities connected with the facility, shall: a)First submit final plans and specifications of such buildings or changes to the jurisdictional health officer b)Shall obtain the health officer’s recommendations and any required changes in writing c)Shall obtain written approval from the health officer …

What do the regulations require for preoccupancy inspections? WAC Plan Review and Inspection: (2) The health officer shall: a)Conduct a preoccupancy inspection of new construction to determine its conformity with the approved plans and specifications

What projects require plan review and pre-occupancy inspections? New building construction Re-model of existing school Adding a portable classroom Changing the HVAC system → sound levels Changing the lighting systems Installing new equipment in shop, art room, photography, etc. Installing new playground equipment → design, use zones & surfacing Moving existing playground equipment → use zones Considering buying, renting or leasing an existing building Other changes? Not sure? Call and ask!

Who should contact SRHD School Program? School representative for all projects Large construction/remodel - plans from architect Mechanical (HVAC & lighting) upgrades – school/district capital projects representative or facilities maintenance Playgrounds – schools submit SRHD Playground Plan Review Information Form; playground representative can submit cut sheets & layout Don’t assume building department will include SRHD in plan review or Certificate of Occupancy inspection

What needs to be submitted for plan review ? School Building Construction/Remodel: Plans Letter stating design meets ventilation, heating, temperature, sound and lighting WAC’s in school regulation Site sound level survey Playgrounds (available on website ): Completed SRHD Playground Plan Review Information Form Sketch of equipment layout Cut sheets of equipment (preferable to catalogue) Letter from manufacturer/rep stating equipment meets CPSC and ASTM guidelines and standards

What can I do to ensure a quick review and inspection? For Plan Review: Contact SRHD early – give a “heads up” to free schedule Let SRHD know if project has D5 or D7 deadlines Provide a complete submittal Respond promptly to plan review comments to receive final approval To obtain Certificate of Occupancy when construction is complete: Contact SRHD at least one week ahead of tentative completion date to schedule Pre-occupancy Inspection

Any Questions? Please call SRHD School ext.4