My school is pretty small...what determines if my school is subject to regulation?

If the building is occupied by 6 or more students for 4 or more hours per day or more than 12 hours per week, the building is required to comply with the School Building Law, 1937 PA 306, the 1999 school fire safety rules promulgated under the authority of 1941 PA 207 and the Michigan Building Code.

I am looking at leasing/buying an existing building and opening a school in it. What do I have to do?

When an existing building is proposed to be used for K-12 school purposes, it must be in compliance with all code requirements for new buildings. In order to verify this, complete plans detailing all aspects of the building must be submitted to the Bureau of Construction Codes and Fire Safety by an architect or professional engineer licensed in accordance with 1980 PA 299 for review and approval. These plans must bear the seal of an architect or professional engineer.

I am planning on constructing a new building for my school. What do I have to do?

For a newly constructed facility (including modular buildings), three complete sets of construction plans bearing the seal of a professional architect or professional engineer must be submitted to the Bureau of Construction Codes and Fire Safety for review and approval. This office will then issue a plan review report, and will require field inspection of the building during construction before occupancy approval can be granted.

Are there different requirements for the various types of schools, i.e., public, non-public, parochial, charter, etc., or are all schools subject to the same requirements?

If a school meets the definition listed above, they are subject to compliance with the Michigan Building Code and the School Fire Safety Rules, regardless of what kind of school they are.

My building was previously a school use but has closed or will close shortly. I am considering leasing or selling the building to a new school who wants to open this coming school year. What steps do I need to take?

Unless there has been a change of use in the building at some point, the Michigan Building Code considers the building existing.  However, the Bureau of Construction Codes and Fire Safety will require that a safety inspection be done by bureau staff prior to the building being re-opened in order to insure that there are no hazardous conditions present.

When do I need an architect or professional engineer?

The law requires an architect or professional engineer to be involved when the "fair market value" of the work exceeds $15,000 in value. Obviously, new construction would usually require an architect or professional engineer. An existing building that cannot be considered an existing continuous use school (see previous question) is considered new. Therefore, the fair market value of such a building would also usually exceed $15,000, and an architect or professional engineer is usually required for these as well.  An architect or professional engineer is not required by law only in the case of an existing, continuous use school where renovations will be under $15,000 in fair market value. It is strongly suggested that you retain the services of an architect or professional engineer early in the planning process whether considering new construction, or using an existing building.

How do I find a reputable architect or professional engineer?

First of all, state law requires these persons to be licensed. Be certain the person you hire is licensed. Unfortunately, this agency cannot recommend architects or professional engineers. Word of mouth is probably the best method. Talk to other charter school owners/operators who have used architects or professional engineers in the past. As in most professions, some are better than others, and the fees obviously differ. Organizations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) or the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE) may be able to recommend someone and/or assist you.

Are there fees involved for review of plans or inspections?

Yes. The reverse side of the Application for Fire Safety Plan Examination lists the fees required by law for plan review and inspection.  There are also fees required for review and inspection under the Michigan Building, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing codes.  Refer to the fee schedules listed on our website.

What approvals for the building other than fire safety are required?

• New legislation in December of 2002 requires compliance with the Michigan Building, Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing codes.
• If the project involves water supplies (toilets, drinking fountains, etc.) or food handling, LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT approval is required. Contact the local health department directly for their requirements.
• Schools are also subject to Barrier Free laws for handicapped access. Contact the Plan Review Division at 517-241-9328 for their requirements.

How do I get approval to occupy the building?

After the Bureau of Construction Codes and Fire Safety have reviewed all plans, you will need to request inspections from this office. Upon gaining an acceptable final inspection by our field inspector (as well as the other approvals listed above), occupancy approval can be granted.

This all seems pretty complicated and time consuming. How long does this whole process take?

This, again, is a hard question to answer. As far as plan review, the Bureau of Construction Codes and Fire Safety attempts to maintain a two to four week turn-around on plan submittals. Field inspection of the facility is also a two to four week time frame to get an inspector to the facility. If there are deficiencies to be corrected, the inspector will have follow-up inspections, and the process can take longer.

Are there separate requirements for fire alarm and fire suppression systems?

Yes, "Shop drawings" for these systems must also be submitted for review by a firm "certified" by the Bureau of Construction Codes and Fire Safety to do this work. Once again, a two to four week turn around time can be expected for these reviews. These systems must be approved before occupancy approval will be given.