School Building Projects and Plan Examination

The Bureau of Construction Codes, Plan Review Division of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs issues

A. NAME OF PERMIT OR APPROVAL:

School Building Projects and Plan Examination

B. STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

Construction of School Buildings, 1937 PA 306

Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act, 1972 PA 230

Fire Prevention Code, 1941PA 207

C. APPLICABLE REGULATION:

Construction Code Commission General Rules (R 408.30101 - 408.31194)

Construction Code - Part 1 - Administrative and Enforcement

Construction Code - Part 2 - Permits, Inspections, and Fees

Construction Code - Part 4 - Building Code

Construction Code - Part 7 - Plumbing Code

Construction Code - Part 8 - Electrical Code

Construction Code - Part 9A - Mechanical Code

D. SUMMARY OF PERMIT/APPROVAL PROCESS:

 1.  Applicability (activities that require the permit)

On December 23, 2002, PA 628 of 2002 was signed into law. This law amends the School Building Act, PA 306 of 1937 by requiring the inspection of all school building construction, as well as the review of any required construction documents under the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act and the Fire Prevention Code, PA 207 of 1941.

With the enactment of this revision, school construction projects which involve the construction, addition, alteration or repair of any school building must be submitted to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for required plan reviews, permits, and on-site inspections.

Permits are required for certain work to provide a basis for determining that the work performed ensures the safety of building occupants from hazards. Michigan codes are based on nationally developed standards that offer minimum requirements for safety from various hazards in the built environment including safety from fire, structural failure, electrical shock, contamination of potable water systems, cross connections of water supply systems and waste disposal systems, and contamination of building environmental air. Additionally, codes provide safe egress, access for persons with mobility limitations, and proper lighting.

School Construction Legislation Information

 2.  Pre-Application Requirements

Special Provision Regarding Bonding:

The legislation contains a provision for school construction projects covered by bond issues: (1) School buildings covered by bond issues that were approved by the Department of Treasury prior to July 1, 2003, are not subject to the new construction code requirements but must comply with current requirements for school buildings established by the bureau. (2) School buildings in this state that were covered by bond issues approved by the Department of Treasury after July 1, 2003, which are being constructed, remodeled, or reconstructed are subject to inspections and plan reviews in accordance with the Michigan Building, Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing Codes, as well as to the reviews performed for fire safety.

Approval for Local Code Enforcement:

If school districts elect to have school construction projects inspected by local building departments, both the school district and the unit of government(s) must complete, sign, and submit a Request for Delegation form to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. In order for that delegation to be approved by the state, both the school district board and the governing body of the governmental subdivision must certify to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs that full-time code officials, inspectors, and plan reviewers registered under PA 54 of 1986, will conduct plan reviews and inspections of buildings. This certification must be submitted and approved annually. Only those governmental jurisdictions which document full time inspectors and plan reviewers to enforce the complete range of construction codes including the building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes may qualify for delegation of school construction authority.

Local School Construction Enforcement List

Licensing Laws and School Construction Projects:

Licensed contractors and licensed tradespersons must perform work on school construction projects in accordance with state licensing laws including: Electrical Administrative Act, PA 217 of 1956, as amended; Forbes Mechanical Contractors Act, PA 192 of 1984, as amended; State Plumbing Act, PA 733 of 2002; Boiler Act, PA 290 of 1965, as amended; and the Elevator Safety Act, PA 227 of 1967.

 3.  Application Submission Requirements

The law takes immediate effect (i.e., December 23, 2002) for all school construction projects, which are not financed through bonding issues. In communities where the state has not approved delegation of construction code enforcement to local building departments, construction documents must be submitted to the state for approval. Additionally, contractors who intend to perform the work must file all required permit applications with the state.

Application for School Building Projects and Plan Examination

 4.  Procedures and Time-Frame for Obtaining Permit or Approval

See Permits and Licensing for Schools

 5.  Operational Requirements

All school construction projects must meet both the construction standards under the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act, which includes securing permits, inspections, and final approvals; and the fire prevention standards under the Fire Prevention Code, which includes securing inspections and final approvals for fire safety.

 6.  Fees

Deposit Fee: Construction Codes - $100.00 (non-refundable) Fire Safety - $155.00

Total fees based on the Plan Review & Fire Safety Fee Schedules

 7.  Appeal Process

Construction Code - Part 3 - Appeal Boards and Hearings

 8.  Public Input Opportunities

Comments and Complaints: bccinfo@michigan.gov

Bureau of Construction Codes Web-site: www.michigan.gov/bcc [1]

 

E. Contact Information:

Contact Us

Creation/Revision Date:

October 4, 2010