When considering changes to use space, changing capacity, completing renovations, centers should be aware of the following rule requirements:
- If center wants or needs to replace an exit door and frame in an existing opening:
Rule 400.8510(1) requires plan submittal to the Bureau of Community and Health Systems, Health Facilities Evaluation Section. for new construction alterations or remodeling to existing centers. Rule 400.8525(9) will require compliance with the latch-side clearance requirements of ICC/A-117.1. Rule 400.8525(10) will require the new doorway to accommodate a 36-inch wide door, even if the previous opening was narrower.
- If an existing licensed program wishes to expand its program use areas within the building:
Rule 400.8520 regulates the interior wall and ceiling finishes of the newly proposed use room or area. Rule 400.8525(1) regulates the new area’s location within the building in relation to the available exits. Rule 400.8525(2) regulates the distance from the newly proposed use area(s) to one of the required exits depending on the ages of the children that will occupy the new use areas. Rule 400.7525(4) regulates the type of hardware on the means of egress door(s) for the newly proposed use area(s). Rule 400.8525(5) regulates the swing of the door from the proposed use area(s) depending on the proposed occupant load of the space. Rule 400.8530 regulates the fire resistive enclosures of any hazard areas to which the newly proposed use areas might be exposed. Rules 400.8515(4) and (6) will regulate the type of exiting required if the newly proposed use area(s) is in a basement.
- If a program wishes to increase the number of infants or toddlers (children 29 months of age or younger) in a room that has not been previously approved for infants/toddlers:
Rule 400.8525(2)(a) and (c) regulates the distance from the infant/toddler area to one of the required exits. Rule 400.8525(5) regulates the swing of the egress door(s) for rooms serving more than 20 children. Rule 400.8525(3) may require ramps at the required exits for the newly proposed use area. Rules 400.8525(7) and (8) may require landings at the exits where they might not have been previously required at programs licensed prior to December 6, 2006.
- If a program wishes to or already provides nighttime care:
Rules 400.8525 (14) and (15) regulate the location of such care and will require illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting.
- If a program that is licensed to occupy 4 or fewer areas wishes to increase the number of use rooms/areas to more than 4:
Rules 400.8535(2) and (3) will require a closed-circuit, self-supervised fire alarm system with a system trouble indicator located in an area that is. Rule 400.8510(1) requires the submittal of drawings of the newly proposed system. Note: If the building already has a fire alarm system, a QFI must determine its adequacy and compliance with rule 400.8535. Not all existing fire alarm systems comply with licensing requirements.
- If a program that is licensed to serve fewer than 61 children wishes to expand to serve more than 60 children:
Rules 400.8535(2) and(3) will require a closed-circuit, self-supervised fire alarm system with a system trouble indicator located in an area that is. Rule 510 (1) requires the submittal of drawings of the newly proposed system. Note: If the building already has a fire alarm system, a QFI must determine its adequacy and compliance with rule 400.8535. Not all existing fire alarm systems comply with licensing requirements.
- If a program currently licensed to serve 30 or fewer children in a basement wishes to expand its capacity in the basement to more than 30 children:
Rule 400.8515(4) regulates the type of exiting that must be provided.
- If a program proposes to use, or is already using, a room not currently approved for storage, as a storage area:
Rule 400.8530 regulates the fire resistive construction requirements of such newly proposed storage space.
- A program replaces or needs to replace a furnace or a water heater:
Rule 400.8510(8) requires all new furnaces and water heaters, fuel-fired or electric, to be inspected by a registered mechanical inspector, a QFI or a Bureau of Community and Health Systems, Health Facilities Evaluation Section inspector.
