Section 518.2160  Submission of Architectural Plans

a)         New Construction, Addition, or Major Alteration

1)         When construction is contemplated, either for new buildings or additions or material alterations to existing buildings coming within the scope of this Part, design development drawings and outline specifications shall be submitted to the Department for review.  Approval of design development drawings and specifications shall be obtained from the Department prior to starting final working drawings and specifications. Comments or approval shall be provided within 30 days after receipt by the Department.

2)         Final Drawings

A)        The final working drawings and specifications shall be submitted to the Department for review and approval prior to beginning of construction. For final approval to remain valid, contracts must be signed within one year after approval date. Alternate methods of design development and construction may be acceptable subject to the approval of the Department. Comments or approval shall be provided within 30 days after receipt by the Department.

B)        The Department shall be notified of the award of construction contracts.

3)         Any contract modifications that affect or change the function, design, or purpose of a facility shall be submitted to the Department for approval prior to authorizing the modifications. Comments or approval shall be provided within 60 days after receipt by the Department.

4)         The Department shall be notified when construction has been completed or whenever any area is occupied.

5)         As built drawings should be maintained by the freestanding emergency center.

b)         Minor Alterations and Remodeling. Minor alterations or remodeling changes that do not affect the structural integrity of the building, that do not change functional operation, that do not affect fire safety, and that do not increase capacity over that for which the FEC is licensed need not be submitted for approval.

c)         Alterations of Water Supply, Plumbing and Drainage. No system of water supply, plumbing, sewage, garbage or refuse disposal shall be installed, nor any such existing system materially altered or extended, until complete plans and specifications for the installation, alteration or extension have been submitted to the Department and have been reviewed and approved.

d)         Codes and Standards

1)         Nothing stated in this Part shall relieve the sponsor from compliance with building codes, ordinances, and regulations that are enforced by city or county jurisdictions.

2)         The recommendations of the BOCA National Building Code (1993) shall apply insofar as such recommendations are not in conflict with the standards set forth in this Part or with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard No. 101 (1997), "Life Safety Code."

A)        The portions of the BOCA National Building Code requiring automatic extinguishing systems in all hospitals, smoke detectors in all patient rooms, and automatic door closers on all patient room doors are hereby specifically excluded from these requirements.

B)        The BOCA National Building Code is intended as a model code for municipalities with no building code of their own.

C)        NFPA Standard No. 101-A (1995), "Alternative Approaches to Life Safety," shall apply only if the Department determines that the proposed equivalent system is safe and does not constitute a hazard to the life and safety of the staff and patients.