Remodels and Construction Compliance Guidelines

INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE

Arizona State University’s (ASU) academic, research, athletic, public events, and ancillary support operations, including administrative services departments, and student organizations utilize various facilities throughout campus for normal and special operations, which occasionally requires the facility to be reconstructed to accommodate the department or unit's operation. ASU and each university department are responsible for ensuring each facility or area within a facility complies with applicable codes and regulations in regards to designing, constructing, or renovation. ASU Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) and Facilities Capital Programs are responsible for inspecting, reviewing plans, and corresponding with each university department and/or facility supervisor as well as regulators to facilitate a safe compliant facility.

REQUIREMENTS

General Design Information
A facility is designed, constructed, and approved for a specific type of use. Although a facility will be classified and approved for use for a specific type of occupancy there are usually several areas of the facility that are approved for a different type of occupancy classification. An occupancy classification is important in the designing stage so that proper construction and life safety systems are installed to ensure a safe and code compliant facility. Life safety systems is a general term for fire separation walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows, as well as fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems, fire dampers, illuminated exit signs, emergency lighting, emergency showers and eye washes, exit systems, smoke control systems, and other special safety systems. Anytime a facility or area within a facility is remodeled or utilized for an operation or occupancy different than its original intent, the department or facility supervisor must contact EH&S in the planning stage. In addition, CPM and the contractor coordinate their projects with EH&S and the State Fire Marshal as required by state statutes and university policy.

Estimates
Facilities Management (FM) and CPM provide estimates for remodel and construction projects.  Each project is coordinated with EH&S to review the project scope for any life safety issues related to federal, state, or local codes and regulations.

Modifications
When there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this guideline or any other applicable codes or standards— EH&S, CPM, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office may grant modifications for individual cases, as long as the intent and purpose of the code is maintained and stipulations are adhered to. Modifications cannot lessen any fire-protection requirements or structural integrity. Any variation to the code must be documented and maintained in the facility or project file of EH&S and CPM. Fire and Life Safety variances must be submitted and approved by the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the ASU Fire Marshal prior to construction phase.

Changes in use of a building must be approved by EH&S Fire Marshal, State Fire Marshal’s Office, and CPM.

Plans Review Process
The university must comply with applicable building and fire codes for temporary and permanent changes of a building, area of a building, or temporary structure. CPM Policy CPM103-01 Project Proposals ensures that appropriate departments review proposed remodel and construction projects and compliance issues and that they are adequately addressed. It is the responsibility of each department or unit to ensure this permit process is accomplished and approved prior to engaging in any remodel or construction project; however, it is important to note that not all code issues can be assured in plans review.  Therefore, the reason inspections are performed is to help ensure remodels and construction projects are compliant with applicable codes as well as to ensure that the project is accomplished in a safe manner.

Certificate of Occupancy
A certificate of occupancy is a legal document provided by CPM after the State Fire Marshall or other designated building or fire authority has completed an inspection acknowledging that the facility or affected remodel area within the facility has been approved for occupancy.  This certificate is the final stage of the project in regards to allowing the facility to be utilized as designed and legally acceptable to open for the public.  Although the certificate of occupancy inspection is generally performed and approved by the State Fire Marshal's Office, the university fire marshal or fire inspector may be authorized by the State Fire marshal to conduct the inspection.  

A temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be granted by the State Fire Marshal-provided there are no substantial hazards that will result from occupancy of any building or portion thereof before the same project is completed.  

APPLICABLE REGULATIONS

Arizona State Statutes Title 34, 36, & 41

UNIVERSITY DOCUMENTATION  AND MANUALS

Arizona State University Fire Prevention and Safety Plan

This guideline is provided as a general guideline for remodel and construction projects it does not cover all code compliance issues. If you have any questions or concerns, or need additional information, contact the ASU Fire Marshal at 480.965.1823 or email at EHS@asu.edu.