Remodels and Construction Compliance Guidelines
INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE
Arizona State University’s (ASU) academic, research, athletic and public events, and ancillary support operations, e.g., 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 remodeling. 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 it’s original intent, the department or facility supervisor must contact EH&S in the planning stage. In addition, Facilities Management and the contractor coordinates their projects with EH&S and the State Fire Marshal as required by state statutes and university policy.
Estimates
Facilities Management (FM) and Facilities Capital Programs provide estimates for remodel and construction projects. Each project is coordinated with RM to review the project scope for any life safety issues related to federal, state, or local codes and regulations. For more information about FM refer to their website at www.asu.edu/fm.
Modifications
When there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this guideline or any other applicable codes or standards— ASU Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), Facilities Capital Programs, 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 ASU Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) and Facilities Capital Programs. Variances to the Uniform Fire Codes or Uniform Building Codes must be submitted and approved by the State Fire Marshal’s Office prior to construction phase.
Changes in use of a building must be approved by EH&S Fire Marshal , State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Facilities Capital Programs .
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. Facilities Management Policy (PHY 103-01, 103-01A, and 202-02) 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 the State Fire Marshall acknowledging that the facility or affected remodel area within the facility has been inspected and 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 Administrative Code R4-36-201 et seq.
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 and 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 e-mail at EHS@asu.edu.
Mailing Address: PO Box 873804, Tempe, Arizona 85287-3804
Contact Email: EHS@asu.edu
Phone: (480) 965-1823
FAX: (480) 965-0736
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