TO: University of West Florida Community, all Construction Contracts,
and all Contractors hired for renovation, remodeling, and/or construction on the
University of West Florida premises
FROM: Dr. John Cavanaugh, President
SUBJECT: Building Code Administration (BCA) Program and adoption of BOAF Model Administrative Code, 2001
AUTHORITY: Section 1013.371 F.S.; Section 553.80(6); Section 468.604 F.S.; BOAF Model Administrative Code, 2001.
Overview:
Florida law and regulations require that all new buildings constructed, as well as modifications to existing buildings, be reviewed and inspected for compliance with building codes and standards. To meet this mandate, the University has established a Building Code Administration Office. The code inspection and enforcement program is based on the most recently adopted version of the Florida Building Code and the Building Officials Association of Florida (BOAF) Model Administrative Code, 2001. While the intent of the Florida Building Code is well known and needs no further explanation, the BOAF Model Administrative Code intent is not so well known. The BOAF Model Administrative Code was developed as the industry recognized tool that facilitate the uniform and consistent application of administrative provisions within the Florida Building Code.
Therefore, based on the Florida Statues, which are implemented through the Florida Building Code and BOAF Model Administrative Code, no renovation, remodeling, or construction can begin until appropriate building permits are issued. This policy ensures the University of West Florida will meet the necessary mandates under Florida law and regulation. Therefore, all plans and specifications for construction and renovations on University property must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of the expected construction commencement date for review by the University Building Code Administrator (BCA). Under these guidelines, permits will be required for all projects regardless of scope or cost, with the exception of routine maintenance (such as painting, carpet replacement, and minor equipment repairs performed by qualified University employees.)
Roles and responsibilities:
The BCA (or a certified designee): Shall have the overall responsibility for reviewing the plans and specifications for compliance with adopted codes and standards. The Certified Building Official program is a regulatory code enforcement program designed to focus on compliance with Florida Statutes by enforcement of the adopted technical codes. It is not a professional design services agency, but may assist in the resolution of code deficiencies. Once the review is completed, the Building Code Administrator (BCA) will return appropriate documents and references for corrections if necessary or issue a permit. If corrections are necessary, the University or contractor personnel must make corrections and provide a finalized copy of all project documents to the Building Code Administrator (BCA) before a permit will be issued.
University employees: University employees performing maintenance work within the scope of their employment do not have to be licensed in order to obtain a permit. However, they are still required to fill out and maintain appropriate logs, and obtain the necessary permits and inspections as required by statute. University employees may use the annual facility maintenance permit to facilitate routine maintenance, emergency repairs, building refurbishment, and minor renovations of systems or equipment, however, any work undertaken that results in a change of floor plan or involves a potentially significant hazard as determined by the Building Code Administrator, will require a separate permit. All work must be designed, installed, and constructed in compliance with applicable Florida Statutes and Code governing such work. In the case of University employees working without the necessary permits, the employee(s) will be asked to stop work, employee’s managers will be notified, and appropriate permits must be obtained before continuing of work.
Contractors: All other contracted individuals and tradesmen contractors working on University construction projects are required to obtain the necessary permits. In addition, contractors must be licensed, registered, and insured in accordance with Florida law. There is no exception. Prior to receiving a permit, contractors are required to provide plans, specifications, and construction documents, as well as proof of their state, county, and/or city registration or licensing, general liability and worker’s compensation insurances to the Building Code Administrator. This includes all trade disciplines from the general contractor, as well as individual contractors for building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire suppression, and irrigation that may be responsible for obtaining permits. This also includes general contractors, who hire sub-contractors to work on construction projects. The general contractor has the overall responsibility to ensure his subcontractors can meet and comply with the University permitting requirements.
It is incumbent upon all contractors to schedule inspections, as a minimum as outlined in Chapter 1 of the Florida Building Code, and the Building Officials Association of Florida (BOAF) Model Administrative Code, or as directed by the University’s Certified Building Official. Inspectors have the authority to perform any additional inspections, as they deem necessary to insure compliance with code requirements and project documents. This includes all permits as well as the final Certificates of Occupancy or Completion. The one exception is prior to issuing a certificate of Occupancy or Completion, the State Fire Marshal shall issue an authorization to occupy based on compliance with State Fire Codes. Additionally, contractors shall not receive substantial or final payment from the University until a Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Completion has been issued.
Disputes and resolution:
For the first offense, contractors, which include both the general contractors and subcontractors, found working without permits or proper licensing will be asked to stop working in that area and obtain the necessary documentation and permit. On the second offense, the general contractor or subcontractor will be dismissed by the Building Code Administrator from the job site until the contractors takes the necessary corrective action and obtains a permit. In addition, the contractor may be subjected to an additional permitting fee equal to 100% of the original permit fee. On the third offense, the contractor will be dismissed, an additional permit fee equal to 100% of the original fee may be charged, and a complaint maybe filed with the Construction Industry Licensing Board.
In the event of conflict, the University President (applicable governing body per Florida Building Code) shall appoint a Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals consisting of nine members but not less than seven. This board shall consist of 2 division I contractors, 1 electrical contractor, 1 mechanical contractor, 1 plumbing contractor, 1 architect, 1 engineer and 2 members from the general public whenever possible. Selection of board members will be made to ensure members do not have a personal or financial interest in the decisions made by the board. Additionally, this board shall follow the guidance and procedures outlined in BOAF, Model Administrative Code, 2001, Section 110, page 1.21-1.22 in resolving discrepancies and approving variances submitted by the design team or contractors. Their decision will be considered final and binding all parties. However, if it is necessary to appeal the board’s decision, it may be appealed through the Florida Building Commission, pursuant to section 120.569 Florida Statues regarding the local government actions.
Fees:
Permitting fees shall be borne by the appropriate UWF construction or maintenance PECO, CIF, or Bonded Accounts. These accounts will be billed or assessed fees as appropriate to cover the cost of program operation. Other accounts (E&G, Auxiliary, Grant, etc.) and projects shall be charged permitting fees based on an established fee structure or other appropriate means. Fees for work without permits will be billed directly to the contractor.
Approved: ____Signed_____________ Date: _June 20, 2005_
Dr. John Cavanaugh, President
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA
BUILDING CODE ADMINISTRATION
MISSION STATEMENT
To place the public’s welfare above all other interests and recognize that
our chief responsibility is to safeguard and protect the life, health, and
welfare of all those who study, work or visit University of West Florida
properties.
And, in recognizing the public’s trust bestowed upon the Building Code
Administration in the enforcement of regulatory codes for the University
of West Florida, Building Code Administration commits to a standard of
professional behavior that exemplifies the highest ideals and principles
of ethical conduct.
AUTHORITY
Florida
State Statutes 1013, 468, 553, and BOAF Administrative Model
mandate a building code program. Environmental Health
and Safety has been administratively assigned responsibility for compliance
with applicable Building Codes.
POLICY
Florida law and regulations require that all new buildings constructed and
modifications to existing buildings be reviewed and inspected for compliance
with adopted building codes and standards. All plans and specifications for
building construction, repair, or modifications on University-owned property
must be submitted for review by the University’s Building Code Administrator.
No construction may begin until a building permit has been
issued for said project and appropriate fees have been received.
All
projects shall be permitted regardless of scope or cost, with the exception of routine maintenance such as painting, carpet
replacement, and equipment repairs. However, for internal maintenance and
minor renovations conducted with University employees,
those employees do not have to be licensed in order to obtain a permit.
However, all
contracted employees and tradesmen must be licensed and insured without
exception.
Environmental Health and Safety:
Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) shall hire and maintain a qualified Building Code Administrator, who shall report to the Director of Environmental Health and Safety, to manage the building code inspection and enforcement program. The Building Code Administrator (BCA), as defined in Chapter 468.603 F.S., shall be certified by the State of Florida, Department of Professional Regulation as a Building Official in accordance with Part XII of Chapter 468 F.S.
The Building Code Administrator (BCA) shall employ or contract qualified inspectors to conduct plans review and code inspections as required by the building inspection program.
The BCA will have the overall responsibility in reviewing plans and specifications for compliance with adopted codes and standards. After reviewing the documents, comments will be returned with appropriate references.
The BCA will issue permits to contractors upon satisfactory completion of the application process and receipt and review of all necessary documents.
The BCA, in conjunction with the general contractor or construction manager, will develop an inspection schedule to facilitate appropriate inspections to coincide with the project construction schedule. The BCA shall initiate construction inspections in accordance with the established inspection schedule at times requested by the appropriate contractor(s). Inspectors shall be granted permission to perform any additional inspections, as they deem necessary to insure compliance with code requirements and project documents.
Upon completion of a new building, the BCA shall issue a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). The certificate of occupancy will state the building is complete, constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications, and meets the minimum code requirements at the time of issuance of the building permit. The State Fire Marshal and other University entities must inspect and certify the building is substantially complete prior to the BCA issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy and approved occupancy of the structure.
At the completion of a renovated building, The BCA shall issue a Certificate of Completion. The Certificate of Completion will state the renovated portions of the building are complete, constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications, and meets the minimum code requirements at the time of issuance of the building permit. The State Fire Marshal and other University entities must inspect and certify the renovated portions of the building are substantially complete prior to to the BCA issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy and approved occupancy of the structure.
Fees for these permitting services shall be borne by the project and will be billed directly to the appropriate construction account. (NOTE: Minor PECO projects of under $50,000, and others on a case-by-case basis will be charged to a central Code Inspection account and will not be assessed additional fees.) See attachment "A".
Design Professionals:
Design professionals shall be responsible for the design of the project in accordance with the appropriate adopted codes and standards. The BCA shall review the design documents at the following times for major projects: schematic design, advanced design, 50%, 100%, and final bid construction documents. A major project shall be defined as a project with a construction cost greater than $1,000,000. All other projects shall be reviewed at the 50%, 100% and final bid construction documents. The design professional shall provide four sets of signed and sealed construction documents and specifications, to the BCA. One set of these drawings will be issued to the General Contractor or Construction Manager, two sets will go to the Universities Facilities Management, and the fourth set will be maintained by the BCA in accordance with Florida Statue. Two additional sets of signed and sealed drawings and specifications shall be submitted to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Plans Review Section. If required, signed and sealed copies will also be provided to DEP or Department of Health.
If the level of work requires the involvement of a design professional as described in Chapter 471 and Chapter 481 of the Florida Statutes, the construction documents and specifications must be signed and sealed by the architect and engineers of record.
Contractor/Construction Manager:
The
general contractor/construction manager (GC/CM) shall apply for the permit.
At the time of application for a permit, the GC/CM shall provide a completed
permit application, list of subcontractors (page 2 of the permit application),
and a letter of authorization as necessary. A building permit will be issued
after these items, along with the plans and specifications, have been reviewed
and approved by the Building Code Administrator. One of the submitted sets of
plans and specifications will be returned with the building permit and shall
be stamped by the BCA stating "Reviewed for Code Compliance".
This set of documents shall be kept on site for use by the inspectors.
The GC/CM shall meet with the Building Code Administrator to develop a building inspection plan. The GC/CM shall be responsible for scheduling all required inspections in accordance with the plan developed. Subsequent construction may not proceed until the previous inspection has been completed and approved. When the GC/CM believes the project is complete, the GC/CM shall request a Certificate of Completion or Certificate of Occupancy be issued.
University Departments Providing Construction/Maintenance Services:
In accordance with Florida Statutes, only UWF Facilities Planning, Physical Plant, and Housing Maintenance Departments of are authorized to perform any construction/maintenance services without contractor or tradesmen licensing. This stipulation is necessary to insure buildings and infrastructure are maintained and that all necessary building codes, safety concerns, ADA issues and other regulatory concerns are continued to be met. However, in order to accomplish this task, a yearly maintenance permit is required. This permit complies with Title XXXII, Florida Statue 553, Section 80, Para (6)(d), and also requires a detailed log of alternation and inspections that must be maintained and submitted to the building official. If an outside inspection agency inspects (i.e. Florida Building Commission) or the University BCA finds a pattern of code violation, issuance of future annual maintenance permits maybe withheld.
When maintenance personnel go beyond the scope of normal maintenance and utilize outside contractors to complete small projects, their contractors will be required to apply for permits just as any other major campus project would. Maintenance departments shall also be responsible for ensuring four sets of construction documents and specifications are sent to the BCA. Additionally, (if required) sets of signed and sealed plans and specifications shall be sent to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Plans Review Section, DEP,and/or Department of health.
Work Stoppage, Dispute, and Resolution
Work stoppage occurs from time to time for a various number of reasons. Contractors maybe asked to stop work because of conflicts between the actual construction and architects designed plans, unsafe construction practices, construction payments disputes, etc. The most common work stoppage item seen by the BCA is contractors working without proper permits or licensing/insurance.
For the first offense, contractors, which include both the general contractors and subcontractors, found working without permits or proper licensing/insurance will be asked to stop working in that area and obtain the necessary documentation and/or permit. On the second offense, the general contractor or subcontractor will be dismissed by the Building Code Administrator from the job site until the contractors takes the necessary corrective action. In addition, the contractor may be subjected to an additional permitting fee equal to 100% of the original permit fee. On the third offense, the contractor will be dismissed, an additional permit fee equal to 100% of the original fee may be charged, and a complaint maybe filed with the Construction Industry Licensing Board.
In the event there is a conflict about a BCA decision, the the University will convene a Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals. The Universities Board of Trustees (applicable governing body per Florida Building Code) shall appoint a Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals consisting of nine members but not less than seven. This board shall consist of 2 division I contractors, 1 electrical contractor, 1 mechanical contractor, 1 plumbing contractor, 1 architect, 1 engineer and 2 members from the general public whenever possible. Selection of board members will be made to ensure members do not have a personal or financial interest in the decisions made by the board. Additionally, this board shall follow the guidance and procedures outlined in BOAF, Model Administrative Code Section 110, page 1.21-1.22 in resolving discrepancies and approving variances submitted by the design team or contractors. Their decision will be considered final and binding all parties. However, if it is necessary to appeal the board’s decision, it may be appealed through the Florida Building Commission, pursuant to section 120.569 Florida Statues regarding the local government actions.
Licensure/Insurance Verification
The Building Code Administrator shall verify and enforce the requirements for construction licensure and insurance as required by Florida Statutes prior to issuing a construction permit. These requirements include the following:
All contractors must be a Florida Certified Contractor, or a Florida Registered Contractor. If registered, a contractor must hold an Escambia County Contractor License. All contractors must have an occupational license, general liability and workers' compensation insurances in accordance with F.S. 498.105.
The Building Code Administrator shall enforce the requirements for submission of a Building Permit Application and ensure the proper review of the applications. These requirements include the following:
The Building Code Administrator must ensure those construction documents submitted with the Building Permit Application are reviewed for compliance with all applicable codes and standards. Once reviewed, the plans and specifications must be stamped "Reviewed for Compliance"; then signed and dated by the Building Code Administrator.
The Building Code Administrator must issue a Permit to applicant for the project specified on the Permit Application or provide a written explanation to the applicant. Once the Permit is issued, the applicant will become the permit holder.
Prerequisites: The Building Code Administrator must issue, unless otherwise justified, a Permit to the applicant for the project specified on the application once the following are met:
All projects will require detailed code compliance inspections during the construction phase. The disciplines normally include, but are not limited to, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas, fire suppression, and general building. The permit holder shall make all permits, drawings, specifications and change documents affecting codes available to the inspectors. Inspection personnel will be provided by the University or their designee. The State Fire Marshal’s office is responsible for enforcing the Uniform Fire Safety Standards, including but not limited to the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101 (and other adopted NFPA codes) and must be contacted according to their requirements.
The permit holder should call the telephone number on the permit card to request an inspection. The requestor shall be ready to provide the information required to complete the Inspection Request/Report Form (attached). Inspection requests may be made by phone. The permit holder may indicate the time of day, in general, that the inspection is desired. The inspectors will try to accommodate these time-of-day requests, but it may not always be possible. Inspections will not be made on official holidays or weekends. In the event a code inspector cannot inspect the work when requested, the work must not be concealed. Work not inspected and approved prior to concealment shall be uncovered for inspection. All time and costs for uncovering and reconstruction of such work shall be borne by the contractor.
It is the permit holder’s responsibility to manage the sequence of work and request the inspections in a timely manner. The permit holder shall not request an inspection unless all of the related work is complete for an entire building, floor, building wing, system, or recognizable portion, so the contractors and inspectors can readily track the progress of the work. Work shall not proceed to the next step on any part of a building, structure, electrical system, gas system, mechanical system, or plumbing system until the previous step has been inspected and approved by the Building Code Administrator or their representative.
The permit holder and his subcontractors are responsible for ensuring the work is completed in accordance with Applicable Codes and Standards. The permit holder is required to make all portions of the work available for inspection and provide the means (e.g., ladder) for it to be inspected. The permit holder must be available during the inspection. The appropriate subcontractor should be available during the inspection. If not, the opportunity of an on-site discussion with the inspector will be lost.
Final certification process. The permit holder must request a Certificate of Occupancy after completion of a new building, building addition, or a renovation if an occupancy change occurred. The permit holder should request a Certificate of Completion if occupancy was not an issue.
Notice: In addition to the requirements of this permit, there may be additional restrictions applicable to this property that may be found in the public records of this county.
Notice: If this project involves the disturbance or removal of asbestos, it is the permit holder’s responsibility to ensure compliance with Section 455.302, F.S., and notification to the Department of Environmental Protection. If this project involves the demolition or renovation of an existing structure, it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure compliance with Section 455.302, F.S., and notify the Department of Environmental Protection of the intention to remove asbestos.
Back to TopRequirements for Signed and Sealed Construction Documents
471.003 Qualifications for practice, exemptions --
(1) No person other than a duly registered engineer shall practice engineering or use the name or title of "registered engineer" or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviations, or device tending to indicate that such person holds an active registration as an engineer in this state.
(2) The following persons are not required to register under the provisions of ss. 471.001-471.037 as a registered engineer:
(b) 1. A person acting as a public officer employed by any state, county, municipal, or other governmental unit of this state when working on any project the total estimated cost of which is $10,000 or less.
2. Persons who are employees of any state, county, municipal, or other governmental unit of this state and who are the subordinates of a person in responsible charge registered under ss. 471.001-471.037, to the extent that the supervision meets standards adopted by rule of the board.
Signed and sealed architectural drawings are required for all projects costing more than $25,000. See F.S. 481:
481.229 Exceptions; exemptions from licensure --
(1) No person shall be required to qualify as an architect in order to make plans and specifications for, or supervise the erection, enlargement, or alteration of:
(c) Any other type of building costing less than $25,000, except a school, auditorium, or other building intended for public use, provided that the services of a registered architect shall not be required for minor school projects pursuant to s. 235.211.
Schedule of Code Permit Fees
Building Code Inspection Program
Building Code Administrator Permit Fee Rates
Click Here for Fee Schedule in Acrobat format
Florida Statutes, Chapter 553.80(6), requires State Universities, Community Colleges, and school districts to adhere to the requirements of the Florida Building Code, and perform plans review, and inspections by personnel certified under F.S Chapter 468, Part XII.
Sliding Scale Fees cover the cost of program operation including:
| 1. Total Project Cost: $0 - $999 will incur a flat fee of: | $50 |
| -$1000 - $4999 will incur a flat fee of: | $100 |
| -$5000 - $9999 will incur a flat fee of: | $150 |
| 2. *Roofing jobs up to $150,000 total construction value, shall incur a flat fee of | $100 |
| Roofing jobs greater than $150,000 total construction value, shall incur a flat fee of | $200 |
| 3. All Telcom work shall incur a minimum fee of | $30 |
| The sliding fee scale shall apply to telecom projects with a total cost of $10,000 and greater. | |
| 4. Projects of >$10,000,000 shall be calculated based on the continuation of the sliding fee scale. |
All projects will be charged a plans review and inspection fee to cover the actual expenditures of the service. These fees will be approximately 2% - 4% of the total project construction cost.
State Fire Marshal Fees will be applicable for most construction and renovation, especially if any Life Safety issues are impacted, directly or indirectly. State Fire Marshal plans review and inspection fees are in addition to the Building Code Administration fees. Fees are estimated as follows:
Cost of Construction X 0.0025 (w/ a minimum of $100)
*NOTE: Roofing jobs that entail more than just simple roof replacement, i.e. structural or deck repairs replacement trusses, rebuilding, etc. will be calculated based on the sliding fee scale.:
Other Fees/Costs
Environmental Surveys, including the identification of asbestos, lead paint, PCB ballasts, fluorescent bulbs, etc. may be required on most projects. Costs of the surveys should be added to the project. Contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.
Asbestos abatement, lead paint abatement, and disposal of ballasts, bulbs, and other hazardous materials shall also be budgeted with all projects.
Updated 12/17/07
