Spokane Regional Health District’s School Health & Safety program (SH&S) reviews public, private and parochial K-12 school construction projects to ensure the health and safety of students and other school
occupants. Our approval is required before building permits and/or certificates of occupancy are issued.
Spokane Regional Health District’s SH&S program is involved in three stages of the school construction process:
Not sure? Call 324.1560, ext. 4 and ask!
| (More than one may apply) | Site Review | Plan Review | Pre-occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase or lease of property not previously used by your school/district for classroom instruction | Before purchasing property or
leasing space |
(Refer to specific project type) |
(Refer to specific
project
type) |
| New school
building,
School
remodel/addition,
or
School
relocation In addition: Projects going through OSPI “D Process” |
Before going out to bid.
Submit plans when they are at
50% completion.
Before completing D -5 submittal. |
Before going out to
bid.
Submit plans when they are at
50% completion.
Before completing D -7 submittal. |
At least 1 week
before
proposed
occupancy. |
| Portable
/modular classrooms |
Before purchasing portable. |
Before purchasing portable.
Submit plans when they are at
90
-
100%
completion. |
At least 1 week
before
proposed
occupancy. |
| HVAC, lighting
and/or other system upgrades |
n/a |
Before purchasing new systems/equipment. Submit plans when they are at 90 - 100% completion. | At least 1 week before intended use of impacted rooms or equipment. |
| Shop, art, science room
equipment
and/or
room changes |
n/a |
Before purchasing/relocating rooms and/or equipment. Contact SH&S program for requirements. | At least 1 week before intended use of impacted rooms or equipment. |
| Playground equipment
(new or relocated) |
Before purchasing playground equipment. | Before purchasing playground
equipment. |
At least 1 week
before
intended use. |
Remember: it is the school’s responsibility to submit plans and request inspections.
The building department DOES NOT automatically forward plans or requests for pre-occupancy inspections. To learn more
and obtain complete submittal instructions, call 324.1560 ext. 4.
Yes. We are involved in the construction process for public, private and parochial K-12 schools, including sites for homeschool enrichment programs. Our involvement is required by law (Washington State Board of Health Primary and Secondary School Regulations, Chapter 246-366 WAC) for projects defined as “new construction”. Our approval is required before building permits and/or certificates of occupancy are issued.
“New construction” as defined in WAC 246-366 includes:
Contact the SH&S program at 324-1560, ext. 4 to see if our approval is needed for your project or for examples of projects requiring our approval.
Our review complements a building department review. We consider a school’s proposed curriculum and determine appropriate health and safety requirements; the building department ensures the correct design and construction of those items. For example, school health and safety regulations require a fume hood for a science classroom conducting chemistry experiments. The building department will review the proposed hood to ensure the design and installation meet applicable building codes. We also review some items not requiring building department approval (e.g., playground equipment).
No. It is the school’s responsibility to submit plans and request inspections. The building department does not automatically forward plans or requests for pre-occupancy inspections.
Our review is most beneficial when we are involved early in the process. This saves a school/district time and money by identifying design features to incorporate into the plans before they are finalized, sent out for bid or construction started. Our approval is required at three stages of the construction process:
1. Site Approval. The SH&S program reviews the proposed site to ensure it does not present any health problems. This step is required even for projects at existing schools. We research prior uses of the property and may require a site sound level survey and/or additional information. We also may schedule a meeting to discuss any concerns prior to issuing our written approval.
Special Site Approval Notes:
2. Plan Review. The SH&S program reviews project plans and specifications, coordinates with other Health District programs (e.g., Food Safety program, Liquid Waste program, etc.) and notifies the school of any requirements or recommendations. Plan review meetings are very beneficial at this stage and improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the plan review process. Once complete, we notify the building department we have no objection to the issuance of a building permit.
Special Plan Review Note: SH&S program approval is required for completion of step D-7 of the state match funding process (D process.)
3. Pre-occupancy Inspection. SH&S program staff conduct a pre-occupancy inspection after construction is completed. The inspection ensures that construction conforms to the approved plans. When our inspection is complete, we notify the building department we have no objection to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
Special Pre-occupancy Inspection Note:
Yes, download our K-12 School Construction Project Review Process flow chart. We are here to provide you with assistance and help your construction project go smoothly. For more information and submittal instructions specific to your project contact Spokane Regional Health District’s School Health & Safety program at 324.1560, ext. 4.
