19 Tex. Admin. Code § 61.1036 - School Facilities Standards for Construction before November 1, 2021
(a) Definitions and procedures. The following
words, terms, and procedures, when used in this section, shall have the
following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(1) Architect--An individual registered as an
architect under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1051, and responsible for
compliance with the architectural design requirements and all other applicable
requirements of the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1051.
(2) Educational program--A written document,
developed and provided by the district, that includes the following
information:
(A) a summary of the school
district's educational philosophy, mission, and goals; and
(B) a description of the general nature of
the district's instructional program in accordance with §
74.1 of this title (relating to
Essential Knowledge and Skills). The written educational program should
describe:
(i) the learning activities to be
housed, by instructional space;
(ii) how the subject matter will be taught
(methods of instructional delivery);
(iii) the materials and equipment to be used
and stored;
(iv) utilities and
infrastructure needs; and
(v) the
characteristics of furniture needed to support instruction.
(3) Educational
specifications--A written document for a proposed new school facility or major
space renovation that includes a description of the proposed project,
expressing the range of issues and alternatives. School districts that do not
have personnel on staff with experience in developing educational
specifications shall use the services of a design professional or consultant
experienced in school planning and design to assist in the development of the
educational specifications. The school district shall allow for input from
teachers, other school campus staff, and district program staff in developing
the educational specifications. The following information should be included in
the educational specifications:
(A) the
instructional programs, grade configuration, and type of facility;
(B) the spatial relationships--the desired
relationships for the functions housed at the facility:
(i) should be developed by the school
district to support the district's instructional program;
(ii) should identify functions that should
be:
(I) adjacent to, immediately
accessible;
(II) nearby, easily
accessible; and
(III) removed from
or away from; and
(iii)
should relate to classroom/instructional functions, instructional support
functions, building circulation, site activities/functions, and site
circulation;
(C) number
of students;
(D) a list of any
specialized classrooms or major support areas, noninstructional support areas,
outdoor learning areas, outdoor science discovery centers, living science
centers, or external activity spaces;
(E) a schedule of the estimated number and
approximate size of all instructional and instructional support spaces included
in the facility;
(F) estimated
budget for the facility project;
(G) school administrative
organization;
(H) provisions for
outdoor instruction;
(I) hours of
operation that include the instructional day, extracurricular activities, and
any public access or use;
(J) the
safety of students and staff in instructional programs, such as science and
vocational instruction; and
(K) the
overall security of the facility.
(4) Engineer--An individual registered as an
engineer under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1001, and responsible for
compliance with the engineering design requirements and all other applicable
requirements of the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1001.
(5) Grade levels:
(A) elementary school level--a school
facility that includes some or all grades from prekindergarten through Grade 5
or Grade 6;
(B) middle school
level--a school facility that includes some or all grades from Grade 6 through
Grade 8 or Grade 9, or a school facility that includes only Grade 6;
(C) high school level--a school facility that
includes some or all grades from Grade 9 or Grade 10 through Grade 12, or a
school facility that includes only Grade 9; and
(D) secondary school level--a school facility
that includes some or all grades from Grade 6 through Grade 12.
(6) Hazardous chemical--As defined
by the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 502, Hazard Communication
Act.
(7) Instructional
space--General classrooms, specialized classrooms, outdoor learning areas, and
major support areas.
(8)
Library--Library will include the following minimum requirements:
(A) reading/instructional area;
(B) reference/independent study
area;
(C) stack area;
(D) circulation desk/area;
(E) computer/online reference areas;
and
(F) necessary ancillary areas,
such as offices, workrooms, head-end room, and storage rooms.
(9) Long-range school facility
plan--School districts are encouraged to formulate a long-range facilities plan
prior to making major capital investments. When formulating a plan, a school
district's process should allow for input from teachers, students, parents,
taxpayers, and other interested parties that reside within the school district.
Major considerations should include:
(A) a
description of the current and future instructional program and instructional
delivery issues;
(B) the age,
condition, and educational appropriateness of all buildings on the campus (in
district), considering condition of all components and systems as well as
design flexibility, including an estimate of cost to replace or refurbish and
appropriate recommendations;
(C)
verification of the suitability of school site(s) for the intended use,
considering size, shape, useable land, suitability for the planned
improvements, and adequate vehicular and pedestrian access, queuing, parking,
playgrounds and fields, etc.; and
(D) a timeline and a series of
recommendations to modify or supplement existing facilities to support the
district's instructional program.
(10) Major space renovations--Renovations to
all or part of the facility's instructional space where the scope of the work
in the affected part of the facility involves substantial renovations to the
extent that most existing interior walls and fixtures are demolished and then
subsequently rebuilt in a different configuration and/or function. Other
renovations associated with repair or replacement of architectural interior or
exterior finishes; fixtures; equipment; and electrical, plumbing, and
mechanical systems are not subject to the requirements of subsections (d) and
(e) of this section, but shall comply with applicable building codes as
required by subsection (f) of this section.
(11) Portable, modular building--An
industrialized building as defined by the Texas Occupations Code, §
1202.003, or any
other manufactured or site-built building that is capable of being relocated
and is used as a school facility.
(12) Square feet per student--The net square
footage of a room divided by the maximum number of students to be housed in
that room during any single class period.
(13) Square feet per room measurements--The
net square footage of a room includes exposed storage space, such as cabinets
or shelving, but does not include hallway space, classroom door alcoves, or
storage space, such as closets or preparation offices. The net square footage
of a room shall be measured from the inside surfaces of the room's
walls.
(14) Abbreviations:
(A) ANSI--American National Standards
Institute;
(B) ICC--International
Code Council; and
(C)
NFPA--National Fire Protection Association.
(b) Implementation date. The requirements for
school facility standards shall apply to projects for new construction or major
space renovations if:
(1) a board of trustees
adopts a fiscal year maintenance and operations budget where a capital
improvement project title and a design or design and construction budget are
delineated;
(2) a board of trustees
calls a bond election where one or more capital improvement project titles as
well as design or design and construction budgets are delineated; or
(3) a new contract or amendment to an
existing contract for architectural services for new construction or a major
renovation for a school facility project has been agreed to, and signed and
dated by both parties to the agreement after January 1, 2004, and before
November 1, 2021.
(c)
Certification of design and construction.
(1)
In this section, the word "certify" indicates that the architect or engineer
has reviewed the standards contained in this chapter and used the best
professional judgment and reasonable care consistent with the practice of
architecture or engineering in the State of Texas in executing the construction
documents. The architect or engineer also certifies that these documents
conform to the provisions of this section, except as indicated on the
certification.
(2) The school
district shall notify and obligate the architect or engineer to provide the
required certification. The architect's or engineer's signature and seal on the
construction documents shall certify compliance.
(3) To ensure that facilities have been
designed and constructed according to the provisions of this section, each of
the involved parties shall execute responsibilities as follows.
(A) The school district shall provide the
architect or engineer the educational program and educational specifications
approved by the board of trustees as required by this subchapter, and building
code specifications for the facility. If a school district has a long-range
school facility plan, it shall also be provided to the architect or
engineer.
(B) The architect or
engineer shall perform a building code search under applicable regulations that
may influence the project, and shall certify that the design has been
researched before it is final.
(C)
The architect or engineer shall also certify that the facility has been
designed according to the provisions of this section, based on the educational
program, educational specifications, long-range school facility plan, building
code specifications, and all documented changes to the construction documents
provided by the district.
(D) The
building contractor or construction manager shall certify that the facility has
been constructed in general accordance with the construction documents
specified in subparagraph (C) of this paragraph. If the school district acts as
general contractor, it shall make the certification required by this
paragraph.
(E) When construction is
completed, the school district shall certify that the facility conforms to the
design requirements specified in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.
(F) The certifications specified in
subparagraphs (A)-(E) of this paragraph shall be gathered on the "Certification
of Project Compliance" form developed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The
school district will retain this form in its files indefinitely until review
and/or submittal is required by representatives of the TEA.
(d) Space, minimum
square foot, and design requirements.
(1) A
school district shall provide instructional space if required by the district
educational specifications described in subsection (e) of this
section.
(2) For each type of
instructional space, a district shall satisfy the requirements of this section
by using the standard for square feet per room specified in paragraph
(5)(B)-(D) of this subsection. For school districts with facilities that have
one or more classrooms with maximum class sizes that are normally less than 22
students at the elementary level and less than 25 students at the middle or
high school level, the school districts may satisfy the requirements of this
section for those classrooms by using the standard for the minimum square feet
per student specified in paragraph (5)(B)-(D) of this subsection. These
classrooms shall be designed on the basis of expected maximum class size, and
not expected average class size. Upon submission by a district, alternate
classroom designs with square feet per room measurements less than those
specified in this subsection may be considered for approval by the TEA division
responsible for state funding on a case-by-case basis.
(3) School districts should consider
providing extra square footage in classrooms where the use on a regular basis
of multiple computers, large furniture, televisions, mobile laptop carts,
mobile video conferencing carts, monitors on carts, or the like is anticipated.
To improve circulation and usability of classroom space, school districts with
class sizes that are normally larger than 25 students for Grades 5-12 should
also consider increasing the minimum classroom size by adding the appropriate
minimum square feet per student specified in paragraph (5)(B)-(D) of this
subsection for each student in excess of 25.
(4) Compliance with the standards specified
in paragraph (5)(B)-(D) of this subsection will be evaluated based on the
school district's intended full-time and/or part-time use of the areas, and not
the name of the areas as identified in the construction documents.
(5) Instructional area size and design
requirements.
(A) Design criteria. The school
district shall provide the architect or engineer with all expected class sizes
for the facilities, with the list of chemicals to be used in the science
laboratories or science laboratory/classrooms, and with the number of computers
anticipated in the library, so that the architect or engineer can adequately
design the facilities to meet the criteria specified in subparagraphs (B)-(D)
of this paragraph.
(B) General
classrooms.
(i) Classrooms for
prekindergarten-Grade 1 shall have a minimum of 800 square feet per room.
School districts with small class sizes may have classrooms that provide a
minimum of 36 square feet per student.
(ii) Classrooms at the elementary school
level for Grades 2 and up shall have a minimum of 700 square feet per room.
School districts with small class sizes may have classrooms that provide a
minimum of 32 square feet per student.
(iii) Classrooms at the secondary school
level shall have a minimum of 700 square feet per room. School districts with
small class sizes may have classrooms that provide a minimum of 28 square feet
per student.
(C)
Specialized classrooms.
(i) A computer
classroom used for the teaching of computer skills shall have a minimum of 900
square feet per room. The minimum room size is ideal for 25 students; 36 square
feet per student should be added to the minimum square footage for each student
in excess of 25. School districts with small class sizes may have computer
classrooms that provide a minimum of 36 square feet per student. School
districts should consider the heat output of computers when designing the
ventilation system that serves a computer classroom.
(ii) Computer laboratories that are not used
regularly for scheduled instruction but that are intended to support other
instructional areas shall have a minimum of 25 square feet per computer
station. For computer laboratories where the use of portable computers, such as
laptop computers, is anticipated, the size may be reduced to 20 square feet per
computer station.
(iii) The
following provisions shall apply to combination science
laboratories/classrooms, where each student has a lab station and where
typically there is a clearly defined laboratory area and a clearly defined
lecture area.
(I) Combination science
laboratories/classrooms shall have a minimum of 900 square feet per room at the
elementary school level. The minimum room size is adequate for 22 students; 41
square feet per student shall be added to the minimum square footage for each
student in excess of 22.
(II)
Combination science laboratories/classrooms shall have a minimum of 1,200
square feet per room at the middle school level. The minimum room size is
adequate for 24 students; 50 square feet per student shall be added to the
minimum square footage for each student in excess of 24.
(III) Combination science
laboratories/classrooms shall have a minimum of 1,400 square feet per room at
the high school level. The minimum room size is adequate for 24 students; 58
square feet per student shall be added to the minimum square footage for each
student in excess of 24.
(IV)
School districts with small class sizes may have combination science
laboratories/classrooms that provide a minimum of 41 square feet per student
but not less than 700 square feet total at the elementary school level, a
minimum of 50 square feet per student but not less than 950 square feet total
at the middle school level, and a minimum of 58 square feet per student but not
less than 1,100 square feet total at the high school level.
(iv) For districts that choose to
use separate science classrooms and science laboratories, the following
provisions shall apply.
(I) A science
classroom shall be a minimum of 700 square feet regardless of grade level
served.
(II) A science laboratory
shall have a minimum of 800 square feet at the elementary school level. The
minimum laboratory size is adequate for 22 students; 36 square feet per student
shall be added to the minimum square footage for each student in excess of
22.
(III) A science laboratory
shall have a minimum of 900 square feet at the middle school level. The minimum
laboratory size is adequate for 24 students; 38 square feet per student shall
be added to the minimum square footage for each student in excess of
24.
(IV) A science laboratory shall
have a minimum of 1,000 square feet at the high school level. The minimum
laboratory size is adequate for 24 students; 42 square feet per student shall
be added to the minimum square footage for each student in excess of
24.
(V) Science classrooms shall be
provided at a ratio not to exceed 2:1 of science classrooms to science
laboratories at the middle school and high school levels. The science
laboratories shall be located convenient to the science classrooms they
serve.
(VI) School districts with
small class sizes may have science classrooms that provide a minimum of 32
square feet per student, and they may have science laboratories that provide a
minimum of 36 square feet per student but not less than 600 square feet total
at the elementary school level, a minimum of 38 square feet per student but not
less than 700 square feet total at the middle school level, and a minimum of 42
square feet per student but not less than 800 square feet total at the high
school level.
(v) If
hazardous or vaporous chemicals are to be used in the science laboratories or
science laboratories/classrooms, a separate chemical storage room shall be
provided. The chemical storage room shall be separate from, and shall not be
combined as part of, a preparation room or an equipment storage room; however,
the chemical storage room may be located so that access is through a
preparation room or equipment storage room. The chemical storage room shall be
secure to prevent access to chemicals by students. One chemical storage room
may be shared among multiple laboratories or laboratories/classrooms.
(vi) Each school science laboratory, science
classroom, science laboratory/classroom, science preparatory room, and chemical
storage room shall include the following provisions.
(I) A built-in fume hood shall be provided in
each high school level chemistry or advanced placement chemistry laboratory or
laboratory/classroom. A built-in fume hood should also be provided in each high
school level integrated physics and chemistry laboratory or
laboratory/classroom. The exhaust shall be vented to the outside above the roof
and away from air vents.
(II) A
built-in eye/face wash that can wash both eyes simultaneously shall be provided
in each room where hazardous chemicals are used by instructors and/or students.
The eye/face wash shall comply with the ANSI Standards for Shower and Eyewash
Equipment (Z358.1). The tepid water required by ANSI Z358.1 is not required to
come from a heated source; however, school districts that commonly experience
lengthy periods of extremely cold temperatures during the winter season should
consider a tepid water system with a heated source.
(III) A built-in safety shower shall be
provided in each high school level chemistry or advanced placement chemistry
laboratory or laboratory/classroom. A built-in safety shower should also be
provided in each high school level integrated physics and chemistry laboratory
or laboratory/classroom. The safety shower shall comply with the ANSI Standards
for Shower and Eyewash Equipment (Z358.1). The tepid water required by ANSI
Z358.1 is not required to come from a heated source; however, school districts
that commonly experience lengthy periods of extremely cold temperatures during
the winter season should consider a tepid water system with a heated
source.
(IV) Ventilation systems
serving science rooms shall be designed and constructed so that under normal
operation the return air from the science rooms is not recirculated into
non-science areas. In the chemical storage rooms, a ventilation system shall
exhaust the air to the outside, and shall not be recirculated back into the
space.
(V) An exhaust fan that is
controlled by the instructor shall be provided in all rooms where hazardous or
vaporous chemicals are to be used or stored. The exhaust fan shall be of
sufficient size to exhaust the total volume of air in the room within 15
minutes. The exhaust shall be vented to the outside above the roof and away
from air vents.
(VI) A minimum of 6
linear feet of total horizontal workspace, such as lab stations, lab tables,
countertops, desktops, or some combination of these, shall be provided for each
student in each middle school and high school science laboratory and science
laboratory/classroom.
(VII) If
electricity, gas, and/or water are provided in student areas, emergency
shut-off controls shall be provided for each in a location accessible to the
instructor but not easily accessible to students.
(vii) Special education classrooms shall have
a minimum of 400 square feet per room. School districts with small class sizes
may have rooms that provide a minimum of 40 square feet per student.
(viii) Specialized classrooms not otherwise
identified within these standards shall at a minimum comply with the
requirements specified in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph.
(ix) Compliance with the standards specified
in clauses (iii) and (iv) of this subparagraph will be evaluated based on the
average class size in those classrooms.
(D) Major support areas.
(i) Primary gymnasiums or physical education
space, if required by the district's educational program, shall have a minimum
of 3,000 square feet at the elementary school level; 4,800 square feet at the
middle school level; and 7,500 square feet at the high school level.
(ii) A school district shall consider the
School Library Standards and Guidelines as adopted under Texas Education Code,
§
33.021, when
developing, implementing, or expanding library services. Libraries for campuses
with a planned student capacity of 100 or less shall be a minimum of 1,400
square feet. Libraries for campuses with a planned student capacity of 101 to
500 shall be a minimum of 1,400 square feet plus an additional 4.0 square feet
for each student in excess of 100. Libraries for campuses with a planned
student capacity of 501 to 2,000 shall be a minimum of 3,000 square feet plus
an additional 3.0 square feet for each student in excess of 500. Libraries for
campuses with a planned student capacity of 2,001 or more shall be a minimum of
7,500 square feet plus an additional 2.0 square feet for each student in excess
of 2,000. A school district that plans to locate more than 12 student computers
in the library shall add 25 square feet of space for each additional computer
anticipated. The space allotments within the library shall be based on a
formula of 30% for the reading/instructional area and reference/independent
study area; 45% for the stack area, circulation desk/area, and computer/online
reference areas; and 25% for the necessary ancillary areas. Windows shall be
placed so that adequate wall and floor space remains to accommodate the
shelving necessary for the library collection size established by the School
Library Standards and Guidelines.
(6) It is not the intent of these standards
to limit the use of nontraditional, alternative, sustainable, and/or innovative
school designs. A nontraditional design model is one that works to break down
the scale of the school and to improve the connection of the student to the
resources available within the school environment. If a school district chooses
to use a nontraditional model, the following provisions shall apply.
(A) The instructional spaces where teachers
will instruct groups of students in specialized coursework shall meet the
standard, as appropriate based on group size, for square feet per room or for
the minimum square feet per student specified in paragraph (5)(C) of this
subsection.
(B) Large group lecture
spaces that do not use tables or desks for the students shall have a minimum of
15 square feet per student. Large group lecture spaces that do use tables or
desks for the students shall meet the standard, as appropriate based on group
size, for square feet per room or for the minimum square feet per student
specified in paragraph (5)(B) of this subsection. A minimum of 150 square feet
shall be provided for each small group, conference, or office space area or
room.
(C) An individual student
learning area that is assigned to a specific student shall have a minimum of 35
square feet. An individual student learning area that is not assigned to a
specific student shall have a minimum of 25 square feet.
(D) If necessary under the design model, up
to half of the reading/reference area function of the library may be dispersed
throughout the facility outside the normal library boundaries. The sum total
square footage of all library-related areas shall meet the minimum square feet
specified for libraries in paragraph (5)(D)(ii) of this subsection.
(7) Other space requirements
should be developed from school district design criteria as required to meet
educational program needs.
(e) Educational adequacy. A proposed new
school facility or major space renovation of an existing school facility meets
the conditions of educational adequacy if the design of the proposed project is
based on the requirements of the school district's educational program, the
educational specifications, and the student population that it
serves.
(f) Construction quality.
(1) Districts with existing building codes.
(A) A school district located in an area that
has adopted local construction codes shall comply with those codes (including
building, fire, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy conservation, and
electrical codes). The school district is not required to seek additional plan
review of school facilities projects other than what is required by the local
building authority. If the local building authority does not require a plan
review, then a qualified, independent third party, not employed by the design
architect or engineer, shall review the plans and specifications for compliance
with the requirements of the adopted building code. The plan review shall
examine compliance conditions for emergency egress, fire protection, structural
integrity, life safety, plumbing, energy conservation, and mechanical and
electrical design. The review shall be conducted prior to the commencement of
construction and must be conducted by a qualified building code consultant or a
third party architect or engineer. A qualified building code consultant is a
person who maintains, as a minimum, a current certification from the ICC.
Associated fees shall be the responsibility of the school district. The
reviewer shall prepare a summary list of any conditions not in conformance with
the provisions of the adopted building code and is required to send a copy to
the school district, design architect, or engineer. The design architect or
engineer shall revise the plans and specifications as necessary and certify
code compliance to the district. The reviewer, in his or her reasonable
judgment and with the approval of the local building authority, may allow a
limited number of variances from the codes if such variances do not negatively
affect the quality or safety of the facility. Any disputes shall be a matter
for contract resolution.
(B) For
school facilities projects subject to these standards, and where not otherwise
required by local code, fire alarm systems shall be provided. Fire alarm
systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with applicable portions
of the latest edition of the International Building Code (IBC) and
International Fire Code (IFC).
(C)
As part of their school facilities projects and where not otherwise required by
local code, school districts should consider providing automatic sprinkler
systems for fire protection, fire suppression, and life safety. In absence of a
local code, each automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in accordance
with the latest edition of the IBC and IFC.
(D) If the local building authority does not
conduct reviews and inspections during the course of construction of the
facility, then a qualified, independent third party, not employed by the design
architect or engineer or contractor, should perform a reasonable number of
reviews and inspections during the course of construction for compliance with
the requirements of the adopted building code. The reviews and inspections
should examine compliance conditions for emergency egress, fire protection,
structural integrity, life safety, plumbing, energy conservation, and
mechanical and electrical design. A qualified code inspector is a person who
maintains, as a minimum, a current certification from the ICC as a combination
commercial inspector and commercial energy inspector.
(2) Districts without existing building
codes.
(A) A school district located in an
area that has not adopted local building codes shall adopt and use the building
code and related fire, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, and energy conservation
codes from the latest edition of the family of International Codes as published
by the ICC; and the National Electric Code as published by the NFPA. As an
alternative, a school district may adopt the building code and related fire,
plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, and energy conservation codes as adopted by a
nearby municipality or county. A qualified, independent third party, not
employed by the design architect or engineer, shall review the plans and
specifications for compliance with the requirements of the adopted building
code. The plan review shall examine compliance conditions for emergency egress,
fire protection, structural integrity, life safety, plumbing, energy
conservation, and mechanical and electrical design. The review shall be
conducted prior to the commencement of construction and must be conducted by a
qualified building code consultant or a third party architect or engineer. A
qualified building code consultant is a person who maintains, as a minimum, a
current certification from the ICC. Associated fees shall be the responsibility
of the school district. The reviewer shall prepare a summary list of any
conditions not in conformance with the provisions of the adopted building code
and is required to send a copy to the school district, design architect, or
engineer. The design architect or engineer shall revise the plans and
specifications as necessary and certify code compliance to the district. The
reviewer, in his or her reasonable judgment, may allow a limited number of
variances from the codes if such variances do not negatively affect the quality
or safety of the facility. Any disputes shall be a matter for contract
resolution.
(B) For school
facilities projects subject to these standards, fire alarm systems shall be
provided. Fire alarm systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with
applicable portions of the latest edition of the IBC and IFC.
(C) As part of their school facilities
projects, school districts should consider providing automatic sprinkler
systems for fire protection, fire suppression, and life safety. Each automatic
sprinkler system shall be installed in accordance with the latest edition of
the IBC and IFC.
(D) A qualified,
independent third party, not employed by the design architect or engineer or
contractor, should perform a reasonable number of reviews and inspections
during the course of construction of the facility for compliance with the
requirements of the adopted building code. The reviews and inspections should
examine compliance conditions for emergency egress, fire protection, structural
integrity, life safety, plumbing, energy conservation, and mechanical and
electrical design. A qualified code inspector is a person who maintains, as a
minimum, a current certification from the ICC as a combination commercial
inspector and commercial energy inspector.
(3) Special provisions for portable, modular
buildings. Any portable, modular building capable of being relocated that is
purchased or leased for use as a school facility by a school district, whether
that building is manufactured off-site or constructed on-site, must comply with
all provisions of this section. Effective September 1, 2007, the following
additional provisions shall apply to any portable, modular building that is
purchased or leased for use as a school facility by a school district.
(A) A school district located in an area that
has adopted local construction codes shall have the portable, modular building,
including the construction of the foundation system and the erection and
installation of the building on the foundation, inspected by the local building
authority for compliance with the mandatory building codes or approved designs,
plans, and specifications. The school district is not required to seek
additional inspection of the portable, modular building other than what is
required by the local building authority. If the local building authority does
not perform inspections, then a qualified, independent third party, not
employed by the design architect, engineer, contractor, or manufacturer, shall
inspect the facility, including the construction of the foundation system and
the erection and installation of the facility on the foundation, for compliance
with the mandatory building codes or approved designs, plans, and
specifications. The inspections shall be performed within 30 days of the
completion of the construction, erection, and installation of the facility on
the site, and the school district shall not occupy or use the facility until
the independent third party makes a final determination that the facility is in
compliance with all provisions of this section. For a manufactured portable,
modular building that is an industrialized building as defined by the Texas
Occupations Code, §
1202.003, the
factory inspection performed under the oversight of the Texas Department of
Licensing and Regulation shall suffice to determine compliance of the building
envelope with the mandatory building codes or approved designs, plans, and
specifications in lieu of an inspection by the local building authority or an
independent third party for a portable, modular building constructed on or
after January 1, 1986; however, an inspection of the construction of the
foundation system and the erection and installation of the portable, modular
building on the foundation shall still be performed.
(B) A school district located in an area that
has not adopted local building codes shall have the portable, modular building,
including the construction of the foundation system and the erection and
installation of the building on the foundation, inspected by a qualified,
independent third party, not employed by the design architect, engineer,
contractor, or manufacturer, for compliance with the mandatory building codes
or approved designs, plans, and specifications. The inspections shall be
performed within 30 days of the completion of the construction, erection, and
installation of the facility on the site, and the school district shall not
occupy or use the facility until the independent third party makes a final
determination that the facility is in compliance with all provisions of this
section. For a manufactured portable, modular building that is an
industrialized building as defined by the Texas Occupations Code, §
1202.003, the
factory inspection performed under the oversight of the Texas Department of
Licensing and Regulation shall suffice to determine compliance of the building
envelope with the mandatory building codes or approved designs, plans, and
specifications in lieu of an inspection by an independent third party for a
portable, modular building constructed on or after January 1, 1986; however, an
inspection of the construction of the foundation system and the erection and
installation of the portable, modular building on the foundation shall still be
performed.
(C) A qualified,
independent third party inspector is a person who maintains, as a minimum, a
current certification from the ICC as a combination commercial inspector and
commercial energy inspector.
(D) A
school district that has purchased or leased a portable, modular building for
use as a school facility on or after September 1, 2007, and before the
effective date of this section, shall have the inspections required by this
subsection performed within 60 days of the effective date of this section; any
items of noncompliance identified during the inspections shall be brought into
compliance by the school district within 90 days of the date of the
inspections.
(4) Other
provisions.
(A) For school facilities projects
subject to these standards, an adequate technology, electrical, and
communications infrastructure shall be provided. To ensure the adequacy of the
infrastructure, the school district and the architect or engineer shall seek
the input of the school district staff, including, but not limited to, the
technology director, the library director, the program directors, the
maintenance director, and the campus staff, in the planning and design of the
infrastructure.
(B) As part of
their school facilities projects, school districts should consider the use of
designs, methods, and materials that will reduce the potential for indoor air
quality problems. School districts should consult with a qualified indoor air
quality specialist during the design process to ensure that the potential for
indoor air quality problems after construction and occupancy of a facility is
minimized. School districts should use the voluntary indoor air quality
guidelines adopted by the Texas Department of State Health Services under the
Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 385. School districts should also use the
"Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools" program administered by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
(C) As part of their school facilities
projects, school districts should consider the use of sustainable school
designs. A sustainable design is a design that minimizes a facility's impact on
the environment through energy and resource efficiency.
(D) School district facilities shall comply
with the "Texas Accessibility Standards" as promulgated under the Texas
Government Code, Chapter 469, Elimination of Architectural Barriers, as
prepared and administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and
Regulation.
(E) School district
facilities shall comply with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990 (Title I and Title II).
(F) School district facilities shall comply
with all other local, state, and federal requirements as applicable.
Notes
State regulations are updated quarterly; we currently have two versions available. Below is a comparison between our most recent version and the prior quarterly release. More comparison features will be added as we have more versions to compare.
No prior version found.