S.C. Code Regs. § 61-103.L
Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 07, July 26, 2024
Section 61-103.L - Design and Construction (II)(1) General. (a) Every facility shall be planned, designed and equipped to provide and promote the health, care, treatment, welfare, and safety of each resident.(b) Each facility shall provide ample living arrangements for everyone residing therein. This shall include bedrooms, bathrooms, living, dining, and recreational areas available for residents' use.(c) Each facility shall provide an attractive, homelike, and comfortable atmosphere.(d) There shall be accommodations provided to meet the group needs of residents and their visitors.(2) Local and State Codes and Standards. (a) Facilities shall comply with pertinent local and state laws, codes, ordinances and standards with reference to design and construction. No facility will be licensed unless the Department has assurance that the responsible local officials sanction the licensing of the facility.(b) The Department uses as its basic codes:* (1) Standard Building Code(2) Standard Plumbing Code(3) Standard Mechanical Code(5) National Electrical Code (NFPA 70)(6) These Regulations __________
*Check with the Department to verify current editions.
(3) Submission of Plans and Specifications. (a) New Buildings, New Additions, Alterations to Existing Buildings, or Buildings Being Initially Licensed: When construction is contemplated for new buildings, additions or alterations to existing buildings, buildings being licensed for the first time, or buildings changing license, plans and specifications shall be submitted in duplicate to the Department for review. Such plans and specifications shall be prepared by an architect registered in the state of South Carolina and shall bear his seal and signature. All plans shall be drawn with the title and date shown thereon.(b) Submission of Plans. (1) Preliminary Plans shall be submitted to the Department for facilities with more than twelve (12) beds.(2) Final Construction Documents shall be submitted to the Department for all facilities.(c) Start of Construction. (1) Construction work shall not be started until approval of the "Final" construction documents or written permission to begin construction has been received from the Division of Health Facilities Construction.(2) Any construction changes from the approved documents shall have approval from the Department.(3) During construction, the owner shall employ a registered architect and/or engineer for supervision and observations.(d) Plan Submission. (1) Plan submission shall include at least: (a) Cover Sheet (1) Title and location of project.(3) Code analysis listing applicable codes.(4) Occupancy Classification.(5) Type of Construction.(6) Legend, Notes and Symbol information.(b) Site Plan.(1) Size and shape of the entire site.(2) Building Area "Footprint" of the proposed facility and/or addition in relation to the site.(3) Vehicular and pedestrian access to and on the site.(4) All utilities to the facility, i.e., water supply available for fire protection, etc.(5) Existing structures (buildings, foundations, retaining walls, above and below grade storage tanks, etc.).(c) Building Sections.(1) complete "building section" indicating the "Type of Construction", floor-to-floor height(s), etc.(2) Type of structural system.(3) Interior wall sections.(d) Floor Plans. (1) Complete plans drawn to scale with the basic and overall dimensions of rooms and room designations.(2) "Fire and Life Safety Plan" showing proper delineation of rated walls, i.e., fire walls, exits and exit calculations, extinguishers, etc.(3) Door swings, sizes, and types.(4) Miscellaneous details.(e) Plumbing. (2) Single-line drawing showing supplies, waste lines, vents, etc.(f) Mechanical. (1) Type and location of equipment.(2) Single line drawing showing supplies, returns and exhaust.(g) Electrical. (3) Communication (telephone, fire alarm). (2) If construction is delayed for a period exceeding twelve (12) months from the time of approval of Final submission, a new evaluation and/or approval is required.(e) Alterations and Renovations.(1) When alterations are contemplated that may affect fire and life safety, drawings and specifications, accompanied by a narrative completely describing the proposed work shall be submitted to the Department for review and approval to ensure that the proposed alterations comply with current safety and building standards.(2) All alterations or renovations of a part of an existing licensed building, other than cosmetic (i.e. painting, wallpapering or carpeting) shall be made to conform with the current requirements of the building codes for construction of new facilities.(3) Cosmetic changes utilizing paint, wallcovering, floor covering, etc; that are required to have a flamespread rating or other safety criteria shall be documented with copies of the documentation and certifications furnished to the Department.(4) Any building which is being licensed for the first time will be considered "new" construction and must meet current codes.(5) If within a twelve (12) month period any alterations or renovations costing in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the then physical market value of the building are made to an existing facility, the entire facility shall be made to conform with the requirements of current building code editions for new facility construction and to Department standards. (4) Location of Facility. (a) Environment: Facilities shall be located in an environment that is conducive to the type of care and services provided.(b) Transportation: Facilities shall be served by paved roads which are passable at all times and are adequate for volume of expected traffic.(c) Parking: Facilities shall have parking space to satisfy the minimum needs of residents, staff and visitors. Provisions must be made for handicapped parking.(d) Access for Fire Fighting Equipment: Facilities shall maintain adequate access to and around the building.(5) Communication. A telephone must be provided on each floor occupied by residents and additional telephones or extensions as required to summon help in case of fire or other emergency. Pay station telephones are not acceptable for this purpose.