The School District Building Official (SDBO) shall have direct administrative and operational control of all construction and renovation within the boundaries of the school district. The SDBO is authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of the state-adopted building code (UCA 58-56-4). Here is a listing of the codes currently in use:

Codes Adopted by the State of Utah as of January 1, 2007

Click here for Code Links

The State of Utah has adopted amendments to the above codes. The amendments can be found at the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 (Utah State Building Standards Utah Code, Title 58):

Non structural changes to the International Building Code as of January 1, 2007

The Division of Facilities Construction Management (DFCM) has established basic design criteria for such items as snow load, wind speeds, and soil frost depths across the state:

Snow Load, Wind Speed and Soil Frost Design Criteria for the State of Utah

 

The SDBO is also responsible for coordinating with local municipalities and the Utah State Office of Education (USOE) to ensure that the appropriate documents are filed on all construction projects estimated to cost more than $100,000.

a. Building Code Inspection Guidelines

All construction or renovation that a school district owns or has assumed responsibility for and for which the school district authorizes work shall be subject to inspection by or under the administrative and direct operational control of the School District Building Official (SDBO). All such construction work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved by a building inspector appropriately state licensed and certified under provisions of the state-adopted building code Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and (UCA 58-56-4). In addition, certain periodic, continuous and special inspections as well as structural tests and inspections are required as indicated below.

(1) Required Inspections

Reinforcing steel or structural framework of any part of any building or structure shall not be covered or concealed without first obtaining the approval of the appropriate inspector.

Protection of joints and penetrations in fire-resistive assemblies shall not be concealed from view until inspection is approved.

(a) Foundation Inspection

To be made after excavations for footings are complete and any required reinforcing steel is in place. For concrete foundations, any required forms shall be in place prior to inspection. All materials for the foundation shall be on the job site, except where concrete is ready mixed in accordance with approved nationally recognized standards, the concrete need not be on the job site. Where the foundation is to be constructed of approved treated wood, additional inspections may be required.

(b) Concrete Slab or Under-Floor Inspection

To be made after all in-slab or under-floor building service equipment, conduit, piping accessories and other ancillary equipment items are in place, but before any concrete is placed or floor sheathing installed, including the sub floor.

(c) Sheathing and Shear Inspection

To be made after all wall, floor, roof and shear points have been fastened in place as per the required spacing and prior to the installation of any coverings. This inspection is important for the structural integrity of the building as the floor and roof diaphragms work with the vertical elements, such as shear panels, for the transfer of lateral loads to the footing/foundation system. At this phase all mechanical hardware should be in place such as hold-downs, straps, bolts, anchors, etc. This is predominately in wood construction. The structural engineer of record should perform a structural observation at this time and verify the construction conforms to his/her design and submit in writing to the School District Building Official (SDBO) that this is the fact.  School District Building Officials are responsible to ensure also that a structural peer review should have taken place at 90 percent of plans completion as part of the plan review.  See the section titled “5. Plan Review/Value Engineering” of this manual.

(d) Frame Inspection

To be made after the roof, all framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place and all pipes, chimneys and vents are complete and the rough electrical, plumbing, and heating wires, pipes and ductwork are approved.

(e) Lath or Gypsum Board Inspection

To be made after all lathing and gypsum board, interior and exterior, is in place, but before any plastering is applied or before gypsum board joints and fasteners are taped and finished.

(f) Final Inspection

To be made after finish grading and the building is completed and ready for occupancy.

(2) Special Inspections

In addition to the required inspections, the school district or the project engineer or architect of record acting as the school district's agent shall employ one or more special inspectors who shall provide inspections during construction of the following types of work:

(a) Concrete—During the taking of test specimens and placing of reinforced concrete.

(b) Bolts installed in concrete—Prior to and during the placement of concrete around bolts when stress increases are utilized.

(c) Special moment-resisting concrete frame—For moment frames resisting design seismic load, the special inspector shall provide reports to the School District Building Official for the structural design and shall provide continuous inspection of the placement of the reinforcement and concrete.

(d) Reinforcing steel and prestressing steel tendons—During all stressing and grouting of tendons in prestressed concrete. During placing of reinforcing steel and prestressing tendons for all concrete required to have special inspection.

(e) Structural welding—During the welding of any member or connection that is designed to resist loads and forces required by the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and state-adopted building code (58-56-4, UCA); during the welding of special moment-resisting steel frames; during the welding of reinforcing steel. In addition, nondestructive testing is required.

(f) High-strength bolting—The inspection of high-strength A 325 and A 490 bolts shall be in accordance with approved nationally recognized standards and the requirements of the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and state-adopted building code (58-56-4, UCA). While work is in progress, the special inspector shall determine that the requirements for bolts, nuts, washers and paint; bolted parts; and installation and tightening in such standards are met. Such inspections may be performed on a periodic basis in accordance with the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and state-adopted building code (58-56-4, UCA). The special inspector shall observe the calibration procedures when such procedures are required by the plans or specifications and shall monitor the installation of bolts to determine that all plies of connected materials have been drawn together and that the selected procedure is properly used to tighten all bolts.

(g) Structural masonry—For masonry, other than fully grouted open-end hollow-unit masonry, during preparation and taking of any required prisms or test specimens, placing of all masonry units, placement of reinforcement, inspection of grout space, immediately prior to closing of cleanouts, and during all grouting operations. For fully grouted open-end hollow-unit masonry during preparation and taking of any required prisms or test specimens, at the start of laying units, after the placement of reinforcing steel, grout space prior to each grouting operation, and during all grouting operations.

(h) Reinforced gypsum concrete—When cast-in-place Class B Gypsum concrete is being mixed and placed.

(i) Insulating concrete fill—During the application of insulating concrete fill when used as part of a structural system.

(j) Spray-applied fire-resistive materials—As required by the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and state-adopted building code (58-56-4, UCA).

(k) Piping, drilled piers and caissons—During driving and testing of piles and construction of cast-in-place drilled piles or caissons.

(l) Shotcrete—During the taking of test specimens and placing of all shotcrete and as required by the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and state-adopted building code (58-56-4, UCA).

(m) Special grading, excavation and filling—During earth-work excavations, grading and filling operations inspection to satisfy requirements of the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and the state-adopted building code (58-56-4, UCA).

(n) Smoke-control systems—During erection of ductwork and prior to concealment for the purposes of leakage testing and recording of device location. Prior to occupancy and after sufficient completion for the purposes of pressure difference testing, flow measurements, and detection and control verification.

Here is a Division of Facilities Construction and Management (DFCM) list of pre-qualified special inspection labs and inspections firms list that may be useful:

DFCM Pre-Qualified Testing and Inspection Firms List

Here are three DFCM Special Inspections data sheets that may also be helpful: a Code Analysis Form, Special Inspections Certification and Accreditation List, and Special Inspections Standard Cost Rates:

DFCM Code Analysis Form

 

DFCM Materials Testing/Special Inspection Standards

 

DFCM Materials Testing and Special Testing Standard Cost Rate Sheet

 

(3) Continuous and Periodic Special Inspections

Continuous special inspection means that the special inspector is on the site at all times observing the work requiring special inspections. Some inspections may be made on a periodic basis and satisfy the requirements of continuous inspection, provided this periodic scheduled inspection performed is outlined in the project plans and specifications and approved by the School District Building Official (SDBO).

(4) Approved Fabricators

Special inspections required by the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and state-adopted building code (58-56-4, UCA) are not required where the work is done on the premises of a fabricator registered and approved by the School District Building Official (SDBO).  The Division of Facilities Construction and Management (DFCM) has developed a list of State of Utah Approved Fabricators. Certification of registration shall be subject to revocation by the School District Building Official (SDBO) if it is found that any work done pursuant to the approval is in violation of the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and state-adopted building code (58-56-4, UCA). The approved fabricator shall submit a certificate of compliance that the work was performed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications to the SDBO and to the engineer or architect of record. The approved fabricator's qualifications shall be contingent on compliance with the following:

(a) The fabricator has developed and submitted a detailed fabrication procedural manual reflecting key quality control procedures that will provide a basis for inspection control of workmanship at the fabrication plant.

(b) Verification of the fabricator's quality control capabilities regarding the plant and personnel as outlined in the fabrication procedural manual. The verification shall be by an approved inspection or quality control agency.

(c) Periodic plant inspections shall be conducted by an approved inspector or quality control agency to monitor the effectiveness of the quality control program.

(d) It shall be the responsibility of the inspection or quality control agency to notify the approving authority in writing of any change to the procedural manual. Any fabricator approval may be revoked for just cause. Reapproval of the fabricator shall be contingent on compliance with quality control procedures during the past year.

(5) Structural Observations

Structural observation shall be provided when one of the following conditions exists:

(a) The structure is defined as a specific Occupancy Category or other requirements defined by the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and state-adopted building code (58-56-4, UCA).
(b) When so designated by the architect or engineer of record.
(c) When such observation is specifically required by the School District Building Official (SDBO) or by the special inspector.

The school district shall employ the engineer or architect responsible for the structural design, or another engineer or architect designated by the engineer or architect responsible for the structural design, to perform structural observation as defined by the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and state-adopted building code (58-56-4, UCA). Observed deficiencies shall be reported in writing to the School District Building Official (SDBO), special inspector, contractor and the building inspector of record. The structural observer shall submit to the School District Building Official (SDBO) and the building inspector of record a written statement that the site visits have been made and identifying any reported deficiencies that, to the best of the structural observer's knowledge, have not been resolved.

(6) Nondestructive Testing

Welded, fully restrained connections between the primary members of ordinary moment frames and special moment-resisting frames shall be tested by nondestructive methods for compliance with approved standards and job specifications. This testing shall be a part of the special inspection requirements of the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and state-adopted building code (58-56-4, UCA). A program for this testing shall be established by the person responsible for structural design and as shown on plans and specifications.

As a minimum, this program shall include the following:

All complete penetration groove welds contained in joints and splices shall be tested 100 percent either by ultrasonic testing or by radiography.
Partial penetration groove welds when used in column splices shall be tested either by ultrasonic testing or radiography when required by the plans and specifications. For partial penetration groove welds when used in column splices, with an effective throat less than 0.75 inch (19.1 mm) thick, nondestructive testing is not required; for this welding, continuous inspection is required.
Base metal thicker than 1.5 inches (38 mm), when subjected to through-thickness weld shrinkage strains, shall be ultrasonically inspected for discontinuities directly behind such welds after joint completion.

Any material discontinuities shall be accepted or rejected on the basis of the defect rating in accordance with the (larger reflector) criteria of approved national standards.

(7) Prefabricated Construction

Unless otherwise specifically stated, all prefabricated construction and all materials used therein shall conform to all the requirements of the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and state-adopted building code (58-56-4, UCA).

Prefabricated assembly is a structural unit, the integral parts of which have been built up or assembled prior to incorporation into the building.

(a) Test of Materials—Every approval of a material not specifically mentioned in the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and state-adopted building code (58-56-4, UCA) shall incorporate as a proviso the kind and number of tests to be made during prefabrication.
(b) Tests of Assemblies—The School District Building Official (SDBO) may require special tests to be made on assemblies to determine their durability and weather resistance.
(c) Connections—All prefabricated assemblies must meet the design requirements of the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and state-adopted building code (58-56-4, UCA) for connections to buildings.
(d) Pipes and Conduits—See the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and state-adopted building code (58-56-4, UCA) for design requirements for removal of material for pipes, conduit and other equipment.
(e) Certificate and Inspection—Materials and the assembly thereof shall be inspected to determine compliance with the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and state-adopted building code (58-56-4, UCA). Every material shall be graded, marked or labeled where required elsewhere in the code.
(f) Certificate—A certificate of approval shall be furnished with every prefabricated assembly, except where the assembly is readily accessible to inspection at the site. The certificate of approval shall certify that the assembly in question has been inspected and meets all the requirements of the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and state-adopted building code (58-56-4, UCA). When mechanical equipment is installed so that it cannot be inspected at the site, the certificate of approval shall certify that such equipment complies with the laws applying thereto.
(g) Certifying Agency—To be acceptable under the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and state-adopted building code (58-56-4, UCA), every certificate of approval shall be issued by an approved agency.
(h) Field Erection—Placement of prefabricated assemblies at the building site shall be inspected by the inspector of record to determine compliance with the Utah Uniform Building Standards Act Rules, R156-56 and state-adopted building code (58-56-4, UCA).
(i) Continuous Inspection—If continuous inspection is required for certain materials where construction takes place on the site, it shall also be required where the same materials are used in prefabricated construction.

b. Other Inspection Guidelines: Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical

The School District Building Official (SDBO) is also responsible for plumbing, mechanical and electrical inspections in accordance with the International Plumbing Code (IPC), the International Mechanical Code (IMC), and the National Electrical Code (NEC).

(1) Plumbing Inspections

(a) Underground plumbing inspections shall be made after trenches or ditches are excavated and bedded, piping installed, and before any backfill is put in place.
(b) Rough-in inspection shall be made after the roof, framing, fireblocking, firestopping, draftstopping and bracing are in place and all sanitary, storm and water distribution piping is roughed-in, and prior to the installation of wall or ceiling membranes.
(c) Final plumbing inspection shall be made after the building is complete, all plumbing fixtures are in place, properly connected and tested for leaks and defects, and the structure is ready for occupancy.

In addition, all new, altered, extended or repaired plumbing work and systems must be successfully tested and observed by the School District Building Official (SDBO) or designee to disclose leaks and defects.

(2) Mechanical Inspections

(a) Underground mechanical inspections shall be made after trenches or ditches are excavated and bedded, piping installed, and before backfill is put in place. When excavated soil contains rocks, broken concrete, frozen chunks and other rubble that would damage or break the piping or cause corrosive action, clean backfill shall be used.
(b) Rough-in inspection shall be made after the roof, framing, fireblocking and bracing are in place and all ducting and other components to be concealed are complete, and prior to the installation of wall or ceiling membranes.
(c) Final inspection shall be made upon completion and successful testing of the mechanical system.

(3) Electrical Inspections

(a) Underground electrical inspections shall be made after trenches or ditches are excavated and bedded, wiring installed, and before backfill is put in place.
(b) Rough-in inspection shall be made after the roof, framing, fireblocking and bracing are in place and all wiring and other electrical components to be concealed are complete, and prior to the installation of wall or ceiling membranes.
(c) Final inspection shall be made upon completion and successful testing of the electrical system.

c. Foundations and Retaining Wall Inspections and Test

The classification of the soil at each building site must be determined. The School District Building Official (SDBO) may require that this determination be made by an engineer or architect licensed to practice as a soil classifier. The classification must be based on observation and any necessary tests of the materials disclosed by borings or excavations made in appropriate locations. Additional studies may be necessary to evaluate soil strength, the effect of moisture variation on soil-bearing capacity, compressibility, liquefaction and expansiveness.

The soil classification and design-bearing capacity shall be shown on the plans. The School District Building Official (SDBO) may require submission of a written report of the investigation, which should include, but not be limited to, the following information:

●  A plot showing the location of all test borings and/or excavations;
●  Descriptions and classifications of the materials encountered;
●  Elevation of the water table, if encountered;
●  Recommendations for foundation type and design criteria, including bearing capacity, provisions to mitigate the effects of expansive soils,    provisions to mitigate the effects of liquefaction and soil strength, and the effects of adjacent loads;
●  Expected total and differential settlement.

The potential for seismically induced soil liquefaction and soil instability must be evaluated during the geotechnical investigation. The geotechnical report shall assess potential consequences of any liquefaction and soil strength loss, including estimation of differential settlement, lateral movement or reduction in foundation soil-bearing capacity, and discuss mitigating measures. Such measures shall be given consideration in the design of the building and may include, but are not limited to, ground stabilization, selection of appropriate foundation type and depths, selection of appropriate structural systems to accommodate anticipated displacements, or any combination of these measures.

When expansive soils are present, the School District Building Official (SDBO) may require that special provisions be made in the foundation design and construction to safeguard against damage due to this expansiveness. The SDBO may also require a special investigation and report to provide these design and construction criteria.

The potential for liquefaction and soil strength loss shall be evaluated for a site peak ground acceleration that, as a minimum, conforms to the probability of exceedance. Peak ground acceleration may be determined based on a site-specific study taking into account soil amplification effects.
Please see Section Three "School Facility Site Selection," of this resource manual.

d. Boiler and Pressure Vessel Regulations and Inspection

The Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety program in Utah has been evolving since 1967. The first milestone occurred on July 1, 1967, when the Utah Legislature enacted the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Act (34A-7-101 to 105 UCA) and authorized the State Industrial Commission (now called the Labor Commission of Utah) to administer provisions of the Act. Then, in May 1978, the Utah Boiler and Pressure Vessel Rules and Regulations implemented the requirement that all boilers and pressure vessels installed in Utah after that date to be registered with the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (National Board) and bear the National Board number. Finally, on July 1, 1997, the State Industrial Commission was replaced by the Labor Commission of Utah . Through its Division of Safety, the Labor Commission of Utah now enforces the provisions of the Utah Code Annotated—Boiler and Pressure Vessel Act (34A-7-101 through 105, UCA) and Administrative Rule R616-2—Boiler and Pressure Vessel Rules.

The Utah Boiler and Pressure Vessel Act establishes the minimum standards for installation and operation of boilers and pressure vessels in Utah. The act also authorizes the Labor Commission of Utah to adopt rules to enforce the Act. The Boiler and Pressure Vessel Rules clarify boiler pressure vessel requirements. Like the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Act itself, these rules also have the force of law. The Boiler and Pressure Vessel Rules  and the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Compliance Manual provide details as to how the Labor Commission of Utah, Division of Safety, has implemented the Utah Boiler and Pressure Vessel Act.

Under provisions of the Utah Boiler and Pressure Vessel Rules, all new boilers, pressure vessels, water heaters and storage tanks (unless otherwise exempt) must be designed, constructed, inspected, stamped and installed in accordance with the applicable American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Code Section or other codes and standards accepted by the National Board. A copy of the pressure vessel Manufacturer's Data Report, signed by the manufacturer's representative and the National Board authorized inspector, must be filed with the National Board and, when requested, with the Chief Boiler Inspector of Utah.

All boiler and pressure vessel installations, including reinstalled and secondhand boilers and pressure vessels, must be installed in accordance with the requirements of the ASME Code and the Utah Boiler and Pressure Vessel Compliance Manual. Boiler installations must also comply with the Controls and Safety Devices for Automatically Fired Boilers (ASME CSD-1) when the boiler heat input is greater than 400,000 BTU, but less than 12.5 million BTU. Boiler installations with heat input greater than 12.5 million BTU must comply with Standards for the Prevention of Furnace Explosions/Implosions in Single Burner Boilers (National Fire Prevention Association 8501) or Standards for the Prevention of Furnace Explosions/Implosions in Multiple Burner Boilers (NFPA 8502) as applicable.

e. Final Inspection

Prior to the final inspection, the architect must assure that the project is complete and ready for inspection. Thus, the architect should be the only one who arranges for the final inspection, coordinating all the participants to be present. Those who must be in attendance at the final inspection are:
Architect
General contractor
Project engineers
School District Building Official (SDBO)
Fire sprinkler system contractor
Electrical contractor
Mechanical contractor
Fire alarm system contractor
Building Inspector
Representative from the State Fire Marshal's office
Representative from the local fire department
Representative from the local health department

A complete walk-through of the entire project is conducted, checking all items listed for the 70% completion inspection (see Section 5: "Plan Review/Value Engineering", Subpart g. "State Fire Marshal Inspections"). An inspection of the fire sprinkler system is conducted at this time, noting coverage and completeness of the riser. Testing is also conducted to insure its function. The fire alarm system is completely checked for operation and adequate coverage. This also includes the twenty-four hour battery test. Emergency lighting and exit signs as well as door operation and hardware are also checked. The mechanical systems are inspected and tested for shut down, exhaust or special function, including fire/smoke dampers. The kitchen hood fire suppression system is also inspected and tested, including the fire alarm tie-in and fuel shut-offs. All special doors—such as roll-up doors, or horizontal folding doors—are inspected and tested. Inspectors also check to be sure appropriate certificates, where applicable, have also been obtained.

It is also important that a Key Plan—a flow plan showing the fire zones and the fire sprinkler plan—is installed next to the fire alarm control panel to aid the local fire department if there is a fire in the building.

The School District Building Official (SDBO) and the State Fire Marshal's Office will generate a written final inspection report and send it to the project architect. Fire clearance is only issued after all fire and life safety items previously listed as deficient are resolved appropriately.

The school district must understand that no occupancy is permitted without fire clearance and the issuance of an appropriate certificate of occupancy.