POLICY OBJECTIVE

To administer public works contracts under the authority given the Trustees in the Public Contract Code including those sections, referred to as The California State University (CSU) Contract Law.

POLICY STATEMENT

9206 GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING NEED FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Under the California Building Code no building or structure shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished without a building permit. Under the California Business and Professions Code Sections 5535-5538 no permit may be issued unless the person who prepared the plans is a California licensed architect or civil engineer. Exemptions to the licensing requirements are limited to dwellings up to four units (multiple clusters of units are not exempted), garages appurtenant to above dwellings,and wood frame agricultural buildings. Agricultural buildings utilized or accessed by students would not be exempt.

This license requirement can be legally met by a university staff person if they are a California licensed architect or civil engineer. It should be recognized that the university under these conditions would retain much of the liability for code compliance and design defects.

The following guidelines are intended to assist campuses in determining the need for outside professional services.

1. Professional services of a California licensed architect normally are required for every new building regardless of size or cost.

2. A licensed architect or engineer is required for every project that involves an addition to, or remodeling of, any basic building structure. An architect or engineer shall certify any work that may compromise the structural integrity or mechanical/electrical system of a facility.

3. A licensed architect or engineer is required for every project that may affect human safety; for example, alteration or remodeling projects that change building exits (adding or removing doors) that may require handicapped access considerations, or that involve work (including repairs) on electrical panels or switchgear, the extension of electric, gas, heating, or cooling lines, and alarm systems, fuel tanks, or pressure vessels. If public safety may be compromised, it is essential to employ professionals to be responsible for the proper design of the project.

4. A licensed architect or engineer is required for special repair projects where design or structural considerations are beyond the level of expertise available on campus. For example, road repairs may require sub-grade testing by a soils engineer, and replacement of Group I equipment may require competent design or structural analysis prior to installation. In general, professional services often
provide more cost-effective, long-term benefits by identifying potential problems, structural inadequacies, or a more efficient method or product prior to the expenditure of project funds.

5. A licensed engineer is required for projects involving modifications to the utility systems (electrical/mechanical/water systems) or for those that may have significant complexities beyond the level of expertise available on campus. In general, these projects should be reviewed for technical and design considerations to ensure public safety and efficient operation. Any work that may compromise
the architecture, structural integrity or mechanical/electrical system of a facility shall be certified by a licensed architect or engineer.

APPLICABILITY AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

REVISION HISTORY

RESOURCES AND REFERENCE MATERIALS

Useful Guidelines:

Related Principles:

Sound Business Practices:

Laws, State Codes, Regulations and Mandates:

COGNIZANT OFFICE(S)

CO Manager:

Nancy Freelander-Paice
Executive Program & Fiscal Manager, CPDC AVC Office
CSU Office of the Chancellor
nfreelander-paice@calstate.edu

Subject Expert: