Plan Review Announcements

Please check back here regularly for updates and announcements concerning the State Fire Marshal's Plan Review section.

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2015 Code Editions Adopted

Executive order JBE 17-14 halting the code adoptions until July 1, 2018 has been rescinded. As such, the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council (LSUCCC) has adopted the 2015 editions of the I-codes. Please refer to the LSUCCC webpage for a complete listing of the adopted codes and amendments.

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IMS Shop Drawing Review Process

This short video explains the options and procedure for reviewing fire protection system shop drawings using the IMS online system.

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Code Adoptions Scheduled for July 1, 2017

In conjunction with the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council, updated editions of the fire protection and life safety codes and standards will be effective on July 1, 2017. See memo for a listing of the referenced codes and standards.

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Plan Review Section is now hiring Licensed Architects and Engineers

The OSFM Plan Review section is looking for experienced licensed architects and engineers to join our team. The work consists of managing an assigned portion of construction projects throughout the state to ensure compliance with the requirements of applicable laws, rules, and codes as they apply to all commercial structure types (excluding one- and two-family dwellings) and their associated fire protection and life safety systems. Team members often consult with building owners, designers, and architects and engineers of prospective construction projects, local jurisdiction officials, and other team members to facilitate compliant construction and economic development in the state.

Serious inquirers may contact:

Joe Delaune, Chief Architect
[email protected],
(225) 925-4911

Licensed Architects apply here:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisiana/jobs/1669480/architect-3

Licensed Engineers apply here:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisiana/jobs/1669813/engineer-4

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Online Plan Review Submittals are now available through the new OSFM-IMS

Requests for Plan Review may now be made online through our secure portal here: Online services allows you to submit Plan Reviews

Once you create a logon ID and password, you will be able to track your project, receive immediate email notifications of status changes, and schedule your inspection. Please keep your LogonID and Password in a secure location! You will need this to access your project.

You may begin to enter your project information at any time and will be assigned a project number upon initial entry. However your submittal will not be received by this office for review until the application is complete, the appropriate fee has been submitted, and the plans and specifications are attached or received.

Interpretive Memoranda

Click here http://sfm.dps.louisiana.gov/sfm_interp.htm for a complete list of Interpretive Memoranda published by this office.

Classroom Security for Existing Educational (Grades K - 12) and Day-care Facilities

This office has received numerous requests for variances to code required locking arrangements in reaction to the recent outbreak of violence occurring in schools nationwide. The intent of this memo is to address the current unprecedented security needs of our educational system and the economic hardships associated with retrofitting existing hardware installations. Specifically, this memo addresses requirements that will allow for one additional releasing operation on existing classroom doors. Read more here:

Formal Interpretation 2013-01

IBC A-2 Assembly Occupancies - Sprinkler Threshold Increased to 300 Occupants

Effective January 1, 2013, one of the major thresholds for requiring sprinkler systems in Group A-2 Assembly occupancies was increased from 100 occupants to 300 occupants. In a vote taken by the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council (LSUCC) in December, the International Building Code (IBC) Section 903.2.1.2, 2. was amended in order to provide relief to buildings in this classification. Buildings that are intended for food and/or drink consumption are classified as A-2 occupancies and are affected by this change. Please note that the additional criteria requiring sprinkler protection still apply, (such as "fire areas that exceed 5,000 square feet; fire areas located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge; bars with live entertainment, dance halls & nightclubs, miscellaneous other circumstances). Also, a few other structural modifications / reinstated allowances were included in the vote. The full notice can be viewed here:

Adoption of the 2010 ADA-ABA Accessibility Guidelines

On October 1, 2011, the Office of the State Fire Marshal began reviewing under and enforcing the new 2010 ADA-ABA Accessibility Guidelines as mandated by state law

Release Date of Updated ADA Rules
Posted 10.18.11

The following excerpt is from the Department of Justice ADA homepage.
https://archive.ada.gov/regs2010/factsheets/title2_factsheet.html

1. Effective Date. The rule will become effective six months after publication in the Federal Register. Eighteen months after publication, compliance with the 2010 Standards are required for the new constructions and alterations. In the period between the publication date and compliance date, covered entitles may choose between the 1991 Standards and the 2010 Standards. Covered entitles that should have compiled with the 1991 Standards during any new constructions or alterations of facilities or elements, but have not done so by 18 months after the date of publication of the final rule, must comply with the 2010 Standards.

Plan Review for DHH Health Care Facility Licensing Requirements:
Posted 09.22.11

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is now providing plan review for determination of compliance with the Health Care facility licensing requirements on behalf of the Department of Health and Hospitals. All facilities that require a plan review prior to licensure by DHH must be submitted to the State Fire Marshal prior to application for licensure. The memorandum and the plan review checklist can be viewed here: Formal Interpretation 2011-06

Act 391 of the 2011 Louisiana Regular Session becomes effective on August 15 of this year. It involves code enforcement for fire protection and egress systems in commercial buildings.
Posted 08.16.11

Act 391 Memorandum

New Accessibility Standard Update:
Posted 09.13.11

In the 2011 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, House Bill No. 536 was passed and then signed by the Governor.

Prior law defined "ADAAG" as the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines in effect on Sept. 1, 1994, as adopted by the US Department of Justice pursuant to the ADA. New law defines "ADA Standards" as the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design as adopted by the US Department of Justice pursuant to the ADA and any subsequent amendments or additions to or editions adopted by the Department of Justice.

The Office of State Fire Marshal will begin enforcing the new Accessibility Standards beginning October 1, 2011. Free copies of the standard can be ordered from United States Access Board website: https://www.access-board.gov On the 'Home' page, look in the right hand column for 'Order Publications', click on that link and you will find an order form. You will want to order the 'ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines.'