| Title: | Code Compliance for University Events and Projects, Policy on |
|---|---|
| Policy Owner: | Division of University Safety |
| Applies to: | The University workforce, students, others |
| Campus Applicability: | All Campuses |
| Effective Date: | April 6, 2022 |
| For More Information, Contact | Fire Marshal and Building Inspector’s Office |
| Contact Information: | buildinginspector@uconn.edu |
| Official Website: | https://firemarshal.universitysafety.uconn.edu/ |
BACKGROUND
The Fire Marshal and Building Inspector’s Office (FMBIO) provides regular inspection, incident investigation, construction and/or event permitting, as well as consultation on matters relevant to design, construction, renovation, maintenance, and use of structures, systems, and related assets. CGS 29-252a (h) and State Building Code (SBC) 105.2.4 exempt a state agency from being required to obtain a building permit from the local building official, however, the University of Connecticut and the State Building Inspector have determined that any University of Connecticut work which is subject to building permit by the SBC shall be permitted through the Fire Marshal and Building Inspector’s Office.
PURPOSE
To provide a safe environment through the enforcement of building and fire safety codes in compliance with the University’s Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), Connecticut General Statutes and State Building Code.
DEFINITIONS
Workforce: Employees, volunteers, trainees, and other persons whose conduct, in the performance of work for the University, is under the direct control of the University, whether or not they are paid by the University.
POLICY STATEMENT
Members of the workforce, including contractors or subcontractors, who intend to perform any of the following must contact the FMBIO to determine if code compliance is applicable and if a permit is required:
- construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure;
- perform any work related to electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems;
- organize an indoor or outdoor event, activity, or assembly attended by fifty (50) or more people in a space outside the scope of its intended use[1], or that involves tents, pyrotechnics, amusement rides, open flames, cooking and/or heating food, or alcohol.
In addition to the above-listed instances in which FMBIO review is required, it is recommended that the University and its agents contact the building inspector regarding all work to buildings and structures before that work commences.
ENFORCEMENT
Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the Student Code.
PROCEDURES
Contact the FMBIO prior to initiating work or organizing events, activities or assemblies attended by fifty (50) or more people.
The building inspector may make a determination as to whether proposed work is subject to a building permit based on submission of a brief description of the work. If a review of the State Building Code determines that a building permit is not required for the proposed work, a letter indicating such will be returned with the submitted documents.
The Fire Marshal may make a determination regarding whether indoor or outdoor events, activities, or assemblies of 50 or more people require a permit based on submission of a brief description of the activity.
REFERENCES
CGS Chapter 541 Part II
CGS 29-252a
POLICY HISTORY
Policy created: April 06, 2022 [Approved by President’s Senior Policy Council
Revisions:
[1] Existing spaces are permitted and approved for specific capacity and intended use during construction. Therefore, when any space of an existing building is used as it was originally intended, a new permit is not required (e.g., holding a class in a classroom). If an activity is planned in a space that requires increased capacity or added features such as enhanced technology, lighting, installation of a stage, amplification of sound, use of displays, etc., then a permit is required.