61-41.009. Design Plan and Systems Approval

(1) General. A final design plan approval shall be contingent upon compliance with these rules and the building codes specified in Rule 61-41.004, F.A.C. The manufacturer shall submit plans for approval by the Agency. The Agency reviewing the plans shall notify a manufacturer of any apparent errors or omissions and request any additional information necessary to evaluate the plans submitted within thirty days of receipt of the plans. The Department shall have the authority to seek revocation of a plan approval by an Agency if, through monitoring activities, the Department discovers that the plans fail to comply with the standards adopted herein.

(2) Approved Plans. Plans are approved for all code related items installed at the manufacturing facility in accordance with Sections 553.37(1) and 553.38, F.S. All code related items not installed at the manufacturing facility shall be clearly noted on the plans cover page as “Items to be site installed and subject to local code review and compliance.”

(3) Completed sets of design plans and specifications, prepared by an architect or engineer licensed to practice in the State of Florida, except as exempted by Florida law; supporting calculations and any required test results for each system and prototype to be approved. Based on compliance with the codes in Rule 61-41.004, F.A.C., the Agency shall approve or disapprove the manufacturer’s submittal. If the submittal is approved, the Agency shall affix a stamp authorized by the Department on each sheet. Plans drawn to a scale less than 1/8'' to the foot are not acceptable. Plans shall be legible for reproduction purposes, including vergiage

(4) System Approval. The manufacturer may submit through the Agency for Department approval a system of construction which may include any or all elements of building systems such as structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical elements or components. Such submission shall include all documents and data providing complete information necessary for evaluation of the systems’ performance and capabilities for its intended use.

(5) The Agency shall conduct a review of each set of documents submitted, including the plans, specifications and design calculations, for compliance with the appropriate code and this part and shall utilize a checklist. The plans review and the checklist utilized therewith shall at a minimum contain the plan review requirements of the Florida Building Code, adopted pursuant to Rule 61G20-1.001, F.A.C.:

(6) Plan Approval Expiration – Upon revision of the building codes adopted herein, plan approvals shall expire upon the effective date of the revisions unless the manufacturer files with the department a sworn statement by an Agency that the plans as previously approved have been reviewed and are in compliance with the revisions to the adopted codes. The Agency shall ensure that it has obtained, and retains as a public record, all data and information necessary to support that sworn statement consistent with rules regulating the practice of engineering or architecture or both engineering and architecture. This rule is not intended to provide a defense for Agencies from any charge of unlicensed practice of engineering or architecture. The Agency shall transmit plans electronically through the Building Code Information System to the Department.

(7) Manufacturer’s Component Data Plate. Each component or package of like components shall contain a manufacturer’s data plate which indicates the limiting characteristics and design criteria of such components for determining how they are to be installed and utilized within their capabilities. Such data plate information shall be approved by the Agency.

(8) Manufacturer’s Modular Data Plate. The manufacturer shall install on all manufactured (modular) buildings and components prior to leaving the manufacturing plant a data plate which shall be permanently affixed on or about the electrical panel and which shall contain, but not be limited to, the following design information when applicable.

(a) Name and address of Manufacturer;

(b) Name of Third Party Agency;

(c) Manufacturer Certification Number;

(d) Date of Manufacturer;

(e) Date of Alteration;

(f) Number of Modules;

(g) Construction Type as defined in Chapter 6 of the Code;

(h) Occupancy Use Classification in accordance with Chapter 3 of the Code;

(i) Design Occupant Load;

(j) Serial Number;

(k) Agency Plan Number;

(l) Standard Plan Approval Number;

(m) Maximum Floor Load (pounds per square foot), Live Load and Dead Load;

(n) Roof Load; Live Load and Dead Load;

(o) Wind Velocity Rating;

(p) “U” rating of Floor, Wall, and Roof;

(q) Limitations of the plan approval by the Agency;

(r) If an automatic sprinkler system is provided, whether the sprinkler system is required; and

(s) Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.

Rulemaking Authority 553.37(2) FS. Law Implemented 553.37(2) FS. History–New 1-17-72, Amended 2-23-75, 3-1-80, 9-29-82, 1-29-84, 11-1-84, Formerly 61-41.09, Amended 1-1-87, 3-1-92, 3-1-95, 9-13-01, 7-16-03, 5-13-07, 9-13-09, Formerly 9B-1.009.