Submission of Plans for New Construction, Alterations or Additions to Birth Centers

Section 264.2600  Submission of Plans for New Construction, Alterations or Additions to Birth Centers a)         New Construction, Addition, or Major Alteration to Existing Construction 1)         Design Drawing When construction is contemplated, design development drawings and outline specifications shall be submitted to the Department for review.  Approval of design development drawings and specifications shall be obtained from the Department prior to starting final working drawings and specifications. The Department will provide comments or approval within 30 days after receipt. 2)         Final Drawings A)        The final working drawings and specifications shall be submitted to the Department for review and approval prior to the beginning of construction.  Alternative methods of design development and construction may be acceptable, subject to the approval of the Department.  Department approval is null and void if construction contracts are not executed and construction is not started within one year after the plan approval date.  The Department will provide approval or comments within 60 days after the day on which the submission is deemed complete. B)        The Department shall be notified, in writing, of the award of construction contracts. 3)         Any contract modifications that affect or change the function, design, fire/life safety, or purpose of a birth center shall be submitted to the Department for approval prior to authorizing the modifications. The Department will provide comments or approval within 30 days after receipt. 4)         The Department shall be notified when construction has been completed and before any area is occupied. 5)         The birth center shall maintain as-built drawings on site. b)         Minor Alterations and Remodeling. Minor alterations or remodeling changes that do not affect the structural integrity of the building, that do not change functional operation, that do not affect fire/life safety, and that do not add beds more than the number for which the center is licensed need not be submitted for approval. c)         Codes and Standards 1)         Construction shall be in accordance with the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association Standard No. 101, Life Safety Code, Chapter 38, New Business Occupancies and Subpart B of this Part. 2)         Nothing stated in this Part shall relieve the birth center from compliance with building codes, ordinances, and regulations that are enforced by city, county jurisdictions or other authorities having jurisdiction. 3)         The recommendations of the International Building Code shall apply insofar as such recommendations are not in conflict with the standards set forth in this Part or with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard No. 101, Life Safety Code.  The International Building Code is intended as a model code for municipalities with no building code of their own.  In any case, the most stringent rule would be applicable. 4)         The codes and standards referenced in this Part can be ordered from the various agencies at the addresses listed in Section 264.1100 and are effective on the dates cited in that Section. 5)         The birthing center shall comply with the Illinois Accessibility Code.