During the plan review process, each school construction project is assigned a "class" by DSA. This class describes the complexity and types of construction utilized in that project (Class 1 = most complex).
Inspectors who pass the Class 1 test are qualified to apply for any project. Class 2 inspectors may apply for Class 2, 3 or 4 projects. Class 3 inspectors may apply for Class 3 or 4 projects. CLASS 1:
Buildings or additions over 2000 square feet that utilize materials other than wood frame shear walls (e.g. masonry or concrete shear walls, steel braced frames, concrete or steel moment-resisting frames, etc.) as the primary lateral load resisting structural system.
Substantial structural alterations to the gravity and/or lateral load resisting system described above. CLASS 2:
All buildings or additions over 2000 square feet that utilize wood shear walls as the primary lateral-load resistive system. Projects may be single or multi-level, not limited as to floor area, and may contain incidental masonry, concrete and/or structural steel construction (e.g. gravity load carrying columns and beams). Buildings may also have isolated exceptions to the lateral load resistive system requirements (for example, a single steel braced frame).
Buildings or additions under 2000 square feet in floor area that have primary lateral-load resistive systems utilizing concrete, masonry or steel construction. A single story masonry building of under 7000 sf, with a regular configuration (refer to C.B.C. Sec. 1629A.5.2) and wood-frame roof may be considered as a Class 2 structure.
Two-story relocatable building projects, utilizing shop-fabricated building frames.
Alteration, modernization and reconstruction projects that exceed the limitations of the Class 3 scope of work, but do not include substantial structural alterations to structural systems of concrete, steel or masonry.
Non-building structures that exceed the limitations of the Class 3 scope of work. CLASS 3:
Buildings or additions of wood frame single-story construction, with conventional (spread footing) concrete foundations and a total floor area less than 2000 square feet. Structures must utilize wood-frame shear walls as the primary lateral-load resistive system. The project may include isolated steel or concrete elements (e.g. steel or concrete columns).
Structural alteration projects limited to wood-frame single story construction. Large alteration projects involving significant changes to a majority of the lateral load resisting elements of a building may be classified as a Class 2 project. When deemed appropriate by DSA, alterations to (or addition of) isolated steel, masonry or concrete elements may be included in Class 3 projects.
Alteration and modernization projects that are non-structural, such as electrical, mechanical and/or plumbing work, disabled access features, and site improvement work.
Non-building structures, such as signs and poles less than 35' height, bleachers with a maximum 5 rows of seats, walls less than 10' height above grade, single-story canopies less than 200 square feet horizontal projected area. CLASS 4:
Site installation of premanufactured, single-story relocatable buildings. |
