Plan Approval by DHEC

All reviews performed by Health Facilities Construction are done on an appointment ONLY basis with the owner or owner's representative(s) present. The architect, and/or engineer may be present also, or in place of the owner. Reviews may be done in 1 or 3 stages as necessary depending on the complexity of the project. Schematic, design development and final drawings are recommended for large projects but all three steps are not required. The object of the reviews is to get a set of approvable drawings properly sealed and with all required documentation. Final construction documents must be properly signed, sealed and dated at the time of the final review. (Architects and Engineers - Please see section entitled: Notes for Architects and Engineers)

The following documentation must also be submitted at the review. The project or drawings cannot be approved without this documentation. See Project Information Form.

  1. A description of the project.
  2. Water and Sewer permits (or letters indicating that water and sewer are available)
  3. Zoning permit.
  4. Fire Department Letter indicating the local fire department has the equipment or arrangements to fight a fire in that type of facility. (Not required if a fire hydrant is within or will be within 500 feet of the building.)
  5. Sprinkler Specification Sheet, if required.
  6. Separate duplicate plan for any commercial kitchen in the project.

Please Do Not Mail-in construction documents. "Mail in" reviews are done when we get to them and history has shown that our schedules don't allow us to review them. This is necessary in order for us to maintain a reasonable review schedule.

Construction Documents submitted to this office are 'record' public documents and thus must be properly signed and sealed by the design professional responsible for the content. Such seals and signatures must be in keeping with the requirements of the South Carolina State Board of Architectural Examiners and the South Carolina State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Construction documents submitted to DHEC must bear the appropriate "wet" seals of the design professionals registered in South Carolina.

Plans and a review are necessary for any change to the physical plant of a licensed facility which has an effect on the function or use of an area, structural integrity, active and passive fire safety systems, exit corridors, and door and/or wall assemblies. Cost of a project has no bearing on whether a review is needed or not.

Because this office often has a several week backlog it is suggested appointments be made as soon as the expected review date is determined. It is easier to postpone an appointment than to try to work around previously scheduled dates.

All subsequent addenda, change orders, field orders, and contractor letters altering the above must be submitted. Any substantial deviation from approved plans shall require written notification and review from the Division of Health Facilities Construction.

When you come for your plan review, bring One (1) complete set of plans, specifications and addenda (if applicable) for review by Health Facilities Construction. This will remain our office copy.

If construction is delayed for a period of twelve months from the time of approval of final drawings, a new evaluation and/or approval is required.

Where sprinkler protection is provided, see the section: "FIRE PROTECTION PLANS DESIGN AND APPROVAL"