This brochure has been published by a joint effort of the Oklahoma State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers

and Land Surveyors, the Board of Governors of Licensed Architects and Landscape Architects of Oklahoma, and the State Fire Marshal in order to aid building officials, design and construction professionals, and the general public in understanding the laws governing the practice of architecture and engineering in Oklahoma. Information contained herein is basic and not intended to be a complete discussion of the Oklahoma laws. A major effort has been made to identify and address the questions most frequently asked by building officials. Building officials protect the public by enforcing building code requirements. Throughout the plan check and inspection process, building officials try to ensure compliance with building codes, local codes, and ordinances. Building officials have the authority to reject documents as submitted and to withhold permits. Building officials rely on the State Boards to assure that the registrants and licensees are competent to practice. The Boards must depend primarily upon the local building officials and State Fire Marshal, particularly in municipalities with no local building code officials, to assure that only those who are properly licensed are allowed to provide design services.

? WHICH TYPE OF LICENSEE MUST

PREPARE AND SEAL THE PLANS?
MAY ARCHITECTS PREPARE AND SEAL ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS?

as long as there is something identifying what is included. SECURITY OF SEAL - CAN SOMEONE ELSE USE AN INDIVUDALS SEAL? a / e No. The licensee is also responsible for / e a the security of his or her seal at all times. MUST PROFESSIONAL CORPORATIONS USE CORPORATE SEALS ON PLANS? a No. However, all firms must include the name of the firm, the registrant, and the date prepared, along with the individual licensees seal, signature, and date of signature. e No. However, all firms must include the certificate of authorization number, handwritten date of expiration, along with the registrants seal, handwritten signature, and handwritten date of signature.

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PLANS FOR CHANGES TO EXEMPT STRUCTURES? Exempt only if changes: Less than $40,000 and exempt by the State Architectural Act. Exempt only if changes: Do not alter or affect the structural system. Do not change live or dead loads.

? WHAT KINDS OF DOCUMENTS DO

NOT REQUIRE A SIGNATURE, SEAL, AND DATE?
MUST LICENSEES SIGN, SEAL, AND DATE PRESENTATION DOCUMENTS (RENDERINGS USED TO COMMUNICATE CONCEPTUAL INFORMATION ONLY) THAT ARE NOT A PART OF A SET OF DRAWINGS? aa//ee No. MUST LICENSEES SIGN, SEAL, AND DATE INCOMPLETE DOCUMENTS? a Yes, if the documents constitute the finished product of the architects contract. e Not required if marked, This document is preliminary in nature and is not a final, signed and sealed document. MAY LICENSEE SIGN, SEAL, AND DATE SHEETS OR PAGES PREPARED BY LICENSED PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS? aa No, sheets or pages prepared by licensed professionals such as structural, mechanical or electrical engineers retained by architect shall bear the seal and registration number of the consultant. e No.

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Architects may not seal electrical, mechanical, plumbing, civil or structural engineering documents unless these documents are also signed and sealed by the registered engineer who prepared them, and the architect intends to be responsible for them. MAY PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS PREPARE AND SEAL ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTS? e e Although some building design is not required to be done by an architect, if the design of the exempt building is within the competency of the professional engineer, the professional engineer may do so, but may not represent the work as an architectural document.

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MAY A LICENSEE MODIFY AND SIGN, SEAL, AND DATE A DECEASED LICENSEES UNSEALED DRAWINGS WITHOUT COMPLETELY REDRAWING THEM? a //ee In the case of a deceased licensees a unsigned and unsealed plans, the registrant must completely check the plans to ensure accuracy and completeness prior to signing and sealing the plans. MAY A LICENSEE MODIFY AND SIGN, SEAL AND DATE CHANGES TO DRAWINGS WHICH WERE PREVIOUSLY SIGNED, SEALED AND DATED BY ANOTHER LICENSEE WITHOUT COMPLETELY REDRAWING THEM ? a // ee Yes, if licensee clearly marks the a modifications and puts a written disclaimer on the plans. MAY A LICENSEE SEAL PLANS BEGUN OR CONTRACTED FOR A PERSON NOT PROPERLY LICENSED? a a // ee No, unless the licensee redraws the plans, making them his/her work product. MAY NON-EXEMPT PLANS BEARING THE SEAL OF ONE DISCIPLINE (CIVIL, STRUCTURAL, MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, OR ARCHITECTURE) COMBINED WITH NON-SEALED DRAWINGS OF OTHER DISCIPLINES BE ACCEPTED FOR BIDDING, PERMITTING OR CONSTRUCTION? a / e No, all drawings must be signed, sealed, and dated by the appropriate licensee.

Requirements

PLANS FOR ALTERATIONS OR UPFITTING OF A SHELL OR UNFINISHED STRUCTURE? a // ee Exempt only if the structure has a a current certificate of occupancy, and the type of proposed occupancy will not change its exemption.

>Using the Appropriate Design Professional >A & E Practice Rules

>Signing and Sealing of Documents

REQUIREMENTS REGARDING THE SEALS AND SIGNATURES?

MAY A LICENSEE USE AN ELECTRONIC SEAL AND SIGNATURE?

? ARE THERE SPECIAL

EXEMPT IN THE BUILDING CODE FROM THE A OR E REQUIREMENTS AND PREPARED BY OTHERS?
While there are certain exemptions from the requirements of an architects or professional engineers seal, it is important that the code official exercise judgment to require seals where necessary to protect the public. MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PLANS? aa//ee Exempt if two stories or less.

? WHAT PROJECT PLANS MAY BE

The drawings themselves are exempt, but the accompanying calculations are not exempt.

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SHOP DRAWINGS? Exempt.

REQUIRED TO BE SIGNED, SEALED AND DATED?

MUST A LICENSEE SIGN AND SEAL ALL PLANS PREPARED FOR BIDDING, PERMITTING OR CONSTRUCTION? a // ee Yes. a ARE SPECIFICATIONS REQUIRED TO BE SIGNED AND SEALED? a / ee Yes, and the sections for which each / a licensee is responsible must be clearly identified. MUST A LICENSEE SIGN, SEAL AND DATE PLANS HE/SHE DESIGNS FOR EXEMPT PROJECTS? a / e Yes. a / e ARE ADDENDA OR CHANGE ORDERS REQUIRED TO BE SIGNED, SEALED, AND DATED? a // ee Yes, if the original plans are prepared by a a licensee or the change order is prepared by a licensee.

? WHAT KINDS OF DOCUMENTS ARE

a a Permitted subject to detailed requirements

for electronic signatures.

? UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES

ARE LICENSEES LIMITED FROM SIGNING, SEALING AND DATING CERTAIN DOCUMENTS?

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Electronic seal permitted, but electronic signature not permitted. The signature must be an original, handwritten signature.

MAY A LICENSEE SEAL ANOTHER LICENSED DESIGNERS STANDARD DESIGN (PROTOTYPICAL) PLANS? aa//ee Yes, subject to special requirements detailed in rules, including disclaimer. MUST THE LICENSEE SIGN, SEAL, AND DATE EACH SHEET OF ORIGINAL DRAWINGS ISSUED FOR BIDDING, PERMITTING OR CONSTRUCTION? a / a / e Yes, required on original or reproducible. MUST THE LICENSEE SIGN, SEAL, AND DATE EACH PAGE OF A SET OF A BOUND SET OF SPECIFICATIONS OR TECHNICAL SUBMISSIONS? a / e No. The licensee may sign, seal and date a only the cover sheet, signature sheet, or index sheet

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AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS? Exempt. Engineer may be required by the applicable building code.

SHALL A LICENSEE SIGN, SEAL, AND DATE AN OPINION LETTER OR REPORT CONCERNING WHETHER PLANS THAT HE/ SHE DID NOT PREPARE COMPLY WITH THE BUILDING CODE? aa // ee Yes. MAY A LICENSEE SIGN, SEAL, AND DATE A DOCUMENT THAT WAS NOT PERSONALLY PREPARED BY LICENSEE OR UNDER HIS/ HER DIRECT CONTROL AND PERSONAL SUPERVISION? a a Yes, if the architect is in responsible control of the document.

PLANS FOR CHURCHES, COMMERCIAL & EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURES LESS THAN $40,000 IN VALUE? a //ee Exempt, but value is defined as a probable completed construction cost, including donated labor & materials, change orders (but not including land value), or the total value of the building for an addition, remodel, or repair. PLANS FOR CHANGES TO PREVIOUSLY a / e EXEMPT STRUCTURES? a / e Exempt only if finished structure would still qualify for its original exemption.

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No.

? WHEN IS AN ELECTRICAL
ENGINEER REQUIRED ON A PROJECT?
AS LONG AS THERE IS AN ARCHITECT INVOLVED ON A DESIGN PROJECT, AND HE/SHE IS WILLING TO ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ELECTRICAL DESIGN, IS THERE ANY REQUIREMENT FOR THE INVOLVEMENT OF AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEER? Unless the architect involved on the design project is also a registered professional engineer, competent in the electrical engineering discipline, an electrical engineer registered in Oklahoma is required to design the project, if the project includes new or renovated electrical installations involving service entrances or utilization equipment equal to or in excess of the following: Equal to or greater than 150 KVA connected load without application of any diversity, or, 277/480 volt, or, 480V 3 phase, or, Any phase greater than 250 volt, or, 10,000 amps or more of fault current available, or, If utility increases the existing service the transformer size or increases the available fault current to an existing facility, or, Any building which, by law, requires an architect, or, Special Electrical Systems greater than 90 volts

? WHEN ISA MECHANICAL ENGINEER

REQUIRED ON A PROJECT?
MAY A MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR DEVELOP MECHANICAL PLANS FOR A BUILDING PROJECT ON A DESIGN/BUILD BASIS WITHOUT USING A REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER?

? WHEN IS A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

REQUIRED ON A PROJECT?
CAN A CITY BUILDING OFFICIAL ASSUME THAT AN ENGINEERS SEAL ON A SET OF PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDING DRAWINGS APPLIES TO THE FOUNDATION DRAWINGS AS WELL, EVEN THOUGH THE FOUNDATION DOCUMENTS MAY ONLY CONTAIN THE ARCHITECTS SEAL? ee No. A pre-engineered building supplier typically does not do the foundation design. IS IT AN ACCEPTABLE ARRANGEMENT FOR THE STRUCTURAL FRAMING PLANS FOR A BUILDING PROJECT TO CALL FOR THE ROOF FRAMING AND/OR FLOOR FRAMING TO BE DESIGNED BY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE ITEM? e e No, unless the following circumstances and conditions exist: The designs are performed by qualified PEs who are registered to practice in Oklahoma. These PEs can either be employees of the manufacturer or consultants to the manufacturer. Properly sealed, signed, and dated design calculations and drawings shall be submitted to the engineer-of-record for his or her review and/or as a record for the file. The Engineer-of-Record is willing to accept the design calculations supplied by the manufacturer as a true reflection of the loading conditions and design criteria specified on the original construction documents. GIVEN THAT OKLAHOMA IS FAR FROM THE WEST COAST, WHERE MOST EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITIES OCCUR, IS IT SAFE TO ASSUME THAT THE LATERAL LOAD SYSTEMS OF LOW-RISE BUILDINGS ARE GOING TO BE CONTROLLED BY WIND LOADS? e e No! Given the new International Building Code requirements, this is NOT a good assumption, especially for buildings utilizing precast concrete or masonry construction, as well as buildings with unusual plan shapes or framing systems.

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WHEN IS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER NOT REQUIRED FOR THE DESIGN OF THE HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEM FOR A BUILDING? The general guidance for exemptions to the requirement that a registered professional engineer be involved for the HVAC design are as follows: Single-family residences are exempt, even though the homeowner may require an engineer if he/she wishes. A commercial building that is a stand- alone structure with a single tenant, has an occupancy load less than 50 people, has no potentially hazardous materials used or stored in it, has no health care services provided in it, or has no air quality or fire hazard issues associated with the occupancy would be considered exempt if it uses a non-engineered, roof-top or on-grade package unit for the HVAC system. IS IT ACCEPTABLE FOR A NONREGISTERED MECHANICAL ENGINEER, OR ENGINEER INTERN, WHO WORKS FOR AN A/E FIRM IN WHICH ALL OF THE ENGINEERS ARE ENGINEERS OF OTHER DISCIPLINES, TO DESIGN THE HVAC SYSTEM FOR A PROJECT, AS LONG AS IT IS SEALED BY BOTH THE PROJECT ARCHITECT AND THE PROJECT ENGINEER?

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ARE THE SERVICES OF A REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL (STRUCTURAL) ENGINEER REQUIRED FOR SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES ? e e Single-family residences do not normally require the design services of professional (structural) engineers, except for some large custom-designed homes where the owner requests the services or the spans are too large for typical code-specified framing to work. Generally, the only times a structural engineer will become involved in a single-family residence are the following: When there is a problem with the foundation or the framing of the house, such as storm damage, soil movements, or unusual deflections and damages in the architectural finishes. When an existing house is being sold and the mortgage company is looking for someone to identify and describe the various structural movements and damages that have occurred in the structure, as well as providing some recommendations of what should be done to eliminate the problems. When the design of the house involves a structural system which are outside of the typical structural framing and foundation systems specified in the residential building code. ARE THE SERVICES OF A REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL (STRUCTURAL) ENGINEER REQUIRED FOR SMALL COMMERCIAL STRUCTURES AND MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENCES? e e Yes, in some instances. Even on structures where architects are not required, Oklahoma law requires engineers to be involved in the design. In some instances, similar to the electrical and mechanical limitations on buildings with small electrical service requirements and buildings using packaged HVAC systems, buildings which use offthe-shelf structural systems and members, or codeprescribed structural systems or members, will not normally require structural engineering input from a P.E. As a general rule, these can be defined by the following list of exemptions: Structures that do not require an architect, or

PROPER SIGNATURES AND SEALS SEALS PROPERLY SIGNED AND DATED: Original or electronic signature and date a permitted.

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RED FLAGS FOR PLAN REVIEWERS!
BE ALERT TO THESE ISSUES:

Original handwritten signature and date required.

Documents considered to fulfill an entire contract with a client, whether or not the plans are complete, shall be signed, sealed and dated (as above). The architect may add any words on the documents to indicate that the documents are incomplete and not for construction. Work of a preliminary nature, submitted e to obtain comments and not for formal approval, shall be clearly marked with the following statement: This document is preliminary in nature and is not final, signed and sealed document.

? WHOM CAN I CONTACT?

OKLAHOMA STATE BOARD OF REGISTRATION FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS & LAND SURVEYORS 201 N.E. 27th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73105 (phone) 405-521-2874 (fax) 405-523-2135 www.pels.state.ok.us BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF LICENSED ARCHITECTS AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS OF OKLAHOMA Landmark Towers P.O. Box 53430 Oklahoma City, OK 73152 or 3555 Northwest 58th Street, Suite 640 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (phone) 405- 949-2383 (fax) 405- 949-1690 www.youroklahoma.com/architects/ OKLAHOMA STATE FIRE MARSHAL 2401 N.W. 23rd, Suite 4 Oklahoma City, OK 73107 (phone) 405-522-5005, (fax) 405-522-5028

Architectural (A) sheets sealed by an engineer Engineering (S, E, M & P) sheets sealed by an architect Plans sealed by an architect or engineer who is an employee of a non-licensed firm or company Incomplete documents sealed without a disclaimer Plans that have not been sealed, signed and dated by the appropriate licensee(s) Prototypical plans that do not bear the seal of the original preparer Prototypical plans that do not bear the seal of an Oklahoma licensee and disclaimer Plans for upfitting a shell structure without a current certificate of occupancy Unsealed church and school plans stating that the plans are for oneself Seals that appear to be cut and pasted Contact person is not the licensee or it is difficult to contact the licensee Plans, details, letter reports, etc. do not appear to apply to the project Plans have numerous or serious code violations Non-dated revisions Plans which bear dates much earlier than the dates submitted Plans which do not list the name of the architect or engineers involved Revisions or changes missing seal, signature and date
WHAT TO DO? Question the professional as to circumstances and qualifications Get corrected Reject Contact licensing board File complaint

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No, the design must be performed by, or under the direction supervision of, an engineer qualified to practice in the specific discipline.

Structures that are framed using typical off-theshelf framing systems, or Structures that are less than 10,000 square feet in gross area, including all overhangs and balconies, or Structures that have a code-specified occupancy of less than 50 people, or Structures that are used strictly for the housing of equipment or storage of non-flammable, non-toxic, and non-hazardous materials.