La. Admin. Code tit. 34 § III-329

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

Section III-329 - Process

A. In order to allow for the highest level of flexibility, innovation and imagination to be applied to the implementation of the Principles of Universal Design, these rules establish the philosophical concepts that are to be utilized in the design, construction or renovation of state buildings.

1. The requirement to incorporate principles of universal design into the design will be made part of the architectural program for all applicable projects.

2. The universal design requirement will be stated in any advertisements or other solicitations for the procurement of design services for building construction or building renovation.

3. The architectural program, including the requirement to incorporate principles of universal design will be made part of the design contract for all applicable projects.

4. Features following the principles of universal design will be determined by the designer and confirmed by the owner.

a. During the development of the design of the project and no later than the beginning of the production of construction documents, the designer will review the principles of universal design, existing examples of universal design and other information and use this information to identify and develop features that utilize universal design principles as well as conforming to the mission of the project.

b. The designer will translate these principles into design features the cost of which will make up at least two percent of the estimated construction cost.

c. The designer will provide a report in a format defined by the owner including the following:

i. an itemized list of each feature that adheres to the principles of universal design;

ii. a dollar value for each feature;

iii. a description of each feature and an explanation of why each feature is above and beyond standard practice for the occupancy and quality level of the project.

d. The owner will review this report and verify that the features follow the principles of universal design and that the cost allocation is reasonable.

e. Approval of this report will authorize the designer to incorporate the features in the project design. Once approved this report will be final and will serve as the documentation of compliance with the provisions of R.S. 38:2318.2 unless the project scope is changed in such a way that the estimated construction cost is increased by more than two percent. If this situation obtains, the designer shall modify his/her report by including additional features or expanding existing ones to maintain the minimum two percent.

f. Questions about the validity of proposed universal design features between the designer and the owner that cannot be resolved may be referred to an advisory group established by AIA Louisiana (Louisiana Chapter of the American Institute of Architects) in accordance with RS 38:2318.2(F)(1). Features determined to be invalid will not be included in the approved list and the designer will modify his/her report to include additional features or expand existing ones to maintain the minimum two percent.

g. If the construction contract award amount varies from the estimated construction cost it will be assumed that all costs vary on a proportional basis and therefore the cost of the universal design features will continue to represent two percent of the total cost.

La. Admin. Code tit. 34, § III-329

Promulgated by the Office of the Governor, Division of Administration, Office of Facility Planning and Control, LR 36:1543 (July 2010).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act 368 of the 2009 Regular Legislative Session .