W. Va. Code R. § 9-1-8

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 49, December 6, 2024
Section 9-1-8 - Seal Requirements
8.1. All final professional documents, including maps, plans, designs, drawings, specifications, estimates and reports issued by a landscape architect shall contain a seal, signature and date whenever they are presented to a client, the public or a governmental agency. A landscape architect's license shall be in full force and effect in order to seal documents.
8.2. A signature shall be:
8.2.a. A handwritten message containing the name of the person who applied it; or
8.2.b. A digital signature, provided pursuant to an electronic authentication process approved by the Board, attached or logically associated with an electronic document. The digital signature shall be:
8.2.b.1. Unique to the person using it;
8.2.b.2. Capable of verification;
8.2.b.3. Under the sole control of the person using it; and
8.2.b.4. Linked to a document in such a manner that the digital signature is invalidated if any data in the document is changed.
8.3. A landscape architect shall not affix his or her seal or signature to documents that were developed by others not under the direct control and personal supervision of the landscape architect.
8.4. A seal shall contain the following information:
8.4.a. The words "State of West Virginia";
8.4.b. The licensee's full name;
8.4.c. The license number; and
8.4.d. The words "Professional Landscape Architect".
8.5. Each licensee shall obtain a rubber stamp or embosser seal which shall be 1-3/4" in diameter.

The Board may approve minor modifications as to size and marginal lines as long as the seal is easily legible.

8.6. The seal shall follow the wording and format as shown in this subsection:

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8.7. Any seal, rubber stamp or embossing must be filed with and approved by the Board before it may be used.
8.8. A registrant shall report the loss or theft of his or her seal to the Board as soon as practical after the loss or theft.
8.9. The use of a licensee's seal on any plans, drawings, specifications, reports or other instruments of service which were not prepared by the licensee or under his or her immediate and responsible supervision, or permitting a licensee's name to be used for the purpose of assisting any person to evade the provisions of W. Va. Code § 30-22-1 et seq., shall subject the licensee to suspension or revocation of his or her license or temporary permit.
8.10. The licensee shall apply his or her seal or reproducible facsimile on all original drawings to produce a legible reproduction on all copies or prints made from the drawings.
8.11. Documents submitted for landscape architectural services in this State shall be signed and sealed by the firm's landscape architect in responsible charge or the project landscape architect.
8.12. The licensee shall seal, number, date and initial any revisions he or she has made.
8.13. The licensee is responsible for the improper use of his or her seal on work not prepared either by the licensee or under his or her direct supervision.
8.14. When a landscape architect registered in another State has a temporary permit to practice in this State, that person shall use his or her seal and affix his or her signature along with the temporary permit number to documents submitted for landscape architectural services performed in this State.

W. Va. Code R. § 9-1-8