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School plan review
Instructions for K-12 schools with new construction, remodel, additions and playgrounds.
Does my school need a plan review?
The local health department must review and approve all K-12 school construction plans before you can start the building or playground construction project (see Washington Administrative Code [WAC] 246-366-040). In King County, the local health department is Public Health—Seattle & King County (Public Health). When the construction is completed, Public Health must conduct a pre-occupancy inspection before students can use the new or remodeled facilities (including classroom portables and playgrounds).
We must review and approve K-12 school plans before any construction can begin on:
- Building a new school
- Remodeling an existing school
- Adding or moving portables
- Changing an existing building into a school
- Changing sports fields
- Moving or installing specialty classrooms (e.g., science labs)
- Adding a K-12 playground or moving playground equipment
How do I apply for school plan review?
Applications for school building and playground plan review and requests for pre-occupancy inspections are handled through the Public Health Permit Center. See detailed guidance below:
What are the school fees?
- Base fee (covers 2 hours): $504.00
- Additional fee (for time beyond base 2 hours): $252/hour
Other types of reviews and inspections your school may need
- Public Health's Private school certification inspections to meet the approval requirements by the Washington State Board of Education or Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for Non-Public Agency schools
- Food Protection Program inspects permitted food facilities at K-12 schools, Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC)
- Application for Permanent Food Plan Review, PHSKC
- Water Recreation Facility Plan Review, PHSKC
- Plumbing and gas piping applications and permits, PHSKC
- Guidance on Operating a Licensed Child Care Program, WA State Dept. of Children, Youth, and Families
- Current Nonpublic Agencies, WA Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Key resources
- Chapter 246-366 Primary and Secondary Schools
Washington State regulations for health and safety in primary and secondary schools. - School Environmental Health and Safety, WA State Dept. of Health
Provides information and resources for environmental health and safety in schools and organized by topic.
Forms:
- School Building Plan Review Application Checklist
- School Playground Plan Review Application Checklist
- School Preoccupancy Inspection Checklist
- Pre-Occupancy Inspection Request Form
Guidance:
- How to cool down your school (1.2 MB)