Obtaining Construction Plan Review & Approval for
Community Residential Care Facilities

Plan approval and construction approval must be obtained from the DHEC Division of Health Facilities Construction (DHFC) [(803) 545-4370]. The first step is to assemble the plans and specifications (Construction Documents) for submission to DHEC. An architect or engineer is required to draw the plans for a CRCF housing of six or more residents. Plans for a CRCF with five or less residents must be submitted for review and must be drawn to scale, but are not required to be drawn by an architect. A CRCF does not require a Certificate of Need. All buildings, new and existing, being licensed for the first time or changing their license to provide a different service must meet the current codes and regulations.

REVIEW PROCEDURES

All reviews performed by Health Facilities Construction are conducted on an appointment ONLY basis with the owner or owners representative(s) present. "Mail in" reviews are no longer acceptable. Please Do Not Mail-in construction documents. They will not be reviewed.

The following documentation must also be submitted at the review (the project or drawings cannot be approved without this documentation).

  1. A description of the project;
  2. Water and sewer permits (or letters indicating that water and sewer are available);
  3. Local Zoning permit;
  4. Local Fire Department letter;
  5. Sprinkler specification sheet, if required;
  6. Separate kitchen plan for a commercial kitchen is required in facilities licensed for more than five residents. (International Mechanical Code);
  7. If you are making any changes or modifications to an existing licensed facility, a DHFC review of construction documents is necessary before construction begins. (This includes any change to the physical plant of a licensed facility that will have 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. Please contact your DHFC representative);
  8. Due to the fact that DHFC often has a backlog of several weeks, it is suggested that appointments be made as soon as the expected review date is determined;
  9. At the time of your final plan review, bring one complete set of plans, and specifications. This will remain our office copy.

CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURE

  1. If construction duration (start to finish) exceeds 12 months from date of DHFC final construction documents acceptance letter a new written evaluation or extension (see project number) must be issued by DHFC.
  2. Based on the scope of construction work, DHFC, will establish with owner/Architect the number of inspections required. (Please contact your DHFC representative.)
  3. The final inspection is conducted when the architect or owner schedules the inspection. At the time of final inspection, we expect the building to be finished, including "owner-installed" items and to be clean. During the final inspection, DHFC will check all appropriate areas of site, building and test all systems. ( Please contact your DHFC representative).
  4. Upon completion of the project, certain documentation is required for final inspection. The project will not be approved without this required documentation. To aid in compiling the required documentation, a list is furnished here: Construction Required Documentation (pdf). On this list, enter the dates of the letters of certification. All certification letter(s) should be copied; the originals are to be retained by the owner.
  5. Upon satisfactory completion of the final construction inspection, a Notice of Completion will be issued to the Division of Health Licensing indicating that the construction project has been accepted. The owner must arrange for a visit by Health Licensing prior to resident occupancy. Health Licensing will not visit until the Health Facilities Construction has indicated acceptance of construction.

DHEC Health Facilities Construction Regions

The state is divided into three regions. Your contact for construction approval is determined by the county in which the facility will be located; the chart located here will indicate who to call, ask questions, or set up an appointment.

Plan Review and Construction Inspection Checklist