Plan Submittal Process

New Construction

Preliminary Review for New Construction

A Preliminary Review is an appropriate first step for complex New Construction projects, such as new schools. LEAs with locally funded projects may also request this review to obtain CDE input. A Preliminary Review may also be conducted for projects with an outstanding CEQA determination.

Form SFPD 4.07 (DOC) – New Construction Project Information

This form provides essential project details, including the district, site, and scope of the new construction project, which would include new schools or building additions.

Preliminary Drawings

This could include preliminary or schematic construction plans, including site plans, floor plans, dimensions and area calculations, interior and exterior elevations, and demolition plans.

Educational Specifications

This board-adopted document describes how the proposed facilities will support the district’s instructional programs. Review this flowchart (PDF) to determine if submittal of Educational Specifications is required for your project.

(CCR, Title 5, § 14030[a])

Plan Summary – New School (DOC) OR Addition (DOC), if applicable

This form provides a concise, narrative overview of the proposed new construction project. Review this flowchart (PDF) to determine whether a New School or Addition Plan Summary are required for your project.

Final Approval for New Construction

A Final Approval is appropriate for simple or straightforward New Construction projects, such as the placement of portable classrooms or small building additions on existing school sites.

Form SFPD 4.07 (DOC) – New Construction Project Information

This form provides essential project details, including the district, site, and scope of the new construction project.

Final Construction Drawings

These are full sets of construction drawings, including the site plan, floor plans, dimensions and area calculations, and elevations. If the project includes any demolition, demolition plans should be provided as well.

Educational Specifications

This board-adopted document describes how the proposed facilities will support the district’s instructional programs. Review this flowchart (PDF) to determine if submittal of Educational Specifications is required for your project.

(CCR, Title 5, § 14030[a])

Plan Summary – New School (DOC) OR Addition (DOC), if applicable

This form provides a concise, narrative overview of the proposed new construction project. Review this flowchart (PDF) to determine whether a New School or Addition Plan Summary are required for your project.

Response to Preliminary Review Comments, if applicable

If the project received a Preliminary Review prior to the request for Final Approval, the LEA must provide a written response on district letterhead addressing any outstanding questions or requests included in the Preliminary Review Letter

Additional Documents, if applicable

Contact your Field Representative for assistance in determining whether special studies are required. If the LEA is pursuing CDE site approval for the project, the form SFPD 4.0 completed during the site review process will identify required special studies.

• Physical Education Plan: If the additional scope created by the New Construction project results in the site becoming less than or equal to 70% of CDE recommended acres, a PE plan is required. Additional guidance is available on the CDE website for the development of a PE plan for Elementary Schools and Middle/High Schools.
  
• Small School Site Worksheet: If the additional scope created by the New Construction project results in the site becoming less than or equal to 50% of CDE recommended acres, a Small School Site worksheet (XLS) is required, in addition to a PE Plan. Additional guidance is available on the CDE website related to Small School Sites.

 A Note About Site Approval

If a New Construction application involves a new school or new buildings on a proposed site addition, the district must obtain Final Site Approval before CDE can issue Final Plan Approval. For more information about the site approval process and its requirements, please refer to the Site Approval webpage. Site and plan packages may be submitted simultaneously and can be reviewed by CDE at the same time.

Modernization

Preliminary Review for Modernization

A Preliminary Review is an appropriate first step for complex Modernization projects, such as full campus replacements, major tear-down and rebuild efforts, or significant interior reconfigurations that alter classroom sizes or layouts.

Form SFPD 4.08 (DOC) – Modernization Project Information

This form provides essential project details, including the district, site, and scope of the modernization project.

Preliminary Modernization Drawings

This could include preliminary or schematic construction plans, including site plans, floor plans, dimensions and area calculations, interior and exterior elevations, and demolition plans.

Educational Specifications

This board-adopted document describes how the proposed facilities will support the district’s instructional programs. Review this flowchart (PDF) to determine if submittal of Educational Specifications is required for your project.

(CCR, Title 5, § 14030[a])

Plan Summary – New School (DOC), if applicable

This short form provides a summary of the modernization project scope, if applicable. Modernization projects typically require a plan summary if the project involves the demolition and reconstruction of 50% or more of the existing school’s square footage. Review this flowchart (PDF) to determine if submittal of Educational Specifications is required for your project.

Final Approval for Modernization

A Final Approval is appropriate for simple or limited-scope Modernization projects, such as improvements to interior finishes, HVAC systems, roofing, or accessibility features. Certain projects may also qualify for a Minor Modernization review.

Form SFPD 4.08 (DOC) – Modernization Project Information

This form provides essential project details, including the district, site, and scope of the modernization project.

Final Modernization Drawings

These are full sets of construction drawings, including the site plan, floor plans, dimensions and area calculations, and elevations. If the project includes any demolition, demolition plans should be provided as well.

Educational Specifications

This board-adopted document describes how the proposed facilities will support the district’s instructional programs. Review this flowchart (PDF) to determine if submittal of Educational Specifications is required for your project.

(CCR, Title 5, § 14030[a])

Plan Summary – New School (DOC), if applicable

This short form provides a summary of the modernization project scope, if applicable. Modernization projects typically require a plan summary if the project involves the demolition and reconstruction of 50% or more of the existing school’s square footage. Review this flowchart (PDF) to determine if submittal of Educational Specifications is required for your project.

Response to Preliminary Review Comments, if applicable

If the project received a Preliminary Review prior to the request for Final Approval, the LEA must provide a written response addressing any outstanding questions or requests included in the Preliminary Review Letter. This typically takes the form of a signed cover letter on LEA letterhead.

A Note About Modernization Reimbursements

For Modernization reimbursement projects, note that older DSA-approved plans may not meet current Title 5 standards. Additional modifications may be required to achieve compliance, which can increase project costs.

Supercedes

An LEA may request a Supercede approval when a previously issued CDE approval letter needs to be corrected or changed. This occurs when there are changes to the master plan capacity, project capacity, or the scope of the plans. Supercede requests are used to address corrections, minor adjustments, or reductions to an approved scope. If an LEA seeks to expand the scope of a project, such as by adding new classrooms, a new application must be submitted.

Requests may be submitted by email to the LEA’s Field Representative, using Form SFPD 4.17 and supporting documentation. The form helps CDE evaluate the educational program impacts and confirm continued compliance with CCR Title 5.

Form SFPD 4.17 (DOC) – Submission Requirements for Site and Plan Supercede Approvals

This form is used to request correction of a previously issued Final Approval when the original approval needs revision.

Supporting Documentation

Include documentation that clearly identifies what corrections are being requested. This could include annotated plans, explanation of the error, and justification for changes.

Renewals

If a CDE Plan Approval letter has expired, an LEA may request a Renewal of that letter. Requests for Renewal may be submitted by email to the LEA’s Field Representative.

Request Letter from LEA

The LEA must submit a signed letter on LEA letterhead requesting a Renewal. The LEA should include all relevant project information, including the site name and Project Tracking Number (PTN). The LEA must also certify that there have been no changes to the scope of work contained in the original project plans and forms submitted at the time of approval. If there have been changes in the approved scope of work, a new application must be submitted.