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Public, Private and Charter Schools Construction
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Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 444.335 grants that the Health Authority shall have supervision over the sanitation, healthfulness, cleanliness and safety as it pertains to public and private schools and school gymnasiums.

Plans must be submitted for all new construction, remodeling, or significant alteration or addition to any part of a school facility, for review and approval by the Health Authority, before construction begins.

Plans must be submitted on any existing building not previously used as a school facility for review and approval by the Health Authority prior to the permitting of the building as a public, private or charter school. If there is a change in classroom or facility use, the operator must contact the Health Authority to determine necessary remodel requirements.

The information presented below serves as a general guideline. Each public, private or charter school will be reviewed based upon projected use. Individuals responsible for the construction or operation or the school facility must contact Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD), Plan Review Section regarding applicable fees and to schedule a plan review appointment.

Foodservice

A public or private school that provides, prepares or serves food must conform to all applicable food service rules and regulations regarding good food protection and sanitation practices as set forth in the most current Southern Nevada Health District Regulations (1996) Governing the Sanitation of Food Establishments. Properly developed plans as outlined in the SNHD Food Service Establishment Plan Review Requirements for Equipment & Facilities checklist must be submitted as noted above.

All kitchens that prepare food for student consumption and the general public must maintain a current food service health permit as issued by the Southern Nevada Health District. This includes student stores and other permanent locations used to prepare or sell foods on a regular, routine basis. The applicant must refer to the SNHD Regulations (1996) Governing the Sanitation of Food Establishments, and NRS 446. The Foods Service Policy webpage details our authority and enforcement procedures in relation to NRS 446.

General Facility Design
     
  1. Buildings, walkways, stairways and equipment must be constructed of durable materials that can be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner.
     
  2. Floors must be made of durable material, easily cleanable, and appropriate to the application.
     
  3. Classrooms and other student occupied areas must be capable of maintaining an ambient temperature in the 68-80 (85°F maximum) c F range year round.
     
  4.

Light intensity must be provided at or above the minimum foot-candle in accordance with the following:

Area Intensity in foot-candles (fc)
General instructional areas 50 fc on the work surface
Labs, Home Economics, Vocational 50 fc on the work surface
Gyms, Locker rooms, Lavatories 30 fc
Non-instructional, Toilet areas 20 fc

All light bulbs and fluorescent tubes in child-occupied areas must be shatterproof or protected by effective shields.
     
     
  5. GFCI-protected outlets must be provided for all locations where a receptacle is within six (6) feet of a cooper or steel water line, metal sink rim, or other grounding source.
     
  6. Lockers, bookshelves, and other fixed furniture and equipment must be installed to prevent tipping.
     
  7. Benches, mats and other gymnasium furniture and equipment must have non-porous, durable, cleanable surfaces.
     
Water Supply and Sanitary Fixtures:
     
Potable water fixture requirements:
     
  1. There must be a minimum of 15 psi water pressure to all fixtures.
     
  2. Water supply must be from a source approved by the Health Authority.
     
  3. A minimum of one water fountain per floor is necessary. In addition, a minimum of two water fountains must be provided at each gymnasium, and at least one water fountain must be provided in each outdoor play area. Water flow must be adjusted so that the water clears the fixture guard.
     
  4. Areas specifically accommodating kindergarten and early childhood students must install water fountains within child reach. In the case of a counter drop-in water fountain, the countertop must not exceed 26 inches in height.
     
  5. Water fountain bubblers must not be installed on sinks. Water fountains must be installed a minimum eighteen inches (18”) from any sink or other potential source of contamination.
     
  6. If provided, classroom sinks shall deliver tempered water within 40 seconds. Warm water service shall be a maximum of 110° F where a sink has separate hot and cold water through a mixing faucet or warm water service between 90-110° F from a tempered-only water source.
     
  7. Child care or special education classrooms where food is provided from home, and rinsing of containers and bottles for return to parents may be needed, must have a sink dedicated to that service that is not used for hand washing. This utensil rinsing sink must be located a minimum eighteen (18) inches from a hand washing sink or other source of contamination. The sink must be plumbed to hot (minimum 110°F) and cold water.
     
  8. Anti-siphon, backflow prevention, vacuum breakers, or other appropriate devices must be installed on all water outlets to which a hose may be attached. All systems to which a potable water supply is directly connected and to which chemicals, other hazardous substances, or compressed gas are added or present, e.g. boilers, chiller systems, carbonators, etc., must have a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device (RP) or other device approved by the Health Authority which can be tested and which device will discharge water indirectly to the sewer should the device fail. Testing of backflow prevention devices is required annually.
     
  9. Any building that has an open water cooling tower must have a system for biocide treatment of the water.
     
Toilet and lavatory facilities:
     
  1. Restrooms shall be no further than 250 feet from classrooms. In the case of new construction of kindergarten and early childhood programs, restroom access shall be directly in the classroom or immediately outside the classroom door.
     
  2. Floors, walls and ceilings must be durable, non-porous, cleanable surfaces. Floor wall junctures must be tightly coved with appropriate concave coving.
     
  3.

Water closets must be provided as required by the most current Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). Based upon the 1997 UPC, the following minimum fixture per students ratio or fraction thereof shall be provided:

  Male Female
Elementary one per 30* one per 25
Secondary one per 40* one per 30

*Where urinals are provided, one water closet less than the number specified may be provided for each urinal installed, except the number of water closets in such cases must not be reduced to less than one half of the minimum specified.
     
  4. Restrooms utilized by kindergarten and early childhood students must have water closets with a maximum toilet rim height of fifteen inches (15”).
     
  5. An adequate supply of toilet tissue must be available from a wall-hung dispenser, located within student reach of each toilet.
     
  6. Those facilities that enroll students that are not fully potty-trained must provide a diapering surface constructed of smooth, impervious, nonabsorbent material that is of adequate length and width to accommodate the student safely. The diapering surface must be used for diapering exclusively, located out of child activity areas and be adjacent to a sink used for hand washing exclusively.
     
  7. Lavatories must be located in or immediately adjacent to all toileting areas. Lavatories must be provided at a minimum ratio of one lavatory for every two water closets or fraction thereof.
       
    a. Each lavatory faucet must deliver tempered water within 40 seconds. Warm water service must be a maximum of 110°F where a sink has separate hot and cold water through a mixing faucet OR warm water service between 90-110°F from a tempered-only water source.
       
    b. If self-regulating faucets are used, they must be of a metered type, capable of providing a minimum twenty (20) seconds of flow per actuation.
     
  8.

Lavatories in areas used specifically by kindergarten and early childhood students must be installed at an appropriate child height as follows:

Maximum sink heights to front rim (inches)
Age Group Wall hung Counter Drop in
Toddler 22” 21”
Preschool 24” 22”
Kindergarten 26” 24”
     
  9. Single service hand towels from a wall hung dispenser or other hand drying device as approved by the Health Authority and dispenser held soap shall be provided at each hand washing area. An approved trash receptacle shall be in close proximity for towel disposal.
     
  10. Lavatories must not be used for food preparation, utensil rinsing, as a drinking water source or a storage area.
     
  11. Lavatories, if installed in classrooms, must meet the service supply requirements as listed above, 7. (a) and (b).
     
Showers, if provided, must meet the following requirements:
     
  1. Showers must be automatically controlled to provide tempered water within 40 seconds between 100 and 110°F., or with separate hot and cold faucets with the hot side tempered to 110°F maximum.
     
  2. Showers and associated areas must be constructed so as to facilitate cleaning, with adequate placement of hose bibs and drains.
     
  3. Shower and drying areas must have water impervious, nonskid floors. Walls must be impervious to showerhead height. Upper walls and ceiling must be of smooth, easily washable construction.
     
  4. Locker and dressing room floors must have an impervious surface. Walls must have a washable surface. In new construction, floor drains must be provided in locker and dressing rooms. Lockers, benches, and other permanent furnishings must be made of durable, non-porous materials.
     
Sewer: All water carried sewage must be disposed of by means of:
     
  1. A public sewage system; or
     
  2. An approved Individual Sewage Disposal System (ISDS) that is constructed and operated in conformance with Southern Nevada Health District Regulations Governing Individual Sewage Disposal Systems and Liquid Waste Management.
     
Health Room
     
  1. A separate room or area must be provided in each school for use in providing health care for students who are injured, infested with parasites, or suspected of having a communicable disease.
     
  2. A nonabsorbent, durable design bed, couch, mat, cot, or other resting furniture must be provided.
     
Custodial Areas
     
  1. Boiler, electrical panel, transformer, relay and other storage or equipment rooms must be securable and lockable to control unauthorized access.
     
Science Rooms
     
  1. An eyewash station, in combination with or in addition to an emergency safety shower shall be provided in all rooms used as chemistry labs or other courses involving the handling of acids, caustics, flammables, or other hazardous materials. Floor drains shall be provided at each emergency shower.
     
  2. Eyewash stations shall be provided in all classrooms used for lab sciences in which solvents, reagents, hazardous or bio-hazardous materials, or other irritant or toxic substances are used. Eyewash stations shall be plumbed to the potable, cold water supply and drained via the sewage disposal system.
     
  3. Emergency and safety equipment, such as eyewash stations, safety showers, automatic gas shutoff, GFCI, and fume hoods shall be capable of being easily tested, with test made prior to opening, then a minimum of annually with documentation of testing kept on file at the facility.
     
  4. Dishwashers installed in science preparation areas must be plumbed so as to preclude the possibility of backflow from the drain line into the dishwasher by use of an air gap device.
     
  5. Floors in lab areas must be durable tile or other nonporous and easily cleanable surface.
     
  6. Chemically resistant countertops must be provided for classrooms designated as chemistry labs.
     
  7. Where there is the possibility of exposure to skin contaminants such as toxins, infectious or irritating material, or other hazardous material, a sink for washing hands shall be provided. The sink must deliver tempered water within forty (40) seconds. Warm water service must be a maximum of 110°F where a sink has separate hot and cold water through a mixing faucet OR warm water service between 90 – 110°F from a tempered only 7 water source. Dispenser held soap and dispenser held towels shall be provided.
     
  8. A fume hood must be provided for each area in which volatile chemicals are used or reactions likely to produce toxic byproducts are performed.
     
  9. The following must be provided for chemical or biological reagent storage:
       
    a. The area must be secure and lockable, so accessible only to authorized staff.
       
    b. The area must be capable of being maintained clean, cool and dry.
     
Vocational and Art Areas
     
  1. Floors and walkways must be nonabsorbent and slip resistant.
     
  2. Stationary equipment must be properly secured and arranged to allow for a designated work area with adequate walkway space for passage between and around equipment.
     
  3. Adequate storage areas must be provided for tools, equipment, material stock, and hardware.
     
  4. Kiln rooms must have adequate mechanical ventilation exhausted to outside air.
     
  5. A sink for washing hands must be provided. The sink must deliver tempered water within 40 seconds. Warm water service must be a maximum of 20°F where a sink has separate hot and cold water through a mixing faucet OR warm water service between 90 – 110°F from a tempered only water source. Dispenser held soap and dispenser held towels must be provided.
     
  6. Eyewash stations must be provided in all classrooms used for vocational courses in which solvents, reagents, hazardous or bio-hazardous materials, or other irritant or toxic substances are used. Eyewash stations must be plumbed to the potable, cold water supply and drained via the sewage disposal system.
     
Home Economics
     
  1. Dishwashers must be plumbed so as to preclude the possibility of backflow from the drain line into the dishwasher by use of an air gap device.
     
  2. Floors and food contact surfaces must be of nonporous material and cleanable.
     
  3. A lavatory for washing hands must be provided. The sink shall deliver tempered water within 40 seconds. Warm water service must be a maximum of 110°F where a sink has separate hot and cold water through a mixing faucet or warm water service between 90 – 110°F from a tempered only water source. Dispenser held soap and dispenser held towels must be provided.
     
Playgrounds
     
  1. Properly developed plans on playground areas must be submitted to the Health Authority for review and approval prior to installation.
     
  2. Playground areas must be located in an area that can be maintained free of hazards and adequately and properly drained so as to prevent the pooling of water.
     
  3. Drinking fountains must be provided in each outdoor play area.
     
  4. Manufacturer specifications on all playground equipment, including the age appropriate range for use, must be submitted to the Health District for review and approval. Installations must be in compliance with the most current U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Handbook for Public Playground Safety.
     
  5. The highest designated play surface on new equipment must not exceed eight feet (8’) for 5-12 years old children and six feet (6’) for 2-5 year old children.
     
  6. Permanent equipment must be anchored for stability in accordance with manufacturer instructions, with the anchors buried below ground level.
     
  7. Moving equipment such as swings and merry-go-rounds must be located toward the outside edge or corner of a given play area or must be designed in such a way as to discourage students from running into the path of the moving equipment.
     
  8. Swings, if used, must have seats of rubber or impact-absorbing material and design. Wooden or metal seats must not be used.
     
  9. Metal slides must not be used. Other metal surfaces must have a coating and/or cover that will prevent the surface from reaching a temperature that will burn a child.
     
  10.

A protective surface (such as, but not limited to, wood chips, sand, pea gravel [must be rounded, 3/8th inch – NO CRUSHED ROCK] and resilient matting) of a minimum* depth and space as specified in the most current U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Handbook for Public 9 Playground Safety must be provided in areas where climbing, sliding, swinging or other equipment from which a child might fall is located.

  • *Since most loose fill protective surfacing dislodges easily and decreases in resiliency when it becomes compacted, it is advisable that a depth in excess of the CPSC minimal standards be used.

  • Persons wishing to install unitary materials or a material that has not been tested by the CPSC as a protective surface must obtain test data from the supplier showing the critical height for the intended thickness of the material when tested in accordance with ASTM F1292 by an independent testing laboratory.

  • Use zones around a particular piece of equipment and between various pieces of equipment must be in compliance with the most current CPSC standard.
     
Instructions for Submission of Plans
     
  1. Contact the Health District at 759-1258 to schedule a plan review appointment. Plans will not be accepted without an appointment having been made.
     
  2. Contact the Health District, Plan Review Section at 759-1258 regarding applicable fees. Plan review fees are valid for one (1) year from the date of the original submission.
     
  3. A fee for missed plan review appointments will be charged. Cancellations will need to be made 24 hours in advance.
     
  4. Submit one (1) set of complete plans including (but not limited to):
       
    a Floor plan layouts, showing the location, size and type of fixtures and equipment.
       
    b. Plumbing, lighting and mechanical layouts.
       
    c. A schedule of interior finishes.
       
    d. Applicable equipment lists, showing type, manufacturer, and model numbers.
       
    e. Elevation sheets on plumbing fixtures.
       
    f. Playground plan layout, including specifications on playground equipment and associated protective surfacing.
     
  5. Be sure all contractors, subcontractors, etc. are made aware of all corrections and/or stipulations of the Health District.
     
  6. Mistakes or omissions on the plans do not constitute approval of the mistakes or omissions. Proper development of the project is your responsibility and the responsibility of the various parties concerned.
     
  7. There will be an additional fee for submittal of revised plans.
     
  8. Periodic site inspections will be conducted during construction at operator or contractor request.
     
  9. Establishments may not open until after the final construction and opening inspections have been made and a health permit to operate has been issued.
     
  10. There will be a re-inspection fee if a final inspection is requested and the facility is not ready for the final inspection. The re-inspection fee must be paid prior to scheduling another final inspection.
     
  11. Final construction inspections must not be scheduled until all systems and equipment are operational. Access to all aforementioned areas must be available with a responsible person on site at the scheduled time.
     
  12. Preliminary/Advisory office plan review meeting or field survey can be scheduled upon request of the public for a fee.
     
  13. You or your representatives must contact any other programs relevant to your project within this agency separately, i.e., Individual Sewage Disposal System (Septic Tank), Safe Drinking Water Programs, Underground Storage Tanks, Pools or Child Care.
     
  14. Contact with the Clark County Air Quality Division must be made for required permit for Air Quality regulations.
     
 
 
 
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