Article 5 — ACUTE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS

8-500. Alterations to existing buildings or new construction.

(a) Alterations to existing buildings licensed as hospitals or new construction shall be in conformance with Chapter 4A, Part 2, Title 24, California Code of Regulations.

(b) Hospitals licensed and in operation prior to the effective date of changes in these regulations shall not be required to institute corrective alterations or construction to comply with such changes except where specifically required or where the Department determines that a definite hazard to health and safety exists. Any hospital for which preliminary or working drawings and specifications have been approved by the Department prior to the effective date of changes to these regulations shall not be required to comply with such changes provided substantial, actual construction is commenced within one year after the effective date of such changes.

8-501. Application for plan review.

(a) Drawings and specifications for alterations to existing buildings or new construction shall be submitted to the Department for approval and shall be accompanied by an application for plan review on forms furnished by the Department. The application shall:

1. Identify and describe the work to be covered by the plan review for which the application is made.

2. Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done, by lot, block, tract or house and street address or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed building or work.

3. Show the present and proposed use or occupancy of all parts of the building or buildings.

4. State the number of square meters (square feet) of floor area involved in new construction and in alterations.

5. Give such other information as may be required by the Department for unusual design circumstances.

6. Be signed by the person designing the work or the owner of the work.

(b) The application for plan review shall also include a written statement that a description of the proposed work has been submitted to the Area Comprehensive Health Planning Agency approved by the State Advisory Health Council pursuant to Section 437.7 of the Health and Safety Code.