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Plan Review Requirements for Community Based Residential Facilities (CBRFs)

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Main DQA Plan Review Website

• Any newly constructed CBRF, regardless of size. HFS 83.56(2) and 83.65(1)(a)

• Any additions to existing CBRFs, regardless of size. HFS 83.56(2) and 83.65(1)(a)

• Conversion of existing non-licensed CBRFs to be licensed for 21 or more beds. HFS 83.65(1)(a)

• Major remodeling or alteration of existing CBRFs of 21 or more beds. HFS 83.65(1)(a). "Major remodeling" is defined as remodeling of an existing building which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the current equalized value.

• Installation and / or upgrading low voltage heat and smoke detection, and sprinkler systems. HFS 83.43(4)(a) and 83.43(7)(d).  
  • Refer to BQA memo 99-032 for specific information regarding plan review requirements.

Plans need to include:

• Floor plans of the facility, the proposed usage and licensure classification.

  • Floor plans must be drawn to scale with all measurements, and shall include bathrooms, bedrooms, common use areas, kitchens, attics, basements, interior passageways, exits, all lintel depths in rooms and hallways, and type of construction.

  • Plans must be stamped & signed by the architect (when applicable).

• Interconnected heat and smoke detection systems plans, including specifications (product literature) of all fire alarm devices and the fire alarm control panel. Indicate the location of all smoke and heat detectors, strobes, horns etc. on the floor plan.

  (See Wis. Stat, Chapter § 50.035, Wis. Stat, Chapter § 101, Wis. Admin. Code HFS 83 and NFPA 72 for low voltage smoke and heat detection requirements.)

• Plans for sprinkler systems (where applicable). Include all specifications of the system and hydraulic calculations (NFPA 13 system only).

  In the floor plan, indicate the location of all sprinkler heads in attics, basements and on all floors. Check with the regional engineer if plan submittal is required for existing sprinkler systems in buildings to be converted into a CBRF.

• Include the proper fee with your submission.
  • Fees should be paid as individual plans are submitted - do not submit fees for all subcontracted components of a project up front.

Note: Submit plans using form DDE-2496 (PDF, 52 KB). For CBRFs attached to a nursing home and the structure is located outside the City of Milwaukee, submit plans using form DDE-2333 (PDF, 86 KB).

• If requesting Permission to Start Construction (via form DDE-2333), submit form DDE-2457 (PDF, 30 KB), "Permission to Start Footings, Foundation And/Or Demolition."
• Please be sure to use the correct form as described.
• Make sure you designate the correct CBRF type (CNA, CS, CA, ANA, AS, AA).
• Make sure the Owner's Statement (line 11 on DDE 2333; line 12 on DDE 2496) is signed.

For CBRFs not attached to a nursing home and located outside of the City of Milwaukee, you will need to contact your local municipality and / or the Department of Commerce regarding the need to review your plans for conformance to other state and local regulations.

Submit your plans to the local building authority for facility 8 beds or less, or to the Department of Commerce for 9 beds or more, prior to submitting your plans to the Department of Health and Family Services.

Submit plans to:

Division of Quality Assurance
P. O. Box 2969
1 W Wilson Street
Madison, WI  53701-2969

Phone: 608-264-7748

You may call the above phone number for the name of the regional engineer or for forms. You may also obtain the form from our web site under http://dhs.wisconsin.gov. Select Topics A-Z, choose facility type and select forms.

Failure to submit required forms and information will postpone licensure.

Once plans have been reviewed by the regional engineer, the engineer will respond back to you in writing regarding whether the plans have been conditionally approved or whether additional information is necessary.

The assisted living surveyor and the engineer will need to conduct an on-site visit to the facility prior to the issuance of a license to ensure that the construction and installation of the building systems have been completed according to the approved plans and specifications.

IS PLAN REVIEW REQUIRED?

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Last Updated: June 30, 2008