Memorandum
Date:   DEC 20  2002

From:  Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and Management (1ON) 

Subj:   Fire Code Compliance for Enhanced Use Projects

To:      Network Directors (1ONO1-10N23)

1.	Network Directors have the responsibility to ensure that all enhanced use projects in their VISN meet all applicable VA fire code requirements. Each Network shall ensure that local network policy for fire code plan review compliance for all delegated construction projects is revised to Include enhanced use projects as needed. Each VISN was required to Issue their local policy in accordance with instructions published in 1996. These policies shall provide the procedures for ensuring a plan review for fire code compliance by qualified individuals.

2.	VA serves as its own Authority Having Jurisdiction (AI-IJ) for fire and building code compliance on our own Federal Government property since local fire and building officials do not have jurisdiction. Enhanced use projects on VA sites are not generally subject to local fire and building jurisdiction and fire and building reviews or inspections likely would not be conducted. Like other federal agencies with real property and construction authority, VA acts as its own fire code and building official. Responsibility for minimal fire code compliance lies with VA officials. Criteria from the VA Fire Protection Design Manual may be applied as needed to these projects.

3.	It is imperative that knowledgeable VA staff review these enhanced use projects for fire code compliance. It is recommended that in those VISNs with a safety and fire protection engineer that these individuals perform the plan reviews in consultation with the individual medical facility. These professionals are qualified to perform these reviews. If other individuals are used to perform these reviews, those individuals must be knowledgeable with the NFPA National Fire Codes.

4.	My point of contact is Kenneth Faulstich. He can be reached at
202.273.5869.

Laura J. Miller

VAFORM 2105
MAR 1989