Public School Construction Program
Administered by the Division of Facilities Construction and Management
Public School Construction Oversight:
New Standards for Accountability and Safety
The Utah Division of Facilities Construction and Management has been designated as the sole state authority for the oversight of public school construction projects, replacing the State Board of Education, effective July 1, 2026. This shift ensures standardized cost controls, greater accountability, and compliance with strict safety and efficiency requirements across all Local Education Agencies (LEAs). Full compliance with the new rules is required for all projects beginning construction after January 1, 2027.
S.B. 164 formalizes DFCM's new authority under Title 63A, Chapter 5b, Part 12, Public School Construction Oversight, which is still forthcoming.
DFCM’s new oversight includes the following key areas:
- Permitting and Approval: DFCM shall have the exclusive authority to issue permits and grant occupancy on public school construction projects.
- Cost Control and Standards: DFCM will be establishing comprehensive construction rules covering building standards, maximum real property size, and cost-per-square-foot parameters.
- Safety and Technical Compliance: Projects will be required to adhere to mandatory technical requirements, including fire safety, security, energy codes, and accessibility standards.
- Accountability and Reporting: DFCM will implement a standardized cost reporting system and develop a comprehensive construction cost database. LEAs are required to use an online document management system for all construction documentation and compliance tracking.
- Code Inspectors and Plan Reviewers: DFCM has the sole authority to approve inspectors for school construction projects and will maintain a list of approved, qualified inspectors and plan reviewers on our website.
- Delegation: The Division may delegate oversight authority to qualified school districts for the school facility planning, design review, and construction plan approval to an LEA that has demonstrated internal capacity in construction management, procurement, and project delivery.
DFCM K–12 Construction Oversight Transition Roadmap
Explore DFCM's roadmap for implementing SB164 and transitioning K–12 public school construction oversight. View key milestones, implementation timelines, upcoming initiatives, and progress updates as DFCM prepares for the January 1, 2027, transition.
K12 Resources for LEAs
Trainings
Access upcoming training opportunities and educational resources designed to help LEAs, contractors, inspectors, and other stakeholders navigate DFCM's K–12 public school construction oversight requirements. Find training schedules and training registration information to stay informed and prepared for the implementation of SB164.
K–12 Standard Documents
Access standardized forms, templates, guidelines, and other essential documents for K–12 public school construction projects. Find the resources needed to support project planning, procurement, approvals, and compliance with DFCM's construction oversight requirements under SB164.
Prequalification
Learn about DFCM's prequalification requirements and application process for contractors, code inspectors, and plan reviewers involved in K–12 public school construction projects. Access application resources, and current lists of prequalified professionals and firms.
FAQs
Download the FAQ PDF for answers to common questions regarding DFCM's implementation of SB164 and K–12 public school construction oversight. This resource provides helpful guidance on requirements, procedures, and the transition of oversight responsibilities.
Have questions?
With the transfer of public school construction oversight to the Division of Facilities Construction and Management (DFCM) under S.B. 164, Local Education Agencies (LEAs) must adhere to new standards for permitting, cost control, and compliance by January 1, 2027. To ensure clarity during this transition, please submit an email to [email protected] for all official questions regarding project compliance, cost matrix determinations, permitting, and standardized reporting requirements under the new oversight program.
*Please note that not all questions may be specifically answered due to the recent timing.