{"data":{"id":"us-ut/utah-code-63a-5b-1204","jurisdiction":"us-ut","citation":"Utah Code § 63A-5b-1204","heading":"Architect and design professional cost oversight.","body":"(1) The division shall establish and publish maximum allowable fees for both basic services and complexities for architect and design professional services based on:\n(a) project size and complexity;\n(b) regional market conditions;\n(c) industry standards for educational facilities; and\n(d) historical cost data from comparable projects.\n(2) An LEA shall:\n(a) ensure that no contract for architect or design professional services exceeds the maximum fees established by the division under Subsection (1);\n(b) submit all proposed contracts to the division for verification of compliance with maximum fee limits before execution; and\n(c) demonstrate through competitive procurement that proposed fees represent fair market value within the established maximums.\n(3) If an LEA believes a project requires fees exceeding the division's maximum allowable fees, the LEA shall:\n(a) submit a detailed written request to the division before soliciting proposals;\n(b) provide documentation of unique project circumstances requiring specialized expertise;\n(c) demonstrate that the project cannot be completed within the fee schedule; and\n(d) obtain written approval from the division before proceeding.\n(4) The division shall:\n(a) review cost submissions within 15 business days;\n(b) provide written explanation for any required modifications; and\n(c) update cost benchmarks annually based on market conditions.\n(5) The division shall develop and maintain a library of standardized school design templates developed in collaboration with architects experienced in the design of school facilities that:\n(a) provide pre-approved design options for common school types and sizes;\n(b) reduce architectural costs through standardized specifications;\n(c) accelerate the approval process for school districts using standard designs;\n(d) allow modifications for site-specific requirements; and\n(e) are updated every five years to reflect current educational needs.\n(6) The division shall develop and maintain a library of standardized school design templates developed in collaboration with architects experienced in the design of school facilities that:\n(a) provide pre-approved design options for common school types and sizes;\n(b) reduce architectural costs through:\n(i) reduced design scope for projects using prototype designs;\n(ii) standardized specifications and details;\n(iii) elimination of redundant design work; and\n(iv) lower fee schedule tiers for prototype-based projects;\n(c) accelerate the approval process through:\n(i) pre-approved building systems and layouts;\n(ii) reduced plan review time for projects adhering to prototype designs; and\n(iii) streamlined permitting when no significant prototype modifications are made;\n(d) allow modifications for site-specific requirements; and\n(e) are updated every five years to reflect current educational needs and building standards.\n(7) An LEA using a standardized design prototype:\n(a) shall comply with all procurement requirements under Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah Procurement Code;\n(b) may receive reduced architect fees reflecting the limited scope of site adaptation work;\n(c) may receive an expedited plan review within 10 business days if no significant modifications are made;\n(d) is encouraged to use design-build delivery methods with prototype designs to maximize cost savings; and\n(e) shall coordinate with the division on any proposed modifications to ensure continued compliance with prototype standards.\n(8) An LEA shall procure architect and design professional services:\n(a) in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Part 15, Design Professional Services;\n(b) using qualifications-based selection procedures as required by Subsection 63G-6a-1502(1);\n(c) based on demonstrated competence and qualification for the type of services required; and\n(d) not based solely on price.\n(9) An LEA may appeal the division's maximum fee determinations or denials of requests for fee exceptions to the appeals panel established under Section 63A-5b-1221.","path":["Title 63A Utah Government Operations Code","Chapter 63A-5b Administration of State Facilities","Part 63A-5b-12 Public School Construction Oversight"],"source_url":"https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title63A/Chapter5b/63A-5b-S1204.html","current_through":"2026 General Session","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-03T11:34:33Z","sha256":"eafed3e8a8c2e27998524cb11d95a9564b6b1c88a498d171b76ab96690f005aa","source_id":"us-ut","stale":false,"prev":"us-ut/utah-code-63a-5b-1203","next":"us-ut/utah-code-63a-5b-1205"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}