About Us

Among the many responsibilities of the Commissioner of Education is of establishing and enforcing school building construction standards for the health, comfort, and safety of all public school occupants.

The Office of Facilities Planning (OFP), on behalf of the Commissioner, is the code enforcement authority for public schools, BOCES, and charter schools that were chartered after 7/31/10. In accordance with Department of State regulation Title 19, 1201.2(e), The State Education Department shall be accountable for the administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code with respect to buildings, premises, and equipment in the custody of, or activities related thereto undertaken by, school districts and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services.

Accordingly, all plans and specifications for the erection, repair, enlargement, or remodeling of school buildings in any public school district in the State, outside of New York City, must be reviewed and approved by the Commissioner. The OFP performs this function through the issuance of a building permit. However, the OFP offers services beyond the approval of plans and specifications. We offer advice and technical assistance to school districts, architects, and engineers to help them solve their school building needs with consideration of educational and planning efficiency, conservation of natural resources, and initial and life-cycle costs within the context of the most recent State and Federal laws.