FIR’s are requests made by the campus that require any addition, or modification to the building or surrounding grounds. Anything added to the campus after being built, requires an FIR.

FIR Guidelines
FIR – PDF Request Form
FIR – Online Request Form

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Permanent Wall Reconfiguration or Placement
  • Minor Construction
  • Permanent Building Enhancement
  • Painting
  • Flooring
  • Plumbing (i.e. Drinking Fountains)
  • Irrigation
  • Wall Murals
  • Landscape Renovations
  • Eagle Scout Projects
  • Room Converting
  • Digital Displays
  • Playground Equipment
  • Shrub/Tree Planting
  • Sheds/Shelters
  • Electrical Outlets
  • School Gardens
  • Outdoor Classrooms
  • Athletic Facility Improvements
  • Shade Covers
  • Installing or Moving Dry Erase & Bulletin Boards
  • Gaga Pits
  • Picnic Tables
  • New Projectors
  • Audio/Visual Upgrades

Review Process

Facility Improvement Requests are reviewed once per month. The FIR Form must be filled out completely. Forms not filled out completely may be delayed or rejected.

FIRs must include the following:

  • Principal’s approval and Signature – Some FIRs will require Athletic or Fine Arts Directors or Admin approval.
  • Funding source such as, District, PTA, Booster Clubs, Campus Funds, Department, or other.
  • Site map indicating the location of the project.
  • Detailed drawings with dimensions.
  • Stamped Engineered drawings will be required on specific projects.
  • Quotes.

Funded by Campus or District

  • Under $3,500.00 – Use Anyone but, must be vetted by Facility Planner.
  • Over $3,500.00 – Must Use Approved District Vendor if Funded by PTA/Club/Booster/Etc.
  • Checks must be written directly to vendor.
  • Use Any Vendor*
    *All Vendors & contractors must be vetted by Plant Services. All Electrical to be done by District Approved Vendor.

ADA Consideration

  • All projects to meet ADA Requirements.

Letter of Maintenance (LOM)

  • Must be agreed to, and signed by the Principal and other appropriate persons.
  • No work can begin until LOM is signed and received by the Facility Planner.

Requirement to Use Engineer

Construction of public works involving professional engineering services if (1) the public work involves electrical or mechanical engineering and the contemplated cost of the project exceeds $8,000, or (2) the public work does not involve electrical or mechanical engineering and the contemplated cost of the project exceeds $20,000 where public health, welfare, or safety is involved.

Requirement to Use Architect

Any new building intended for education, assembly, or office occupancy, for which construction costs exceed $100,000; and any alteration or addition to an existing building requiring removal, relocation or addition of walls, partitions, or the alteration or addition of an exit, for which the costs of the alteration or addition exceed $50,000.

Any person who engages in the unauthorized practice of architecture or who without authorization prepares architectural plans and specifications for construction or alteration of a building shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined between $250 and $1,000 for each offense. Each Day constitutes a separate offense. Tex. Occ. Code 1051.801.

Architectural Barriers; State Pre-approval of Plans and Specs

A building or facility constructed or substantially renovated, modified, or altered with district funds; temporary or emergency construction of a building or facility; a building leased or occupied in whole or in part for use by the district; or any facility at which “public services,” as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are provided.

 All plans and specifications for the construction or the substantial renovation, modification, or alteration of a building or facility that has an estimated construction cost of $50,000 or more must be submitted to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for review and approval before the construction, substantial renovation, modification, or alteration begins. If an architect, engineer, or interior designer is responsible for the plans and specifications, that person submits them to the Department; otherwise, the owner does so. The Department must inspect each building and facility whose construction cost exceeds $50,000 within one year following the construction, substantial renovation, modification, or alteration of the building or facility.

STEPS DIRECTIONS
1: Identify a Potential Project Identify an improvement you want to make to your facility or grounds.
2: School / Dept. Approval The Principal must approve the request. Additional approvals may be required.
3: Submit FIR Submit FIR to the facility planner with all necessary approvals (athletics, fine arts, library coordinator, etc.).
4: Facility Planner Review The Facility Planner will review requests for completeness and evaluate additional documentation needed for review by the Review Committee.
5: Review Committee The committee will make final determination on Approval, Denial, or More Information Needed.
6: Notification The Facility Planner will inform Campus of the Committee’s decision.
7: LOM If Required – Principal Must Sign Letter of Maintenance before Work Begins.
8: Installation All installation dates and times must be approved by the Facility Planner.

ADA Consideration

It is not just the right thing to do, it is the law that in the United States spaces designed for public use adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act. This means to the extent possible, alterations are made to accommodate all people, regardless of their disability, to access and use existing school gardens. It also means that school gardens need to be built with ADA/TAS accessibility.

Read more about ADA Guidelines

Project Guides

School Gardens

Read More about School Gardens Guidelines

There are two types of gardens allowed on Leander ISD Campuses. The first type is for beautification. This type of garden is solely to add plants by volunteers that are not in any way tied to a curriculum. Since these are just for beautification, they do not need to meet the ADA guidelines.

Beautification Garden Guidelines

  • Signed FIR request form by the principal – FIR must be filled out completely.
  • Borders must be built out of rock material.
  • Site Plan showing exact location of garden – Only that which is shown on the plans will be approved. Additional beds require an additional FIR.
  • Submittal information of all material used.
  • Detailed drawing with dimensions.
  •  Plant list – All plants will be approved by the grounds supervisor.
  • Watering source – How does the campus propose to water the plants? Campus responsible for any cost to connect to the water system. Water will only be on during that time when the irrigation is running.
  • Signed Letter of Maintenance – Gardens must be maintained by campus. All gardens that fall into disrepair will be removed at the cost to the campus.

The second type of garden is connected to the curriculum and these gardens must meet the ADA Guidelines as outlined below.

Curriculum Garden Guidelines

  • Signed FIR request form by the principal – FIR must be filled out completely.
  • Funding source must be stated.
  • Borders must be built out of CMU blocks.
  • All gardens will be three blocks in height. (24-inches).
  • All blocks will need to be fastened together with landscape rock adhesive, or masonry mortar.
  • Maximum width shall be 4 feet.
  • There shall be a minimum clear width of 60” from all obstacles – This is to allow for mowers.
  •  Site Plan showing exact location of garden – Only that which is shown on the plans will be approved. Additional beds require an additional FIR.
  • Submittal information of all material used.
  • Detailed drawings with dimensions.
  • Plant list – All plants will be approved by the Grounds Supervisor.
  • Watering source – How does the campus propose to water the plants? Campus responsible for any cost to connect to the water system. Water will only be on during that time when the irrigation is running. Hose bib timers are not allowed due to back-flow concerns.
  • All planters must have accessible routes to each different element.
  • Signed Letter of Maintenance.
  • Gardens must be maintained by campus.
  • All gardens that fall into disrepair will be removed at the cost to the campus.
  • No work will be started without a signed LOM from the campus principal unless there is an agreement not to have the LOM.

Outdoor Classrooms

Read More about Outdoor Classroom Guidelines

  • Signed FIR request form by the principal – FIR must be filled out completely.
  • Funding source must be stated.
  • Borders must be built out of rock/stone material.
  • Site Plan showing exact location of classroom.
  • Detailed drawings with dimensions.
  • Type of ground surface – Need submittal information on the product.
  • Seating details – Type of material? How many? ADA seating.
  • Most structures will require a city permit – Campus is responsible for paying for the permit.
  • All structures will be rated to withstand 115 mph winds per the 2015 IBC.
  • Must show ADA access.
  • Signed Letter of Maintenance.
  • Outdoor Classrooms must be maintained by campus.
  • All outdoor classrooms that fall into disrepair will be removed at the cost to the campus.
  • No work will be started without a signed LOM for the campus principal.

GAGA Pits

Read More about GAGA Pit Guidelines

  • Signed FIR request form by the principal – FIR must be filled out completely.
  • Funding source must be stated.
  • Detailed drawings with dimensions.
  • Requires ADA access to and around the structure.
  • Must have an ADA access door.
  • Must have quotes of all work to be performed.
  • Must have artificial material for flooring.
  • Signed Letter of Maintenance.
  • GAGA Pit must be maintained by campus.
  • All GAGA Pits that fall into disrepair will be removed at the cost to the campus.
  • Relocations of GAGA Pits requires additional FIR Approval.
  • No work will be started without a signed LOM from the campus principal.

Drinking Fountains (Inside)

Read More about Drinking Fountain Guidelines

  • Signed FIR request form by the principal – FIR must be filled out completely.
  • Funding source must be stated.
  • Campus Map showing location of fountains wanted.
  • Electrical quote needed for refrigerated units.
  • Must use district approved electrician.
  • Funds to pay must go through the campus – Work will not start without PO.
  • Quotes needed for all work to be performed.
  • No filtered units will be approved.

Painting

Read More about Paining Guidelines

  • Signed FIR request form by the principal – FIR must be filled out completely.
  • Funding source must be stated.
  • Campus Map showing location of area to be painted.
  • Must be professionally done – Painter will be vetted by Plant Services.
  • All colors will be approved by the FIR committee.
  • Job will be reviewed by the Facility Planner to make sure it meets the District’s Standards.
  • Evenly Applied.
  • No Bleed Through.
  • No Drips.
  • Edges Cut In Evenly.

    All District painting must use the following Sherwin Williams paint and primer for interior drywall surfaces:
  • Primer: B28W200 PrepRite 200 Latex Paint.
  • Finish: K45W51 Pro Industrial Pre-Catalyzed Water Based Epoxy – Egg Shell.

Tracks (Granite)

Read More about Track Guidelines

  • Signed FIR request form by the principal – FIR must be filled out completely.
  • Funding source must be stated.
  • Campus Map showing location of track.
  • Detailed drawing with dimensions.
  • Submittal on all material to be used.
  • Track must be a minimum of 60” wide in all areas for ADA.
  • The future maintenance of the outdoor track will be the responsibility of the campus.
  • Once the outdoor track deteriorates, LISD will seek campus funds to replace or refurbish it with an agreed time frame, since it is not LISD standard equipment. Otherwise, it will be removed at campus expense.
  • LISD will do its due diligence to locate all utility lines, but if lines are damaged, the Campus will pay for all repairs.
  • All effort must be made to prevent exposing any tree roots.
  • The track must start and finish at an ADA accessible sidewalk.
  • The track must never exceed 5% longitude slope and 2% cross slope to meet ADA.
  • Weed control is the responsibility of the campus – Only licensed contractors may apply herbicides.
  • Additional decomposed granite will be required every other year paid for and installed by the campus.
  • The contractor will be responsible for contacting LISD Plant Services for final acceptance upon completion, 512-570-0601.
  • Material must be staged in an area that does not interfere with normal access and school operations. If any material is to be stored on site, all remnants must be swept clean and paving power washed.
  • The contractor will be responsible for any damage to LISD property.
  • The installer shall be responsible for creating a safe zone from the students while construction is taking place. The safe zone shall be coordinated with the campus principal and/or LISD Risk Management.
  • No work will be started without a signed LOM from the campus principal.

    Track Construction:
  • Use stabilized Decomposed Granite not to exceed 1/4” in diameter.
  • 5-foot minimum width in all areas.
  • 6” of material compacted to 4” with a mechanical roller.

Shade Covers

Read More about Shade Cover Guidelines

  • Signed FIR request form by the principal – FIR must be filled out completely.
  • Funding source must be stated.
  • Campus map showing location of requested cover.
  • Detailed drawings showing what is to be constructed with dimensions.
  • Need quotes from proposed vendors.
  • Must meet all applicable building codes, 2015 IBC.
  • Any permits will be obtained by the campus/contractor.
  • Material must be staged in an area that does not interfere with normal access and school operations.
  • The contractor/PTA will be responsible for any damage to LISD property.
  • The installer shall be responsible for creating a safe zone from the students while construction is taking place. The safe zone shall be coordinated with the campus principal and/or Risk Management (Darla Humes).
  • No work will be started without a signed Letter of Maintenance, LOM, from the campus principal.
  • LISD will do its due diligence to locate all utility lines, but if lines are damaged, the Campus will pay for all repairs.
  • The contractor will be responsible for contacting LISD Plant Services for final acceptance upon completion, 512-570-0601.

Benches

Read More about Bench Guidelines

  • Signed FIR request form by the principal – FIR must be filled out completely.
  • Funding source must be stated.
  • Campus map showing location of requested benches.
  • Need quotes from proposed vendors.
  • Benches must be made of metal with a Thermoplastic Covering – No Wood Benches are allowed on District Campuses.
  • At least one bench purchased, must meet ADA requirements.
  • Must provide ADA access to the ADA bench.
  • No work will be started without a signed Letter of Maintenance, LOM, from the campus principal.
  • Benches must be maintained by campus.
  • All benches that fall into disrepair will be removed at the cost to the campus.

Storage Sheds

Read More about Storage Shed Guidelines

  • Signed FIR request form by the principal – FIR must be filled out completely.
  • Funding source must be stated.
  • Campus map showing exact location of requested storage shed.
  • Need quotes from proposed vendors.
  • Must meet all applicable local building codes.
  • No windows.
  • Must be painted.
  • Must be professionally constructed & installed.
  • Must conform to the 2015 International Building Code.
  • Must be secured to the ground.
  • May require a permit depending on size – Typically anything more than 100 square feet will require a permit.
  • Must have a ramp.
  • Must be 10 feet from any existing structures.
  • If to be accessed by students, must meet ADA guidelines.
  • It must always remain locked.
  • The contractor/campus will be responsible for contacting LISD Plant Services for final acceptance upon completion, 512-570-0601.

    A Letter of Maintenance (LOM) will need to be signed by the Campus Principal. It will outline the following:
  • Who will be responsible for the future maintenance and upkeep of the shed.
  • The District Plant Services Department will reserve the right to dispose of the unit if it should fall into disrepair at the expense of the campus.

Murals

Read More about Mural Guidelines

  • Signed FIR request form by the principal – FIR must be filled out completely.
  • Funding source must be stated.
  • Campus map showing exact location of requested mural.
  • No murals are allowed on exterior walls.
  • Must be professionally done – Submit qualifications and past work.
  • No Dedications.
  • Must submit an exact sketch of the mural that is proposed.
  • Campus must understand that once the campus is up for repainting, the mural will be covered over, and it will be the responsibility of the campus to repaint mural if wanted.
  • The campus will be responsible for contacting LISD Plant Services for final acceptance upon completion, 512-570-0601.

Wall Mounted Televisions and Digital Displays

Read More about Wall Mounted TV’s & Digital Display Guidelines

Wall mounted televisions and Digital Displays are viewed differently. A wall mounted Television is usually mounted in an office or meeting area and is intended to display spreadsheets and other information in a group setting. The Content is controlled by a presenter.

Wall Mounted Television

  • All wall mounted Televisions must be approved through the FIR process – A FIR IS NOT REQUIRED IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO MOUNT TO A WALL. IF YOU WANT TO AVOID THE FIR PROCESS, WE WOULD STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO PURCHASE A STAND TO MOUNT THE TV ON. This does not eliminate the need to report to Technology and finance to get an inventory tag
  • FIR must be approved Prior to purchasing any equipment. However, a quote will be needed for the FIR review. This includes install and equipment.
  • All Televisions must be reported to finance and tagged with a district inventory tag.
  • All wall mounted Televisions must have a signed “Letter of Maintenance” to address:
    • Maintenance and repair of the unit
    • Department agreement to repair the wall where the unit is mounted if for any reason, they decided to remove the unit.
    • All TV’s Mounted on the wall must have power located up on the wall directly behind the TV screen. This is a fee the department must also cover. Extension cords/power strips are not permitted for permanent use.
    • Vendor must be approved by the Plant Services Department.

Department Picks vendor and gets the following:

  • Quote for district approved television.
  • Quote for district approved Bracket.
  • Quote to mount district approve mounting bracket.
  • Quote to move power into the needed location from Randall Electric – We will arrange quotes from Randall Electric to install power behind the Display. Once we have a quote, the campus will be responsible for getting a PO for Randall Electric. Once we have your PO, we can arrange the power to be installed.

    Submit all above mentioned documents to Facility Planner

Digital Displays are usually mounted in a hallway, cafeteria or foyer and are intended to post general information to the students or public. The content may be controlled by the campus, but it must be approved by the School or Community Relations.

Digital Display

  • All wall mounted Digital Displays must be approved through the FIR process.
  • FIR must be approved Prior to purchasing any equipment. However, a quote will be needed for the FIR review. This includes install (Mounting), power, equipment and Ethernet line if needed.
  • Technology must approve the use of LISD data network for any reason.
  • All Equipment must be reported to finance and tagged with a district inventory tag.
  • All Equipment must be approved.
  • All wall mounted Digital Displays must have a signed “Letter of Maintenance” to address:
    • Future Maintenance and repair of the unit.
    • Department agreement to repair the wall where the unit is mounted if for any reason, they decided to remove the unit.
    • All Displays Mounted on the wall must have power located up on the wall directly behind the TV screen. This is a fee the department must also cover.
    • Power needs will be arranged by Plant Services (Facility Planner, We will arrange quotes from Randall Electric to install power behind the Display. Once we have a quote, the campus will be responsible for getting a PO for Randall Electric. 
    • Once we have your PO, we can arrange the power to be installed.
    • Digital Hard Wire- If it is determined you need a Digital hard wire because wireless will not work in your situation, an additional quote will be needed for this work. The Facility Planner will assist with this process if it is required.

Check List

  • Campus determines preferred locations to mount the Display.
  • Campus contacts the Facility Planner to discuss Digital contact needs and requests quote for:
    • Equipment/quote.
    • Install quote, this must include mounting the bracket.
    • Infrastructure needs or capabilities:
      • If unit is to be Direct wired for DATA, is there space to allow this and who is going to run the cable?
      • Campus Submits FIR to Facility Planner with Signatures, Funding source, quotes and site maps showing preferred locations.
    • Facility Planner meets with campus to Pick Final location.
    • Facility Planner arranges quote from Randall Electric to install power behind the Displays chosen location.
    • If needed, facility planner arranges for quotes to run Digital Hard Wire to location.
    • Facility Planner will share quote with campus to they can obtain a PO for Randall Electric services.
    • Facility Planner presents packet to Committee for approval.
    • Once approved, the Facility Planner will issue a Letter of Maintenance to the Campus. Once the letter is signed and all PO’s are in place, the Facility Planner will arrange to have everything installed
  • Department Requests PO using appropriate Budget code.

    Submit all above mentioned documents to Facility Planner

 A/V Upgrades and Installations

  •  Projectors and projector screens
    • Projector, and mount must meet minimum district standards.
    • New projectors will require a power outlet be installed at the projector mounting location. This must be installed by an approved electrician.
    • All equipment must be professionally installed.
    • Classroom projectors must also have a district approved audio system.
  • Audio system upgrades
    • Areas include: MPR’s, Stages, Workout rooms, Athletic facilities, etc.
    • All additions, and/or modifications must be pre approved.  
    • All equipment must meet minimum district standards.
    • All cable/wire runs must meet district standards.
    • All equipment must be professionally installed.

ADA Guidelines

Read More about ADA Guidelines

  1. TAS 303 Changes in Level
    • a. 303.2 Vertical. Changes in level of ¼ inch (6.4 mm) high maximum shall be permitted to be vertical. (The transition from one service to another shall be no more than one quarter inch.)
    • b.
    • c. 303.3 Beveled. Changes in level between ¼ inch (6.4 mm) high minimum and ½ inch (13 mm) high maximum shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2. (You are permitted to transition between one quarter inch to one half inch, provided the edge is beveled at 45%.)
  2. TAS 307 Protruding Objects
    • a. 307.2 Protrusion Limits. Objects with leading edges more than 27 inches (685 mm) and not more than 80 inches (2030 mm) above the finish floor or ground shall protrude 4 inches (100 mm) maximum horizontally into the circulation path.(No objects shall be allowed to protrude more than 4 inches into the path of travel. While always complying with the 32-inch path of travel rule TAS 403.)
    • b.
  3. TAS 308 Reach Ranges*
    • a. 308.2.1 Forward Reach Unobstructed. Where a forward reach is unobstructed, the high forward reach shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum and the low forward reach shall be 15 inches (380 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground. (The highest point of a forward reach shall not exceed 48 inches and the lowest reach shall not be lower than 15 inches from the floor.)
    • b.
  4. TAS 308.3 Side Reach
    • a. 308.3.1 Unobstructed Side Reach. Where a clear floor or ground space allows a parallel approach to an element and the side reach is unobstructed, the high side reach shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum and the low side reach shall be 15 inches (380 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground.
    • b.
    • c. 308.3.2 Obstructed High Reach. Where a clear floor or ground space allows a parallel approach to an element and the high side reach is over an obstruction, the height of the obstruction shall be 34 inches (865 mm) maximum and the depth of the obstruction shall be 24 inches (610 mm) maximum. The high side reach shall be 48 inches (1220) maximum for a reach depth of 10 inches (255 mm) maximum. Where the reach depth exceeds 10 inches (255 mm), the high side reach shall be 46 inches (1770 mm) maximum for a reach depth of 24 inches (610 mm) maximum.
    • d.
  5. TAS 403 Walking Surfaces
    • a. 403.3 Slope. The running slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:20. The cross slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:48
    • b. 403.5.1. Clear Width. The clear width of walking surfaces shall be 36 inches minimum
      • Exception: The clear width shall be permitted to be reduced to 32 inches (815 mm) minimum for a length of 24 inches (610 mm) maximum provided that reduced width segments are separated by segments that are 48 inches (1220 mm) long minimum and 36 inches (915mm) wide minimum.
    • c. 403.5.2. Clear Width at Turn. Where the accessible route makes a 180 degree turn around an element which is less than 48 inches (1220 mm) wide, clear width shall be 42 inches (1065 mm) minimum approaching the turn, 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum at the turn and 42 inches (1065 mm) minimum leaving the turn
      • Exception: Where the clear width at the turn is 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum compliance with 403.5.2 shall not be required.

*Advisory 308.1 General. The following table provides guidance on reach ranges for children according to age where building elements such as coat hooks, lockers, or operable parts are designed for use primarily by children. These dimensions apply to either forward or side reaches. Accessible elements and operable parts designed for adult use or children over age 12 can be located outside these ranges but must be within the adult reach ranges required by 308.

Children’s Reach Ranges

Forward or Side Reach Ages 3 & 4 Ages 5 – 8 Ages 9 – 12
High (maximum) 36 in (915mm) 40 in (1015mm) 44 in (1120mm)
Low (minimum) 20 in (510mm) 18 in (455mm) 16 in (405mm)
FIR Guidelines