| Code Use Group | Building Type | Architect Required | Architect Not Required |
|---|---|---|---|
I |
Institutional |
X |
|
R-2 |
Residential/dormitories, fraternities, sororities, convents |
X |
|
A-1 |
Assembly - theaters |
X |
|
A-4 |
Assembly - arenas and courts |
X |
|
A-5 |
Assembly - bleachers and grandstands |
X |
|
Is the building changing from one code use group to another group? |
X |
Architect Requirements for Building Types
Per 59 OS 46.21b, the following building types require an Architect or are exempt from needing an Architect to design and seal all architectural plans, based upon the building's Code Use Group. (All codes used in Oklahoma are adopted from the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission. For a complete list of codes, please visit their website.)
Does my building require an Architect?
For the following code use groups: An Architect is required to design the buildings and seal the architectural plans, per 59 O.S., Section 46.21b.
For the following categories: A basement is not to be counted as a story for the purpose of counting stories of a building.
For the following building types, certain criteria must be met in order to require an Architect to design the building. If the criteria are not met, either an unlicensed individual or an Architect can design the building. However, the local or state authorities having jurisdiction may require an Architect where the State Architectural and Licensed Interior Designers Act does not.
| Code Use Group | Building Type | Criteria | Architect Required | Architect Not Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A-2 & A-3 |
Assembly - food and drink consumption, worship |
The code-defined occupancy is LESS than 50 and the building height is 1-2 stories |
X |
|
A-2 & A-3 |
Assembly - food and drink consumption, worship |
The code-defined occupancy is MORE than 50 or the building height is MORE than 2 stories |
X |
|
E |
Educational |
The code-defined occupancy is LESS than 50 and the building height is 1-2 stories |
X |
|
E |
Educational |
The code-defined occupancy is MORE than 50 or the building height is MORE than 2 stories |
X |
|
B |
Business |
The building's square footage is LESS than 100,000sq.ft. OR the building's height is 1-2 stories |
X |
|
B |
Business |
The building's square footage is MORE than 100,000sq.ft. OR the building's height is MORE than 2 stories |
X |
|
M |
Mercantile |
The building's square footage is LESS than 200,000sq.ft. OR the building's height is 1-2 stories |
X |
|
M |
Mercantile |
The building's square footage is MORE than 200,000sq.ft. OR the building's height is MORE than 2 stories |
X |
|
R-1 |
Residential - including hotels and motels |
The building has LESS than 64 units and the building's height is 1-2 stories |
X |
|
R-1 |
Residential - including hotels and motels |
The building has MORE than 64 units and the building's height is MORE than 2 stories |
X |
|
Federal, state, municipal, county, or public-trust or agency-owned building |
The project cost is LESS than $158,000 and the building's height is 1-2 stories |
X |
||
Federal, state, municipal, county, or public-trust or agency-owned building |
The project cost is MORE than $158,000 and the building's height is MORE than 2 stories |
X |
||
U, F, H, S, R-3, & R-4 |
Utility, Factory/Industrial, High Hazard, Storage, Residential |
The building's height is 1-2 stories |
X |
|
U, F, H, S, R-3, & R-4 |
Utility, Factory/Industrial, High Hazard, Storage, Residential |
The building's height is MORE than 2 stories. |
X |
Examples of Common Buildings for Each Code Use Group
If you have any questions about which types of buildings require an Architect that are not answered by the 59 Oklahoma State Architectural and Licensed Interior Designers Act Section 46.21b, please call the OBA office at (405) 949-2383 or email lauren.vaughan@boardofarch.ok.gov.
Last Modified on
May 03, 2024
