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HomeEducation CodeCh. 6Art. 7§ 16271 Facility Approval Requirements

§ 16271 Facility Approval Requirements

Education Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 16271 Facility Approval Requirements

This law says any new school building plans must be approved by the State Department of Education, and the local agency has to prove there are no other suitable places nearby, like empty classrooms or churches, that could be used instead.

Key Takeaways

  • •The State Department of Education must approve all school facility plans.
  • •The local agency must certify that there are no adequate alternate facilities nearby before approval.
  • •Alternate facilities can include vacant classrooms, auditoriums, multipurpose rooms, churches, or recreation centers.

Example

A small town wants to build a new elementary school because the current one is too crowded.

Before the state can say yes, the town must show that there aren't any empty classrooms, auditoriums, church halls, or other community rooms they could use instead of building a new school.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 16271 Facility Approval Requirements

All sites, plans, and specifications of the proposed facilities shall be approved by the State Department of Education. Prior to the approval, the local agency shall certify to the State Department of Education the unavailability of adequate, alternate facilities in the area to be served by the proposed facilities. The facilities shall include but not be limited to vacant classrooms, auditoriums, multipurpose rooms, church or recreation facilities. (Repealed and added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 277, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1997. Operative January 1, 1998.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

State Department of Educationlocal agencyadequate, alternate facilitiesvacant classroomsauditoriumsmultipurpose roomschurch or recreation facilities

Related Statutes

  • § 16265 Children’S Center Funding Eligibility
  • § 16266 Child Care Funding Applications
  • § 16268 Project Funding Notification
  • § 16269 Project Fund Disbursement Rules
  • § 16270 Local Agency Fund Allocation

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Education Code. Section 16271.
View Official Source