Is a charter school applicant required to have a facility in place as part of their application?
No. But the applicant should address in general terms plans for what type of facility will be needed to meet the proposed education program of the charter. The plan should include ideas about possible sites, cost estimates for the remodeling or renovation of the site or a phase-in plan for construction. The charter application must include a statement that the building will meet E (educational occupancy) standards including all the fire, safety, health and construction codes and have a Certificate of Occupancy for use as a public school, prior to opening. A lease for a facility is not required in the charter application, because the charter school does not exist without formal approval by the authorizer.
