What is the Buff City Soap franchisee's responsibility regarding architectural, engineering, and design plans for the premises?
Buff_City_Soap Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
which may be necessary as a result of any restrictive covenants related to the Premises. Prior to beginning the finish-out or renovation of the Premises, Franchisee will obtain all permits, licenses and certifications required for the lawful construction or remodeling and operation of the Makery and submit to Franchisor a certificate of insurance evidencing that the coverage specified in Section 15 is in full force and effect and that all required approvals, clearances, permits and certifications have been obtained. Upon Franchisor's request, Franchisee will provide to Franchisor additional copies of Franchisee's insurance policies and certificates of insurance and copies of all such approvals, clearances, permits and certifications.
(2) Franchisor will furnish to Franchisee prototypical plans and specifications for a Buff City Soap makery, including requirements for dimensions, design, image, interior layout, décor, fixtures, equipment, signs, furnishings, storefront and color scheme. It will be Franchisee's responsibility to have prepared all required architectural, engineering and design plans to suit the shape and dimensions of the Premises, and Franchisee must ensure that these plans and specifications comply with applicable ordinances, building codes and permit requirements, and with Lease requirements and restrictions.
(3) Franchisee will obtain services as needed only from registered architects, registered engineers, and professional and licensed contractors that meet the Standards for the development, construction and equipping of the Makery. To the extent Franchisee desires to obtain services from an architect, engineer or contractor not already approved by Franchisor, Franchisee will submit to Franchisor the information and documentation set forth in the Manuals regarding the training, experience and financial responsibility of the registered architects, registered engineers and professional and licensed contractors whom Franchisee desires to retain to prepare the plans and construct the Makery, along with copies of all proposed contracts with such architects, engineers and contractors, and any other information requested by Franchisor. In connection with Franchisor's review of any such architect, engineer or contractor, Franchisee will pay Franchisor's costs and expenses in connection with the same. Franchisee will not commence construction of the Makery until Franchisor has consented to Franchisee's use of the registered architects, registered engineers and professional and licensed contractors who will prepare the plans and construct the Makery.
(4) Franchisee will submit its plans to Franchisor and upon Franchisor's request, will submit all revised or "as built" plans during the course of construction. Franchisor will review the plans to confirm they comply with Franchisor's prototypical plans and the Standards. Franchisor will notify Franchisee in writing whether it accepts or does not accept the plans within 30 days following Franchisor's receipt of the plans. Franchisee may not begin site preparation or construction prior to receiving notification that Franchisor approves the plans. All construction must be in accordance with the plans approved by Franchisor and comply in all respects with Applicable Law and the Lease.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 69–186)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Buff City Soap Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for preparing all required architectural, engineering, and design plans to suit the shape and dimensions of the premises. Buff City Soap will furnish prototypical plans and specifications, including requirements for dimensions, design, image, interior layout, décor, fixtures, equipment, signs, furnishings, storefront, and color scheme. The franchisee must ensure that these plans and specifications comply with applicable ordinances, building codes, permit requirements, and lease requirements and restrictions.
The franchisee must obtain services as needed only from registered architects, registered engineers, and professional and licensed contractors that meet the standards for the development, construction, and equipping of the Makery. If the franchisee desires to obtain services from an architect, engineer, or contractor not already approved by Buff City Soap, the franchisee must submit information and documentation regarding their training, experience, and financial responsibility. The franchisee is also responsible for paying Buff City Soap's costs and expenses in connection with the review of any such architect, engineer, or contractor.
The franchisee must submit its plans to Buff City Soap and, upon request, submit all revised or "as built" plans during construction. Buff City Soap will review the plans to confirm they comply with the company's prototypical plans and standards. Buff City Soap will notify the franchisee in writing whether it accepts or does not accept the plans within 30 days following receipt of the plans. The franchisee may not begin site preparation or construction before receiving notification that Buff City Soap approves the plans, and all construction must be in accordance with the approved plans and comply with applicable law and the lease. During construction, the franchisee must cooperate fully with Buff City Soap and its designees for inspections to determine whether construction is proceeding according to the approved plans and standards.