(a) An application for an allocation pursuant to this article shall not be recommended for approval by the State Architect unless the project meets the minimum seismic safety standards as established by the State Architect. Preliminary design work, including preliminary plans and a detailed cost estimate for the project shall be completed and submitted with the application.
(b) Any proposal for a project addressing more than seismic retrofit shall include a certification by the project architect or consulting engineer of the portion of the cost required for the eligible seismic improvements.
(c) If the project involves an essential services building, no allocation of funds may be made unless the State Architect finds that the project or the project plan is consistent with the Essential Services Building Seismic Safety Act of 1986 (Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 16000) of Division 12.5 of the Health and Safety Code).