Attachment II - Site Differing.pdf

Site Design Manual

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Office of Construction & Facilities Management

Published: February, 2013 Revision 1: April 1st, 2021

Contact:

James Symanski, Jr., P.E.

Facilities Standards Service, Office of Facilities Planning Office of Construction & Facilities Management (CFM)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) james.symanski@va.gov or TIL@va.gov mailto:james.symanski@va.gov mailto:james.symanski@va.gov mailto:TIL@va.gov?subject=Query%20regarding%20VA%20Site%20Design%20Manual

PG 18-10 – SITE DESIGN MANUAL February 1, 2013 Revised April 1, 2021

Table of Contents i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 General Requirements .......................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 Purpose.......................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Responsibility ................................................................................................................ 1-1

1.3 VA Standards ................................................................................................................. 1-1

1.3.1 Design Manuals (PG-18-10) ................................................................................... 1-1

1.3.2 Design Submission Requirements (PG-18-15) ....................................................... 1-1

1.3.3 Master Construction Specifications (PG-18-1) ...................................................... 1-2

1.3.4 Design Alerts and Standards Alerts ........................................................................ 1-2

1.3.5 Design Guides (PG-18-12) ...................................................................................... 1-2

1.3.6 Design and Construction Procedures (PG-18-3) .................................................... 1-2

1.3.7 Standard Details and CAD Standards (PG-18-4) .................................................... 1-2

1.3.8 The VA BIM Guide .................................................................................................. 1-2

1.3.9 Physical Security and Resiliency Design Manual for VA Facilities (PG-18-10) ....... 1-2

1.3.10 Cost Estimating Design Manual (PG-18-10) ........................................................... 1-2

1.3.11 Sustainable Design Manual (PG-18-10) ................................................................. 1-2

1.3.12 Seismic Design Requirements (H-18-8) ................................................................. 1-3

1.3.13 Fire Protection Design Manual (PG-18-10) ............................................................ 1-3

1.3.14 Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standard (ABA) ........................................ 1-3

1.3.15 Barrier Free Design Standard (PG-18-13) .............................................................. 1-3

1.3.16 Signage Design Manual (PG-18-10) ....................................................................... 1-3

1.3.17 Parking Design Manual and Demand Model (PG-18-10) ....................................... 1-3

1.4 Additional Design Criteria and Standards ..................................................................... 1-3

1.4.1 Technical Guidance on Implementing the Stormwater Runoff Requirements for Federal Projects under Section 438 of the Energy Independence and Security Act............ 1-3

1.4.2 FAA Regulations ..................................................................................................... 1-4

1.4.3 National Fire Protection Association ..................................................................... 1-4

1.4.4 American Standards for Nursery Stock .................................................................. 1-4

1.4.5 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) ............................................................ 1-4

1.4.6 State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) ............................................................. 1-4

1.5 Coordination .................................................................................................................. 1-5

1.6 Local Codes and Requirements ..................................................................................... 1-5

1.6.1 Stormwater Management ..................................................................................... 1-5

Table of Contents ii

1.6.2 Local Utility Providers ............................................................................................ 1-5

1.7 Criteria Unique to VA .................................................................................................... 1-5

1.7.1 VA-Provided Materials ........................................................................................... 1-5

1.7.2 Parking Requirements ............................................................................................ 1-6

1.7.3 Proprietary Items ................................................................................................... 1-6

1.7.4 Computer Aided Facilities Management Requirements (CAFM) .......................... 1-6

1.8 Sustainability ................................................................................................................. 1-6

2 Site Selection and Pre-Design ............................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 Site Selection ................................................................................................................. 2-1

2.1.1 Site Specific Goals and Objectives ......................................................................... 2-1

2.1.2 Facility and Land Area Requirements .................................................................... 2-1

2.1.3 Site Research and Data Collection ......................................................................... 2-1

2.1.4 Site Visit.................................................................................................................. 2-2

2.2 Pre-Design Considerations ............................................................................................ 2-2

2.2.1 Opportunities and Constraints .............................................................................. 2-3

2.3 Sustainable Site Selection ............................................................................................. 2-3

2.3.1 Greenfields ............................................................................................................. 2-3

2.3.2 Climate Resilience .................................................................................................. 2-3

2.3.3 Access to Public Transportation ............................................................................ 2-4

2.4 Soils Investigation .......................................................................................................... 2-4

2.4.1 Soils Investigation Scope ........................................................................................ 2-4

2.5 Topographic Surveys ..................................................................................................... 2-5

2.5.1 Survey Scope .......................................................................................................... 2-5

2.5.2 Utility Surveys ........................................................................................................ 2-6

3 Site Conceptual Design ......................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.2 Low Impact Development (LID) ..................................................................................... 3-1

3.2.1 Site Planning........................................................................................................... 3-1

3.2.2 Hydrologic Management ....................................................................................... 3-2

3.2.3 LID Management Practices .................................................................................... 3-2

3.3 Location of Proposed Facility ........................................................................................ 3-2

3.3.1 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................. 3-2

3.3.2 Exterior Layout Parameters ................................................................................... 3-4

Table of Contents iii

3.3.3 Dimensional Requirements .................................................................................... 3-5

3.3.4 Spacing Requirements ........................................................................................... 3-5

3.4 Building Orientation ...................................................................................................... 3-5

3.4.1 Solar Orientation .................................................................................................... 3-6

3.4.2 Prevailing Winds .................................................................................................... 3-7

3.5 Traffic Impact Studies .................................................................................................... 3-7

3.5.1 Traffic Study Documentation ................................................................................. 3-8

3.6 Permitting Requirements .............................................................................................. 3-9

4 Site Layout Design ................................................................................................................ 4-1

4.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................... 4-1

4.2 Site Limits & Security Setbacks ..................................................................................... 4-1

4.3 Building Functions ......................................................................................................... 4-1

4.3.1 Building Entrances ................................................................................................. 4-1

4.3.2 Flagpoles ................................................................................................................ 4-2

4.3.2.1 Number of Flagpoles .......................................................................................... 4-2

4.3.3 Outdoor Building Uses ........................................................................................... 4-3

4.3.4 Loading Dock Design .............................................................................................. 4-4

4.3.5 Utility Yard Design .................................................................................................. 4-5

4.4 Vehicle Circulation......................................................................................................... 4-5

4.4.1 Public Access .......................................................................................................... 4-5

4.4.2 Site Entrances ........................................................................................................ 4-6

4.4.3 Drop-Off at Building Entrances .............................................................................. 4-7

4.4.4 Emergency Department Access ............................................................................. 4-8

4.4.5 Fire and Emergency Equipment Access ................................................................. 4-8

4.4.6 Public Transportation ............................................................................................. 4-8

4.4.7 Basic Roadway Design Requirements .................................................................... 4-9

4.5 Parking Lot Layouts ..................................................................................................... 4-11

4.5.1 Parking Lot Locations ........................................................................................... 4-11

4.5.2 Number and Type of Parking Stalls ...................................................................... 4-12

4.5.3 Accessible Parking Spaces .................................................................................... 4-12

4.5.4 General Parking Lot Design Requirements .......................................................... 4-12

4.5.5 Sustainability in Parking Lots ............................................................................... 4-13

4.6 Design of Pedestrian circulation ................................................................................. 4-14

Table of Contents iv

4.6.1 Walkway Network Hierarchy ............................................................................... 4-14

4.6.2 Walkway Configurations ...................................................................................... 4-18

4.6.3 Walkway Design Requirements ........................................................................... 4-19

4.6.4 Curb Ramps .......................................................................................................... 4-19

4.6.5 Ramps and Steps .................................................................................................. 4-22

4.6.6 Furnishings ........................................................................................................... 4-23

4.7 Bikeway Guidelines ..................................................................................................... 4-23

4.7.1 Bikeway Inclusion ................................................................................................. 4-23

4.7.2 Bikeway Classification .......................................................................................... 4-23

4.7.3 Bikeway Pavement Widths and Clearances ......................................................... 4-25

4.7.4 Bikeway Paving Materials .................................................................................... 4-26

4.7.5 Bikeway Gradients and Curvature ....................................................................... 4-26

4.7.6 Stopping Distances and Street Crossings ............................................................. 4-27

4.7.7 Bicycle Parking ..................................................................................................... 4-29

4.8 Site Grading ................................................................................................................. 4-29

4.8.1 Grades at Buildings .............................................................................................. 4-30

4.8.2 Turf grades ........................................................................................................... 4-30

4.8.3 Pavement Grades ................................................................................................. 4-31

5 Site Utility Systems ............................................................................................................... 5-1

5.1 Overview of Utilities ...................................................................................................... 5-1

5.1.1 Local Coordination ................................................................................................. 5-1

5.1.2 Utility Locations ..................................................................................................... 5-2

5.2 General Utility Design Requirements ............................................................................ 5-2

5.2.1 Clearances and Crossings ....................................................................................... 5-2

5.2.2 Existing Utility System Demolition ......................................................................... 5-2

5.2.3 Redundancy ........................................................................................................... 5-2

5.2.4 Utility Pipe Design .................................................................................................. 5-2

5.2.5 Design Standards and Details ................................................................................ 5-2

5.2.6 Minimum Depth of Cover ...................................................................................... 5-3

5.2.7 Utilities Distribution Type ...................................................................................... 5-3

5.2.8 Horizontal Clearance .............................................................................................. 5-4

5.2.9 Vertical Clearance .................................................................................................. 5-4

5.3 Contract Documents ..................................................................................................... 5-5

Table of Contents v

5.3.1 Calculations and Review Submittals ...................................................................... 5-6

5.4 Cathodic Protection ....................................................................................................... 5-6

5.4.1 Cathodic Protection Analysis ................................................................................. 5-6

5.4.2 Corrosion Protection .............................................................................................. 5-6

5.4.3 Existing Cathodic Protection .................................................................................. 5-6

5.5 Water Supply ................................................................................................................. 5-7

5.5.1 Potable Water Demands (Average Daily Demand)................................................ 5-8

5.5.2 Potable Water Flow (Design Flow Rates) ............................................................... 5-9

5.5.3 Potable Water Sources .......................................................................................... 5-9

5.5.4 Non-Potable Water Demand ............................................................................... 5-10

5.5.5 Non-Potable Water Sources ................................................................................ 5-10

5.5.6 Water Distribution Systems ................................................................................. 5-10

5.5.7 Water Distribution Design Plans .......................................................................... 5-12

5.6 Water Storage ............................................................................................................. 5-13

5.6.1 Mission Critical Facilities for Water Demand ...................................................... 5-13

5.6.2 Design of On-Site Water Storage Facilities .......................................................... 5-14

5.7 Domestic Water Pumping Systems ............................................................................. 5-15

5.7.1 Pump Types .......................................................................................................... 5-15

5.7.2 Pump Applications ............................................................................................... 5-15

5.8 Irrigation Distribution System ..................................................................................... 5-17

5.8.1 Automatic Irrigation ............................................................................................. 5-18

5.8.2 Irrigation System Connections ............................................................................. 5-18

5.9 Sanitary Sewer Systems .............................................................................................. 5-18

5.9.1 Sanitary Sewer types ............................................................................................ 5-19

5.9.2 Sanitary Sewer Design Requirements .................................................................. 5-19

5.9.3 Mission Critical Facilities for Sanitary Sewer ....................................................... 5-21

5.9.4 Sewage Pumping Equipment (Outside) ............................................................... 5-22

5.10 Storm Sewer Systems .................................................................................................. 5-23

5.10.1 Storm Sewer Design Requirements ..................................................................... 5-23

5.11 Gas Distribution System .............................................................................................. 5-25

5.12 Oil and Gasoline Supply Systems ................................................................................ 5-25

5.13 Fuel Storage Facilities .................................................................................................. 5-25

5.13.1 Above-Grade Fuel Storage (AST’s) ....................................................................... 5-25

Table of Contents vi

5.13.2 Underground Storage Tanks (UST’s) .................................................................... 5-26

5.13.3 Fuel Storage for Mission Critical Facilities ........................................................... 5-27

6 Stormwater Management .................................................................................................... 6-1

6.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................... 6-1

6.2 Stormwater Attenuation ............................................................................................... 6-1

6.2.1 Pre-Developed Flow Rates ..................................................................................... 6-1

6.2.2 Post-Developed Flow Rates ................................................................................... 6-2

6.3 Stormwater Quality ....................................................................................................... 6-2

6.4 Stormwater Management Plan ..................................................................................... 6-2

6.5 Best Management Practices (BMPs) ............................................................................. 6-3

6.5.1 Green Roofs ........................................................................................................... 6-3

6.5.2 Stormwater Ponds ................................................................................................. 6-4

6.5.3 Stormwater Wetlands ............................................................................................ 6-4

6.5.4 Infiltration Practices ............................................................................................... 6-5

6.5.5 Filtering Practices ................................................................................................... 6-5

6.5.6 Treatment Swales .................................................................................................. 6-6

6.5.7 Pre-Treatment Practices ........................................................................................ 6-6

7 Erosion and Sediment Control .............................................................................................. 7-1

7.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................... 7-1

7.2 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program (NPDES) ........................... 7-1

7.3 Erosion and Sediment Control Strategies ..................................................................... 7-1

7.4 Erosion and Sediment Control Plans ............................................................................. 7-2

7.4.1 Erosion Control Best Management Practices (BMPs) ............................................ 7-2

7.4.2 Sediment Control Best Management Practices (BMPs) ........................................ 7-4

8 Landscape Design ................................................................................................................. 8-1

8.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................... 8-1

8.2 Sustainability ................................................................................................................. 8-1

8.2.1 Water ..................................................................................................................... 8-1

8.2.2 Soils ........................................................................................................................ 8-1

8.2.3 Vegetation .............................................................................................................. 8-2

8.2.4 Human Health and Well-Being .............................................................................. 8-3

8.3 Landscape Plan .............................................................................................................. 8-4

8.3.1 Landscape Design Guidelines ................................................................................. 8-4

Table of Contents vii

8.3.2 Parking Lot Landscaping......................................................................................... 8-5

8.3.3 Tree Selection Criteria in Parking Lots ................................................................... 8-6

8.3.4 Concentric Plant Zones .......................................................................................... 8-6

8.3.5 Plant Selection ....................................................................................................... 8-7

8.4 Other Landscape Design Elements ................................................................................ 8-7

8.4.1 Healing Gardens ..................................................................................................... 8-7

8.4.2 Turf Grass ............................................................................................................... 8-9

8.4.3 Maintenance .......................................................................................................... 8-9

8.4.4 Site Security ........................................................................................................... 8-9

8.4.5 Existing Trees and Other Vegetation ..................................................................... 8-9

8.5 Xeriscape ..................................................................................................................... 8-10

8.5.1 Xeriscape Principles ............................................................................................. 8-10

8.6 Irrigation Design .......................................................................................................... 8-11

8.6.1 Efficient Systems .................................................................................................. 8-11

8.6.2 Water Sources for Irrigation ................................................................................ 8-11

General Requirements 1-1

1 General Requirements

1.1 Purpose

This manual is a directive for Architect and Engineer (A/E) design professionals for the planning and design of the site layout, parking, pedestrian and traffic circulation, grading, stormwater management, building location and orientation, site utilities, landscaping, irrigation, and other related systems at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. As a healthcare organization, VA’s focus is in treating veterans who, in some cases, have severe disabilities, including sight, hearing, and mobility. A/Es must always keep the interest of the sick and/or disabled veteran in mind when making decisions in locations where design choices affect veterans.

This design manual shall be utilized for all VA projects, i.e. major, minor, and NRM projects. It is expected that systems designed shall meet their primary intent of providing an accessible, safe, reliable, and sustainable facility. In order to provide the latitude needed to accommodate new technologies, methods and materials, and/or pre-existing field conditions, technical deviations from the stipulations of this manual may be made only if a safe, reliable, and sustainable design shall result. Such deviations must be approved by VA. Deviations that are not permitted are requirements included in public laws, federal regulations, executive orders, and all applicable codes.

1.2 Responsibility

A licensed Professional Civil Engineer and Licensed Landscape Architect shall work together to design the site access, drainage, and layout. The Civil Engineer shall be responsible for the site drawings. A licensed Landscape Architect shall be responsible for the landscape planting plans.

1.3 VA Standards

The VA standards are described in this section. The majority of the manuals and design references can be found on the VA’s Office of Construction & Facilities Management Technical Information Library (TIL) at www.cfm.va.gov/til. All the manuals and references in this section are found on the TIL unless otherwise noted.

1.3.1 Design Manuals (PG-18-10)

These references are intended to convey general and specific VA design guidelines for medical and support facilities.

1.3.2 Design Submission Requirements (PG-18-15)

These references provide a staged list of tasks in various design categories to define the A/E scope and assure thorough and timely completion of the final design package and bid documents.

https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/

General Requirements 1-2

1.3.3 Master Construction Specifications (PG-18-1)

This reference defines a standardized method for the A/E to assure that the contractors provide equipment and systems that meet the design intent in terms of performance, quality, regulatory compliance, and cost.

1.3.4 Design Alerts and Standards Alerts

Alerts are issued on an as-needed basis to provide VA personnel and the A/E consultants with a listing of the most common, repeated, or critical design errors and omissions experienced by the VA on projects.

1.3.5 Design Guides (PG-18-12)

Provides the designer with specific layout templates and medical equipment lists for all types of spaces/uses and specific design parameters for structural, electrical and mechanical design.

1.3.6 Design and Construction Procedures (PG-18-3)

This reference establishes minimum consistent design/construction practices and references the VA Hospital Building System (VAHBS) methodology.

1.3.7 Standard Details and CAD Standards (PG-18-4)

The VA has adopted the U.S. National CAD Standard (NCS) Version 4. A link to the NCS standards is found on the TIL web site.

1.3.8 The VA BIM Guide

VA has adopted BIM to achieve better quality documents for construction and to provide electronic data for facilities management.

1.3.9 Physical Security and Resiliency Design Manual for VA Facilities (PG-18-10)

Sets physical security standards required for facilities to continue operation during a natural or man-made extreme event and for facilities that are required to protect the life safety of patients and staff in an emergency.

1.3.10 Cost Estimating Design Manual (PG-18-10)

The purpose of the cost estimating manual is to provide general and specific VA cost estimating philosophies for medical facilities.

1.3.11 Sustainable Design Manual (PG-18-10)

The VA Sustainable Design Manual sets forth sustainability-related requirements that all projects must comply with.

General Requirements 1-3

1.3.12 Seismic Design Requirements (H-18-8)

This reference establishes code and other requirements, including occupancy categories, for new or existing VA facilities located in seismic areas so these facilities remain functionally operational after an earthquake.

1.3.13 Fire Protection Design Manual (PG-18-10)

This manual provides the fire protection engineering design criteria for all categories of VA construction and renovation projects.

1.3.14 Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standard (ABA)

This document contains scoping and technical requirements for accessibility to sites, facilities, buildings, and elements by individuals with disabilities for Federal facilities. The requirements are to be applied during the design, construction, additions to, and alteration of sites, facilities, buildings, and elements to the extent required by regulations issued by Federal agencies under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). ABA replaces the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS), which was the VA’s previous standard for accessibility.

1.3.15 Barrier Free Design Standard (PG-18-13)

This supplement to ABAAS tailors some of the requirements to better meet the barrier-free needs of the VA in its health care facilities.

1.3.16 Signage Design Manual (PG-18-10)

This reference provides guidelines for the design of signs and provides detailed information on the development of a signage system.

1.3.17 Parking Design Manual and Demand Model (PG-18-10)

The goal of this document is to guide the VA’s planners, managers, and designers with the best design and management practices that shall be considered when contemplating parking solutions. Parking on VA campuses must be properly planned and designed so that the VA realizes the maximum return on its investments, and so the needs of the VA’s employees, visitors, and patients are fulfilled.

1.4 Additional Design Criteria and Standards

When developing a site, there are several other industry design standards that are applicable to VA projects. The standards, codes, and guides listed below are to be reviewed and incorporated on a project specific basis.

1.4.1 Technical Guidance on Implementing the Stormwater Runoff Requirements for Federal Projects under Section 438 of the Energy Independence and Security Act.

Section 438 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) requires federal agencies to develop and redevelop applicable facilities in a manner that maintains or restores stormwater runoff to the maximum extent technically feasible. The direction of the statute is http://www.access-board.gov/ada-aba/final.cfm

General Requirements 1-4 to maintain or restore the pre-development site hydrology during the development or redevelopment process (http://www.epa.gov/owow/NPS/lid/section438/).

1.4.2 FAA Regulations

The following references provide Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) regulations for structures within the affected air space of an airport, obstructing marking and lighting requirements, and heliport designs. These references are to be applied on a project specific basis (http://www.faa.gov).

● Federal Airline Regulations Part 77 – Objects Affecting Navigable Space

● Advisory Circular 70/7460-1K – Obstruction Marking and Lighting

● Advisory Circular 150/5390-2B Heliport Design

1.4.3 National Fire Protection Association

The National Fire Protection Association develops and publishes codes and standards intended to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other risks (http://www.nfpa.org).

1.4.4 American Standards for Nursery Stock

The American Nursery and Landscape Association has developed a standardized system of sizing and describing plants to facilitate the purchase and planting of nursery stock (http://www.anla.org/).

● American Standard for Nursery Stock http://agri.nv.gov/Brochures/ANLAStandard2004.pdf

1.4.5 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to integrate environmental values into their decision-making processes by considering the environmental impacts of their proposed actions and reasonable alternatives to those actions.

To meet NEPA requirements federal agencies prepare a detailed statement known as an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). EPA reviews and comments on EISs prepared by other federal agencies, maintains a national filing system for all EISs, and assures that its own actions comply with NEPA.

1.4.6 State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

The purposes of SHPO include surveying and recognizing historic properties, reviewing nominations for properties to be included in the National Register of Historic Places, reviewing undertakings for the impact on the properties as well as supporting federal organizations, state and local governments, and private sector. States are responsible for setting up their own SHPO; therefore, each SHPO varies slightly on rules and regulations.

http://www.epa.gov/owow/NPS/lid/section438/ http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/ http://agri.nv.gov/Brochures/ANLAStandard2004.pdf

General Requirements 1-5

1.5 Coordination

The A/E shall coordinate all work to avoid design conflicts and eliminate potential change orders. Of particular focus shall be concealed and underground areas and site utility coordination.

The A/E shall coordinate with federal, state, county, and local agencies to determine required permitting for the project and provide the VA Project Manager with a summary of the permit requirements, copies of permit applications and copies of correspondence, meeting minutes and other supporting documentation.

1.6 Local Codes and Requirements

While Federal Departments and Agencies are generally exempt from following state and local codes, the A/E shall bring local and regional climatic and geographic conditions and provisions of local building codes that are significantly different from national codes and conditions to the attention of VA. Of particular focus shall be local codes, code amendments, and/or conditions related to coastal, hurricane-prone, arctic, seismically active regions, or other climatic or regional conditions that warrant additional measures to protect the integrity of systems.

1.6.1 Stormwater Management

Local stormwater management and permitting requirements must be researched. Local requirements may differ from federal and state regulations. All applicable local requirements must be considered when designing the project. The more stringent requirements between the federal, state, and local regulations shall be used in all cases.

1.6.2 Local Utility Providers

The A/E shall follow the rules and regulations of local utility companies, where applicable. The A/E shall investigate potential rebates, etc., offered by local utility companies, for the use of specific types of equipment and provide a detailed summary of potential savings to the VA Project Manager.

The A/E shall coordinate with local utility providers to verify the location, size and characteristics of existing utility mains and/or service lines available for connection to the proposed facility. The A/E shall forward copies of correspondence, meeting minutes and applications for utility service from utility company representatives to the VA Project Manager.

The Facility Chief Engineer will negotiate for new services or changes to existing building services as necessary.

1.7 Criteria Unique to VA

1.7.1 VA-Provided Materials

The VA Project Manager will provide the following data to the A/E:

● Facility Development Plan

● Building number assignments (the VA will provide or assign building numbers)

General Requirements 1-6

● All existing drawings of the site, especially any utility plans.

● Design objectives

● Limitations

● Design criteria specific to this project

● Site requirements

● Sustainability Goals – The goals shall be established by the Integrated Design Team (VA and AE). Overarching goals may be directed solely by the VA.

1.7.2 Parking Requirements

VA will quantify the number of required parking spaces for employees, visitors, motorcycle, disabled persons and van spaces. The A/E shall provide a parking tabulation on the contract drawings indicating the total number of VA facility parking spaces, existing spaces lost to construction, new standard spaces, and new standard and van spaces for the disabled. Parking lots and spaces shall be designed according to the VA Parking Design Guide.

1.7.3 Proprietary Items

The use of trade names or other indications that identify a product of an individual manufacturer on any project shall not be used under any circumstance, unless specifically approved by VA. Where VA authorizes specific products, etc., the following shall be identified:

● Where necessary to identify existing equipment,

● Where an existing system is to be extended and competitive manufacturers cannot meet performance or dimensional requirements,

● When required by a public utility or municipal system as a condition of service. This shall be stated explicitly in the specifications.

1.7.4 Computer Aided Facilities Management Requirements (CAFM)

The VA intends to implement Computer Aided Facility Management (CAFM) systems in all new and replacement hospital construction, and as feasible in all existing hospitals. The CAFM concept requires that all pertinent data regarding a facility be contained in a master digital database, accessible by facilities personnel at their workstations for use in operations, energy/cost management, and maintenance and for planning modifications in facility infrastructure due to space utilization changes. The transfer of the appropriate data shall be in the COBIE format developed by the A/E and contractor.

1.8 Sustainability

There are numerous sustainable design requirements contained within this Manual. Many of these requirements align with laws and other federal mandates. In addition, designers should familiarize themselves with overall sustainable design goals contained within the VA Sustainable Design Manual.

Site Selection and Pre-Design 2-1

2 Site Selection and Pre-Design

2.1 Site Selection

Many factors affect the selection of a site for a new project or a new addition. The A/E, along with VA and the end user, shall consider the functional layout for specific buildings along with functions required for the site. The site shall be analyzed in terms of existing utilities available, site access, existing of hazardous waste, etc. Site specific goals and objectives, verifying the program requirements, developing functional relationships, defining spatial relationships, providing an inventory of the area and accomplishing a site visit are all responsibilities of the A/E in evaluating a proposed site.

2.1.1 Site Specific Goals and Objectives

Goals and objectives for the project are derived from the integrated project team. The team’s specific needs shall to be determined for the following:

● Functional requirements

● Creation of organizational efficiency and safety

● Relationship to adjacent functions

● Space provisions for renewable energies, i.e. solar PV, ground source heat pumps, wind, etc.

2.1.2 Facility and Land Area Requirements

Once the goals and objectives have been adopted, the development requirements and the spatial needs of these requirements can be identified so as to secure a proper site. Accurate project requirements are fundamental to organizing and locating project elements on a proposed site. Failure to anticipate true programmatic and spatial needs can create incompatible land use and inefficient spatial arrangements, especially on small or confined sites. The land area or spatial requirements are determined by the size of the various facilities and other activities to be included within the area to serve the facilities such as driveways, walkways, parking, open space, and consideration of future expansion. The new site must consider an analysis of the space needed for renewable energies for the current project development as well as any future campus requirement.

2.1.3 Site Research and Data Collection

Research of the project site data will typically occur simultaneously with the analysis of project requirements and functional relationships. This research includes the collection of base maps and data about the environmental and manmade characteristics of the area and its environment. Existing maps and other data shall be used whenever possible to prevent duplication of information. The data to be collected shall include the following:

● Locating and obtaining old drawings from the VA;

● Environmental Assessments that meet NEPA requirements;

● Obtaining drawings from local utility companies;

● Aerial photographs;

Site Selection and Pre-Design 2-2

● Soil Conservation Service soil surveys;

● USGS topographic surveys;

● Background data such as the Property Maps;

● Significant architectural, cultural, or historical features;

● Significant climatic conditions such as wind, sun, and precipitation;

● Significant views to be enhanced or obscured;

● Proposed modifications or changes that will impact the project and surrounding area;

● Identifying location, size, and provider of available utility services in public rights-of ways;

● Setback and zoning requirements of the local jurisdiction;

● Flood plain limits;

● Boundaries and location of surrounding wetlands or protected waterways, etc.;

● Locations of nearby bodies of water subject to tide fluctuations;

● Sea-Level Rise projections for nearby bodies of water;

● Stormwater management requirements;

● Locate existing access points for the project site for vehicles and pedestrians;

● Locating the surrounding properties access points;

● Off-site traffic patterns;

● Research easements on the property;

● Research available public transportation information and routes;

● Research location of legacy trees.

To assist the A/E with gathering this information, the A/E shall use the provided Site Development Information Form, included in Appendix A to this document. This form will assist the A/E with researching the existing conditions of the site that might affect either the design or construction of the proposed VA facility. It is not intended to be all inclusive and some items may or may not be applicable to a specific site based on the intended use. At a minimum, each item shall be reviewed to determine if it is applicable and then addressed.

2.1.4 Site Visit

In the pre-design phase, the A/E shall visit the project site to see the surrounding environment.

During the site visit, the A/E shall accomplish the following:

● Review and verify existing information. Photography, field sketches, and notation are commonly used methods of recording information.

● Evaluate the compatibility of existing on- and off-site conditions.

● Discover previously unknown or unrecorded conditions and factors.

● Evaluate the design qualities and visual qualities of the site.

2.2 Pre-Design Considerations

The pre-design phase includes verifying and recording the previously mentioned collected data in a series of maps, charts and text that document all existing conditions, both within and outside the proposed project area. This information provides a basis for the evaluation of the impacts that the proposed development has on existing conditions. During the pre-design

Site Selection and Pre-Design 2-3 phase, it is important to understand the impacts various elements found during research can have on the project area and determine the viability of the site.

2.2.1 Opportunities and Constraints

The evaluations made in the site analysis are recorded on a map that summarizes the opportunities and constraints for development. The opportunities and constraints evaluation is used to verify the adequacy of the site for the proposed project.

The opportunities and constraints map interprets area features as either opportunities to be explored and enhanced or constraints to be avoided or mitigated. Opportunities and constraints maps shall define the following:

● Natural features to be preserved for environmental protection.

● Natural features to be conserved.

● Natural features that affect construction (poor soils, steep slopes, etc.).

● Climatic impacts of temperature, solar radiation, wind, and precipitation.

● Existing structures or other landmarks to be preserved or enhanced because of historic, architectural, or other significance.

● Existing structures or other landmarks that share functional relationships and connections with the future development.

● Existing structures or other features that have a negative impact on the area through poor siting, visual intrusion, deteriorated condition, noise, or some other factor.

● Vehicular or pedestrian circulation points of conflict and opportunity

● All utilities to serve the area or that will impact development.

● Required buffers, setbacks, or hazard zones as well as easements and rights-of-way that will restrict use of area.

● Important visual nodes such as points of entry or major intersections.

● Desirable visual impact to be enhanced and undesirable impacts to be screened.

● Significant vegetation, especially trees and shrubs.

● Permitting requirements.

2.3 Sustainable Site Selection

2.3.1 Greenfields

Avoid greenfield properties, whenever possible.

2.3.2 Climate Resilience

Evaluate project site(s) for potential impacts from climate change. At a minimum, consider sea level rise, wildfire risk, higher mean temperatures, thawing permafrost, and an increase in extreme weather intensity and frequency. Utilize the results of this evaluation to inform site selection and all stages of planning and development.

Site Selection and Pre-Design 2-4

2.3.2.1 Sea Level Rise Site Selection

During site selection, evaluate potential sites using the procedures outlined in Section 2.3.2.2, below. Avoid sites with high risk of impact from Sea Level Rise (SLR).

2.3.2.2 Sea Level Rise Design Considerations

Incorporate SLR considerations into the planning and design of construction and renovation projects for all VA facilities located within coastal areas. Evaluate SLR vulnerability using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Sea-Level Change Curve Calculator to determine low, intermediate, and high projections. Use the project’s estimated useful life as the duration for calculation purposes. Once estimated SLR has been determined, add worst case tropical cyclone surge, tide, and wave data to determine high-water line for planning. Compare the resulting flood hazard area and flood elevation with the elevations of critical site facilities for the three SLR-influenced estimates. The selection of SLR estimate to use in decision-making shall be based on the risk associated with the facility. If determined to be vulnerable to flood effects, consider alternate site locations or physical modifications necessary to reduce the threat of SLR on facilities and infrastructure.

2.3.2.3 Sea Level Rise Coordination

Coordinate facility planning with local and regional climate change adaptation plans.

2.3.2.4 Wildland Fire Risk

Avoid sites that have high risk of wildfire.