Exhibit L - 2021 IRS Facilities Design Standards.pdf

Jacobs Facilities Inc.

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Facilities Management & Security Services

OS:A:FMSS

Real Estate and Facilities Management

IRS-FMSS

Facilities Design

Standards

January 2021

IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards i Table of Content 1/1/2021

Preface ..................................................................................................................... ......................................................iii

Chapter 1 – General Requirements.............................................................................................................................. 1-i

Chapter 2 – Site Planning and Landscape Architecture ............................................................................................. 2-i

Chapter 3 – Architectural ............................................................................................................................. ............... 3-i

Chapter 4 – Structural.................................................................................................................................................. 4-i

Chapter 5 – Mechanical ............................................................................................................................................... 5-i

Chapter 6 – Electrical ...................................................................................................... ............................................ 6-i

Chapter 7 – Fire Protection.......................................................................................................................................... 7-i

Chapter 8 – Physical Security...................................................................................................................................... 8-i

Chapter 9 – Telecommunications .............................................................................................. .................................. 9-i

Chapter 10 – Special Occupancies ............................................................................................................................ 10-i

Chapter 11 – Facility Turnover and Commissioning................................................................................................ 11-i

Chapter 12 – Submittals/Deliverables ....................................................................................................................... 12-i

Chapter 13 – Construction Document Review Checklist.......................................................................................... 13-i

Table of Contents

Table of Content ii IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards

IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards iii Preface

BACKGROUND

The IRS Facilities Design Criteria was first enacted in

April 1994. This document was revised and renamed the “IRS Facilities Design Standards” in 2002. Since then, revisions in codes and standards have necessitated the reissue of this document. Some of these revisions include:

1) The General Services Administration

(GSA) adopted the International Code

Council (ICC) family of codes including, among others, the

International Building Code (IBC).

2) The Architectural Barriers Act

Accessibility Standard (ABAAS) replaced the Uniform Federal

Accessibility Standards (UFAS).

3) Due to world events, security has become an ever-increasing concern resulting in the issuance of new security standards.

4) Sustainable design, including energy efficiency and healthy interior environments, have become increasingly important design considerations.

5) The Construction Specifications

Institute (CSI) developed 50 specification divisions, superseding the previous 16.

6) Government and industry standards have been updated, sometimes multiple times.

7) The IRS has continued to document and issue new design standards.

Preface

Preface iv IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards

FEEDBACK

The IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards is a living document that will continue to evolve. Revised editions are anticipated in the future. User feedback is essential and is probably the most important method of maintaining the accuracy and technical correctness of the text. If an individual detects an error, conflict, or omission in this standard, or has a suggestion for material to be included in the text, please send your comments, through appropriate channels, to the

Facilities Management and Security Services

OS:A:FMSS National Office.

WEBSITES

Several editions of the GSA/PBS Facilities

Standards(P100) may be found on the internet at:

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104821

From this link, one can move through the GSA site to the relevant edition and even download it, if desired.

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104821

IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards 1-i General Requirements

1-1 INTRODUCTION

1-1.1 Purpose 1-1.2 Responsibilities

1-1.2.1 General Services Administration 1-1.2.2 Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

1-2 USE OF THE MANUAL

1-3 IRS PROJECT PHASES

1-4 TYPES OF FACILITIES

1-4.1 New Construction of GSA Owned Facilities 1-4.2 New Construction of Leased Facilities 1-4.3 Alterations/Renovations

1-5 SAFETY AND PROTECTION

1-6 DEMOLITION

1-6.1 Pre-demolition Inspection 1-6.2 Demolition Procedures

1-6.2.1 Wholesale Demolition 1-6.2.2 Partial Demolition

1-7 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

1-7.1 Asbestos Abatement 1-7.2 Lead 1-7.3 Radon Mitigation 1-7.4 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) 1-7.5 Urea Formaldehyde 1-7.6 Hazardous Waste

1-8 CODES AND STANDARDS

1-8.1 Governing Codes

1-8.1.1 Federal Facilities 1-8.1.2 GSA Leased Facilities

1-8.3 Zoning Ordinances 1-8.4 GSA Standards 1-8.5 IRS Standards 1-8.6 Accessibility Design Standards 1-8.7 Metric Standards

1-8.7.1 Federal Regulations 1-8.7.2 GSA Policy

1-9 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND PRACTICES

1-9.1 Federal Regulations

1-9.1.1 Energy Policy Act of 2005 1-9.2.1 Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

1-9.3 Documentation of Environmental Practices 1-9.4 IRS Energy Targets 1-9.5 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

1-9.5.1 GSA and LEED 1-9.5.2 IRS LEED Goal

1-9.6 Resources

Chapter 1 General Requirements

General Requirements 1-ii IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards

IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards 1-1 General Requirements

1-1 INTRODUCTION

1-1.1 Purpose

The IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards establishes the approved level of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) design requirements for all IRS facilities. While each facility may have its own unique requirements, it is the intent of this manual to establish the IRS design guidelines, procedures and criteria throughout the IRS.

This document describes standards from the standpoint of new construction. But where feasible, these same standards shall be used for renovation of existing facilities and leased space. It is understood that existing buildings may have their own standards and that those standards may differ from the standards set forth in this document. Differences should be brought to the attention of and approved by the IRS.

The standards contained in this document concentrate on the particular IRS requirements that go beyond basic

General Services Administration (GSA) guidelines.

Rather than repeat the GSA guidelines or industry standards, the document refers the user to the appropriate documents.

The IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards is primarily intended to provide design guidance for the development of Construction Documents (CD) by an

Architect/Engineer (A/E). However, it may also be used in the preparation of a Global Lease (GL) provided the preparer of the GL includes the necessary requirements within the GL.

1-1.2 Responsibilities

1-1.2.1 General Services Administration

The General Services Administration is charged by law to construct, alter and lease building facilities for many agencies of the Federal Government (including the IRS).

Under this mandate, GSA acts both as developer and owner of federal real estate, while the agencies housed in federal buildings can be regarded as tenants. GSA receives building authority from the U.S. Congress.

General Requirements 1-2 IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards

In addition to the above statement, the IRS-FMSS

Facilities Design Standards outlines additional responsibilities of GSA for federally owned and leased facilities as follows:

1) Submit Design Documents (30%, 60%,90% and Final) to the IRS for approval.

2) Submit a construction schedule to the IRS for approval with each design document submission.

3) Submit shop drawings to the IRS for approval.

4) Develop and submit a master list of submittal documents required during construction.

5) Submit all required Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA), state and local permits or related documents to the IRS for approval.

6) Submit all required Material Safety Data

Sheets to the IRS for approval.

7) Notify the IRS of construction inspections

(30%, 60%, 90% and Final).

8) Submit “as built” drawings to the IRS in

PDF and AutoCAD formats per PBS and

IRS CAD Standards (refer to Chapter 12) for use in building operation and maintenance.

1-1.2.2 Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

The IRS reviews and approves design, schedules, shop drawings and construction documents provided by the

GSA.

1-2 USE OF THE MANUAL

The IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards is intended as a reference guide that provides minimum requirements for the design of IRS facilities.

It contains policy and technical standards that will affect the programming, design and documentation of

IRS facilities. This manual shall be used in conjunction with any specific IRS building program and should augment the GSA’s corresponding manuals.

Where deviations from the standards appear prudent due to existing conditions, building standards, advancements in design or technology, etc., these differences must be brought to the attention and approved by the IRS during the early phases of design.

IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards 1-3 General Requirements

1-3 IRS PROJECT PHASES

The IRS project process has seven phases:

• Phase 1: Project Development

• Phase 2: Lease Procurement

• Phase 3: Planning and Design

• Phase 4: Preconstruction

• Phase 5: Construction

• Phase 6: Relocation

• Phase 7: Project Close-Out

In the GSA/PBS Facilities Standards (P100) Appendix

Submittal Requirements, the GSA identifies three project stages:

• Concepts

• Design Development

• Construction Documents

The table below correlates the seven IRS project phases with the three GSA project stages through the activities associated. These activities will vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. Shown in bold are the submittals/deliverables associated with the phase/stage and discussed in Chapter 12, Submittals/Deliverables.

IRS Project Phases Activity GSA Project Stages

Phase 1: Project Development Preplanning and Programming - Program of

Requirements, Project Schedule and Cost

Estimate

Phase 2: Lease Procurement Space Acquisition

Phase 3: Planning and Design

Conceptual Design - Site Analysis/Site

Investigation, Design Concept, Block and Stack

Diagram, Space Plan. Furniture Planning, Project Schedule and Cost Estimate

Concepts

Design Development – Design Development

Documents/Design Intent Drawings (DID), Project Schedule and Independent Government

Cost Estimate (IGCE)

Design Development

Phase 4: Preconstruction Construction Documentation - Construction

Documents (CD); Pricing (bid or negotiated) and

Value Engineering, as needed; Furniture

Drawings; Project Schedule; and Cost Estimate

Construction Documents

Phase 5: Construction Construction Administration

Phase 6: Relocation Relocation Planning

Phase 7: Project Close-Out

General Requirements 1-4 IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards

1-4 TYPES OF FACILITIES

The guidelines provided in this document primarily address n ew co n s t ru c t io n , b u t wh ere f ea s ib l e th e se same standards shall be used for the alteration/ renovation of existing facilities. The construction program for each facility generally falls into one of the following categories:

• New Construction of GSA Owned

Facilities

• New Construction of Leased Facilities

• Alterations/Renovations

Each is discussed below.

1-4.1 New Construction of GSA Owned Facilities

For basic guidelines and philosophy for new GSA owned facilities refer to GSA/PBS Facilities Standards, General

Requirements. Construction must comply with all applicable codes to the maximum extent feasible as per the Public Buildings Amendments of 1988, 40 U.S.C.

3312. It must also comply with Occupational Safety and

Health Administration (OSHA) safety regulations; EPA, state, and local environmental regulations; and latest

Executive Orders.

1-4.2 New Construction of Leased Facilities

The GSA/PBS Facilities Standards also applies to the design of facilities built by a developer to be leased to

GSA. In the case of leased construction, building designs must comply with OSHA regulations and all local codes and ordinances that may, in some instances, supersede the criteria of the GSA/PBS Facilities Standards.

Construction must also comply with EPA, state, and local environmental regulations; and Executive Order

13423.

1-4.3 Alterations/Renovations

The GSA/PBS Facilities Standards also applies to the design of major and minor alterations and renovations. It addresses alterations and renovations throughout the entire document. However, for discipline specific guidance on alterations and renovations refer to the following sections:

1) Architectural: GSA/PBS Facilities

Standards, Architectural and Interior

Design, “Alterations in Existing

Buildings and Historic Structures”

2) Structural: GSA/PBS Facilities

Standards, Structural Engineering, “Alterations in Existing Buildings and Historic Structures”

3) Mechanical: GSA/PBS Facilities

Standards, Mechanical Engineering, “Alterations in Existing Buildings and Historic Structures”

In addition to the referenced guidelines above, the A/E shall determine, based on the type of renovation, whether to match and/or reuse existing materials and methods as part of the work. In this event, requirements set forth in this manual may be superseded, if approved by the IRS during the early phases of design.

Alterations and renovations must comply with all applicable codes; OSHA safety regulations; EPA, state, and local environmental regulations; and latest

Executive Orders.

IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards 1-5 General Requirements

1-5 SAFETY AND PROTECTION

Protecting the health and safety of all people (IRS employees, contractors and visitors) is of the utmost concern to the IRS. The contractor is responsible for the protection of people and property during demolition and construction. To reinforce this, the A/E will describe the design intent of protecting the health and safety of occupants and identifying any areas of specific concern.

Examples of specific concerns may include:

• dust mitigation

• noise reduction

• hazard protection (fire, falling objects, chemical exposure, electrical shock, collapse of excavations, hazardous material spills, moving vehicles/equipment, etc.)

• elimination of obstructions (blocked exits or tripping hazards, etc.)

• maintaining a consistent indoor environment (temperature, humidity, etc.)

This is of particular importance when a building site will be occupied during demolition and/or construction. To further ensure the safety of building occupants, the A/E shall contact IRS/FMSS Safety to identify any additional

IRS concerns that need to be addressed, for example:

• discussion/meeting with the Contractor and the IRS to discuss building occupant safety

• cooperation by the Contractor when the IRS fills out the Proactive Construction Impact Assessment (PCIA); this is only used when IRS personnel will occupy the building during construction

• scheduling of demolition and construction to minimize potential for exposure

• adherence to Sheet Metal and Air

Conditioning Contractors’ National

Association (SMACNA) guidelines

1-6 DEMOLITION

1-6.1 Pre-demolition Inspection

The GSA/IRS shall furnish all existing data on the facilities to the A/E so the A/E can make copies and conduct a thorough evaluation of the existing facility.

Existing data may include drawings of as-built conditions, specifications, reports, surveys, and other pertinent data. This information shall be evaluated in conjunction with a physical inspection of the facilities prior to determination of demolition activities.

As part of this pre-demolition inspection, it shall be determined what hazardous materials, if any, exist and what methods will be employed for their disposition. In addition, it shall be determined to what extent removed materials shall be salvaged, stockpiled and re-used. At this time, local recycling and salvage operations that could process site related waste should be identified. In compliance with Executive Order 13423, the design should include a plan to recycle or salvage at least 50 percent c o n s t r u c t i o n , d e m o l i t i o n a n d l a n d c l e a r i n g waste, excluding soil, where markets or onsite recycling opportunities exist.

1-6.2 Demolition Procedures

Based upon the pre-demolition inspection and program requirements, the extent of demolition shall be determined. Demolition will fall into one of the following categories:

1-6.2.1 Wholesale Demolition

Should wholesale demolition of structures and associated surroundings be required, a qualified demolition contractor shall be selected to perform this work. It shall be the responsibility of this contractor to establish demolition procedures that are acceptable to the GSA, IRS, A/E and appropriate local agencies and comply with applicable safety and environmental regulations. Additionally, the demolition contractor is responsible for protection of persons and property for the duration of all demolition activities. Demolition work shall be performed in accordance with the requirements s e t f o r t h i n t h e l a t e s t e d i t i o n o f t h e required national building code and local codes as well as all applicable safety and environmental regulations.

General Requirements 1-6 IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards

1-6.2.2 Partial Demolition

Partial demolition, when associated with renovation work, should be carefully evaluated and documented by the A/E. In extensive renovations, all building systems must be evaluated and the A/E shall develop detailed plans and specifications for demolition activities. The

GSA and IRS shall review and approve all demolition activities. Partial demolitions must comply with applicable safety and environmental regulations.

1-7 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

1-7.1 Asbestos Abatement

Use of products containing asbestos is prohibited on all

GSA projects. Further, asbestos containing material

(ACM) must be removed from occupied areas during major renovations.

In accordance with the GSA’s latest asbestos policy, before conducting any work in the vicinity of ACM, an assessment must be performed to determine the potential to disturb such ACM. Sufficient controls must be designed into the project. This assessment must be conducted for all modernization and alteration/renovation projects regardless of the age of the facility. It must address both accessible and inaccessible

ACM. Destructive sampling must be conducted where necessary to address inaccessible ACM. Firms performing such assessments must use personnel accredited as both “asbestos inspector” and “asbestos project designer.”

Should evaluation of existing buildings reveal an asbestos exposure hazard, abatement measures must be taken. Corrective action may involve removal, encapsulation, enclosure or repair to meet GSA/PBS

Facilities Standards.

All renovations and demolitions must comply with

National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air

Pollutants (NESHAP) regulations. The project must also comply with EPA notification requirements. State or local threshold limits may also apply.

Additional requirements include a permit system, design requirements, notification to occupants and air monitoring.

1-7.2 Lead

Use of lead based paint is prohibited. See GSA/PBS

Facilities Standards for requirements.

Use of lead materials in drinking water piping is prohibited.

Construction or demolition activities related to lead containing materials including, but not limited to lead paint, must comply with OSHA’s regulation 29

CFR1926.62.

IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards 1-7 General Requirements

1-7.3 Radon Mitigation

Radon exposures must comply with OSHA’s regulation 29 CFR 1910.1096 and with the GSA’s regulation 41CFR Sec. 102-80.20.

As stated on their web site, the GSA minimizes radon exposure to building occupants by implementing radon programs in its buildings. A description of the

GSA’s radon management program may be found on their web site under Environmental

Programs/Hazardous Materials/Radon Management.

A link to an overview of their environmental programs is shown below:

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/100875

1-7.4 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

GSA policy prohibits the use of products containing

PCBs. See GSA/PBS Facilities Standards for requirements.

1-7.5 Urea Formaldehyde

GSA policy prohibits the use of urea formaldehyde.

See GSA/PBS Facilities Standards for requirements.

1-7.6 Hazardous Waste

To manage government-owned and leased facilities in compliance with the GSA’s Hazardous Waste requirements. All facilities within GSA's control that accumulate, transport, treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste must have an appropriate EPA permit for conducting such activities as well as an emergency and contingency plan on file in case of an actual hazardous waste spill.

When a project generates hazardous waste on property with IRS delegated Operations and

Maintenance authority, the waste manifest must use the facility’s EPA ID and must be signed by a designated and trained IRS employee.

1-8 CODES AND STANDARDS

This discussion of codes and standards is based on

GSA/PBS Facilities Standards, General

Requirements, “National Codes and Standards.” For a more detailed discussion or where there is no information, refer to this GSA document as much of the IRS standards are in fact based on their GSA counterparts.

1-8.1 Governing Codes

The Public Buildings Amendments of 1988, 40

U.S.C. 3312 requires that each building constructed or altered by GSA or any other federal agency shall, to the maximum extent feasible, be in compliance with one of the national recognized model building codes and with other applicable nationally recognized codes.

1-8.1.1 Federal Facilities

National Codes

GSA/PBS Facilities Standards indicates that GSA will utilize the technical requirements of the family of codes issued by the International Code Council (ICC) for design and construction work on federal buildings with the following exceptions:

1) The National Fire Protection Association

(NFPA) codes may be used (to the maximum extent practicable) in jurisdictions w h e r e N F P A c o d e s h a v e been adopted locally.

2) The latest edition of NFPA, Life Safety

Code (NFPA 101) shall be followed in lieu of the egress requirements of the IBC.

3) Electrical work shall follow the latest edition of NFPA, National Electrical Code

(NFPA 70).

Listed below is the family of codes issued by the ICC:

• International Building Code (IBC)

• International Fire Code (IFC)

• International Mechanical Code (IMC)

• International Plumbing Code (IPC)

• International Energy Conservation Code

(IECC)

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/100875

General Requirements 1-8 IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards

Listed below are the standards issued by the NFPA:

• Fire Code (NFPA 1)

• Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers

(NFPA 10)

• Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler

Systems (NFPA 13)

• Standard for the Installation of

Standpipe and Hose Systems (NFPA

14)

• Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing

Systems (NFPA 17A)

• Standard for the Installation of Stationary

Pumps for Fire Protection (NFPA 20)

• Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and

Maintenance of Water-Based Fire

Protection Systems (NFPA 25)

• Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code

(NFPA 30)

• Standard for the Installation of

Oil- Burning Equipment (NFPA

31)

• Standard for the Installation and Use of

Stationary Combustion Engines and

Gas Turbines (NFPA 37)

• National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54)

• National Electrical Code (NFPA 70)

• National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72)

• Standard for the Protection of Information

Technology Equipment (NFPA 75)

• Life Safety Code (NFPA 101)

• Standard for Safeguarding

Construction, Alteration, and

Demolition Operations (NFPA 241)

• Standard for Installation of Air-

Conditioning and Ventilating Systems

(NFPA 90A)

Typically, in the case of alterations or renovations, involved building systems need only be upgraded to correct deficiencies, unless the entire building is being renovated. New work must meet the applicable nationally recognized codes. If only a portion of the building is being renovated, the IBC shall be evaluated to determine if the entire building must be brought up to compliance. Any questions or concerns should be discussed with the GSA.

The last edition of each code in effect at the time of design contract award shall be used throughout the project’s design and construction.

The GSA/PBS Facilities Standards take precedence over provisions of the building codes. It is GSA policy to make maximum use of equivalency clauses in building codes to ensure flexibility, but the prudent judgment of the A/E must be used in evaluating these exceptions. Where conflicts exist between governing codes and local codes, it is suggested that the more stringent requirements be followed. In these cases, determination of which code requirements to follow shall be made by the designated code reviewer of the

GSA region responsible for the project.

State and Local Codes

Legally, buildings built on federal property are exempt from local building codes. However, GSA has an established policy to comply with local building codes to the maximum extent possible. Local and/or state officials will be given the opportunity to review

GSA projects for compliance with zoning ordinances.

Comments from local jurisdictions will be carefully considered, but GSA has the final authority to accept or reject any comment.

Local jurisdictions have the option of performing construction inspections to verify code compliance. If they elect to do so, special provisions will be included in the A/E's and contractor's contracts to handle the additional requirement of coordinating their work with local authorities.

1-8.1.2 GSA Leased Facilities

For buildings developed on privately owned land and leased to GSA, the applicable local codes and ordinances shall govern instead of the codes adopted by GSA.

Egress requirements for GSA leased facilities must comply with local codes, in addition to NFPA 101.

Refer to GSA/PBS Facilities Standards, General

Requirements, “National Codes and Standards” for additional criteria required when space is leased by the Government with the option to purchase.

1-8.2 OSHA Regulations

Buildings must comply with OSHA regulations.

Existing OSHA violations shall not be “grandfathered in.”

IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards 1-9 General Requirements

1-8.3 Zoning Ordinances

Refer to GSA/PBS Facilities Standards for criteria pertaining to zoning.

1-8.4 GSA Standards

In addition to the codes and standards listed herein, adherence to the following publications is required for federal facilities:

1) GSA/PBS Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service, latest issue

2) Federal Property Management

Regulations (FPMR) Regulation 41 CFR

101-20 “Management of Buildings and

Grounds,” 21 “Federal Buildings Fund,”

102-85 “Pricing Policy for Occupancy in

GSA Space,” and 102-79 “Assignment and Utilization of Space,” latest issues

1-8.5 IRS Standards

In addition to this standard, the IRS has developed the following Internal Revenue documents which outline specific requirements for IRS occupied facilities, whether GSA owned or GSA leased:

1) IRS-FMSS Office Design Handbook, latest issue.

2) IRS-FMSS National Workspace

Standards, latest issue.

3) IRS-FMSS Career Management and Learning

Centers Training Space Design Guide, latest issue.

4) IRS-FMSS Taxpayer Assistance Centers

Design Guide, latest issue.

5) IRS Universal Wiring Guide, latest issue.

6) IRS Physical Security Design Manual, latest issue

1-8.6 Accessibility Design Standards

It is GSA policy to make access for disabled persons a transparent feature in all federal buildings and leased facilities. Whenever possible, the same facilities should serve all persons. Building elements designated specifically for use by disabled persons should be kept to a minimum.

Compliance with the Architectural Barriers Act

Accessibility Standard (ABAAS) is mandatory on all

GSA projects. The criteria of this standard should be considered a minimum in providing access to disabled persons. Additionally, if local accessibility requirements exist, the most stringent requirements will prevail between the ABAAS and local standards.

Where dimensions for clearances are stated, allowance should be made in the design for construction tolerances to ensure the finished building is in full compliance.

1-8.7 Metric Standards

1-8.7.1 Federal Regulations

In 1975, the Metric Conversion Act (later amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of

1988, the Savings in Construction Act of 1996, and the Department of Energy High-End Computing

Revitalization Act of 2004) designated the metric system as “the preferred system of weights and measures for United States trade and commerce.”

The Act also required that every federal agency “use the metric system of measurement in its procurements, grants, and other business-related activities, except to the extent that such use is impractical or is likely to cause significant inefficiencies or loss of markets to United States firms.” This included the use of metric units in design and construction of federal facilities. In thjs document, imperial measurements will be followed by the equivalent metric measurement in parenthesis.

General Requirements 1-10 IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards

1-8.7.2 GSA Policy

It is the GSA’s policy to comply with all federal regulations. Therefore, all projects are to be produced using the International System of Units (SI), unless otherwise directed. A project is “metric” when:

• Drawings show SI units only

• Specifications show SI units only

• Construction takes place in SI units only

• Inspection occurs in SI units only

• Cost estimating is based on SI units only

The GSA’s, Metric Design Guide (PBS-PQ260) may be used as a reference when using metric standards in design and documentation.

1-9 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES

AND PRACTICES

1-9.1 Federal Regulations

1-9.1.1 Energy Policy Act of 2005

By law, new federal buildings are required to comply with the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct). This requires that new buildings shall be designed to achieve energy consumption levels that are at least

30% below the minimum standards contained in

Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning

Engineers, Inc., (ASHRAE) Standard 90.1

1-9.1.2 Executive Orders

Issued in 2015, Executive Order (E.O.) 13963, “Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next

Decade” revokes and supersedes the “Instruction for

Implementing Executive Order 23423” issued by the

Council on Environmental Quality on March 29, 2007. Federal leadership in energy, environmental water, fleet, buildings, and acquisition management will continue to drive national greenhouse gas reductions and support preparations for the impacts for climate change.

Through a combination of more efficient Federal operations, we have the opportunity to reduce agency direct greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 percent over the next decade while at the same time fostering innovation. Reducing spending and strengthening the communities in which ore Federal facilities operate.

It is the policy of the United States that agencies shall increase efficiency and improve their environmental performance. Improved environmental performance will help us protect our planet for future generations and save taxpayer dollars through avoided energy costs and increased efficiency, while also making

Federal facilities more resilient. To improve environmental performance and Federal sustainability, priority should first be placed on reducing energy use and cost, then on finding renewable or alternative energy solutions. Pursuing clean sources of energy will improve energy and water security, while ensuring that Federal facilities will continue to meet mission requirements and lead by example.

IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards 1-11 General Requirements

E.O. 13693 requires that EPA and GSA regional offices coordinate efforts to establish interagency working groups with other regionally-based agencies to support implementation of the E.O. at the regional and local level. The Federal operational portfolio

(buildings and fleet) is found across the Nation, and agencies should pursue regional coordination where there is a concentration of Federal offices and activities to leverage the resources of the Federal community to support E.O. implementation across a broad range of agencies in both size and responsibility.

E.O. 13693 references specific activities including regional development of fueling infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles including electric vehicles and collective procurement of clean energy to satisfy energy demand for multiple Federal buildings. E.O.

13693 also directs regional agencies to combine and coordinate planning efforts to address water resource management and drought response opportunities and climate change preparedness and resilience planning.

E.O. 13693 is establishing a Flood Risk Management

Standard, a process for further soliciting and including stakeholder input.

1-9.2.1 Compliance with the National

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

The GSA conducts an environmental review of projects prior to start of design to identify if an environmental impact statement (EISs) is required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of

1969. Where GSA has committed to implementing specific mitigation measures, designers must ensure that those measures are carried out in the design.

1-9.3 Documentation of Environmental Practices

Design of projects will adhere to all federal, state and local environmental policies and regulations. The A/E will describe the design intent of protecting the environment and identifying any areas of specific concern during design development. Examples of specific environmental concern may include:

• waste management, including reuse of materials, recycling, hazardous waste, universal waste and used oil

• water pollution protection

• air pollution protection

• soil and ground water protection

• permits and registrations

• affirmative (green) purchasing

These environmental protections and project specific concerns shall be specified by the A/E in the CD.

1-9.4 IRS Energy Targets

For new construction, building modernizations and major renovation/alteration projects, system performance shall be as specified in the latest version of ASHRAE 90.1. The A/E shall design to these targets.

1-9.5 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council

(USGBC), the Leadership in Energy and

Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building

Rating System encourages sustainable practices through the creation of performance criteria. Its purpose is to improve the well-being of occupants, environmental performance and economic returns of buildings using established and innovative practices, standards and technologies.

LEED is a third-party certification program and nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas:

• sustainable site development,

• water savings

• energy efficiency

• materials selection

• indoor environmental quality

By providing building designers, owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions, LEED gives them the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their building’s performance. Further, by keeping up with technological and environmental advancements, these design standards include requirements intended to move all new work and renovations toward LEED certification.

General Requirements 1-12 IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards

1-9.5.1 GSA and LEED

The GSA was one of the signers of the Federal

Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable

Buildings Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) dated January 24, 2006. This MOU was the flagship

Federal effort to define the guiding principles of green building and provide leadership in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of high performance and sustainable buildings.

“As a means of evaluating and measuring our green building achievements, all GSA new construction projects and substantial renovations must be certified through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental

Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System of the

U.S. Green Building Council. Projects are encouraged to exceed basic LEED green building certification and achieve the LEED “Silver” Level.”

The requirement for green building certification was further refined in GSA Memorandum to Assistant

Regional Administrators, PBS Regional Realty

Services Officers, RSL-2007-12, issued December

27, 2007. A quote from the memo is as follows:

“A Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for New Construction (LEEDO-NC) Silver rating is required for all lease construction and major lease renovation projects of 10,000 Rentable Square Feet and above when the government is the sole occupant of the entire building with the exception of retail space. When a Silver rating is not supported by the market, (i.e., cannot secure sufficient competition, offered rates are excessive, etc.) the Contracting

Officer must provide written justification in the Price

Negotiation Record.”

Most recent GSA policy is to encourage new construction and substantial renovation projects to exceed LEED “Silver” Level certification and achieve “Gold” level as indicated by the following quote on their web site:

“…all GSA new construction projects and substantial renovations must achieve Silver certification through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

(LEED) Green Building Rating System of the U.S.

Green Building Council. Projects are encouraged to exceed LEED Silver and achieve LEED Gold.”

1-9.5.2 IRS LEED Goal

The IRS supports the GSA in their sustainable design goals. IRS projects meeting the criteria stated above will conform to this, as well as future government standards and regulations regarding sustainable design.

Sustainable goals for smaller project will be set by the

IRS on a case-by-case basis.

1-9.6 Resources

For resources on sustainable design refer to:

• Federal Green Construction Guide for

Specifiers

• Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label

Program

• South Coast Air Quality Management

District (SCAQMD) Rules

• Green Seal Standards

• Forest Stewardship Council Principles and

Criteria

• Green guard Environmental Institute

• U.S. EPA Green Purchasing Guides

• U.S. EPA Comprehensive Procurement

Guidelines

• U.S. EPA Energy Star Program web site and printed materials

• USGBC web site and printed materials

• Executive Order 13693, “Planning for

Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade”

IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards 2-i Site Planning and Landscape Architecture

2-1 SITE SELECTION

2-2 SITING OF STRUCTURES

2-2.1 Accessibility 2-2.2 Existing and Future Site Development Constraints 2-2.3 Zoning Requirements 2-2.4 Physical Security 2-2.5 Flood Hazard

2-3 BOUNDARY AND TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEYS

2-3.1 Proper Certifications 2-3.2 Topographic Surveys 2-3.3 Ground Control Points

2-4 GRADING/EARTHWORK

2-4.1 Maximum and Minimum Slopes 2-4.2 Cut and Fill Analysis 2-4.3 Compaction Requirements 2-4.4 Geotechnical 2-4.5 Grading Objectives 2-4.6 Erosion and Sediment Control

2-5 UTILITIES

2-5.1 Gas Service 2-5.2 Potable Water

2-5.2.1 Metering and Design Flows 2-5.2.2 Piping and Appurtenances

2-5.3 Fire Protection 2-5.3.1 Metering and Design Flows 2-5.3.2 Piping and Appurtenances 2-5.3.3 Fire Department Accessibility

2-5.4 Sanitary Sewers 2-5.4.1 Design Flows 2-5.4.2 Piping and Appurtenances 2-5.4.3 Grease Trap Design and Construction 2-5.4.4 Pumping Stations

2-5.5 Coordination with Other Disciplines 2-5.5.1 Electrical and Telecommunications 2-5.5.2 Mechanical 2-5.5.3 Landscaping and Irrigation

2-6 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

2-6.1 Analysis Criteria 2-6.2 Pipe and Inlet Design 2-6.3 Detention Requirements 2-6.4 Piping Appurtenances

2-7 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

2-8 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION

2-8.1 Off-Site Impacts 2-8.2 Roadway Design 2-8.3 Intersection Design 2-8.4 Parking Design

Chapter 2 Site Planning and Landscape Architecture

Site Planning and Landscape Architecture 2-ii IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards

2-8.5 Sidewalk Design 2-8.6 Signalization Design 2-8.7 Mass Transportation 2-8.8 Site Circulation 2-8.9 Safety

2-8.9.1 Site Access 2-8.9.2 Parking

2-8.10 Loading Dock Layout 2-8.11 Pavement Design and Curbing 2-8.12 Striping and Signage 2-8.13 Construction Waste Disposition/ Recycling

2-9 LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

2-9.1 Design Concepts 2-9.2 Plant Materials

2-9.2.1 Parking Lot Plantings 2-9.3 Irrigation

2-9.3.1 General Criteria 2-9.3.2 Fittings

2-9.3.3 Controls 2-9.3.4 Maintenance Considerations

2-9.4 Hardscape Design and Construction 2-9.4.1 Planters

2-9.4.2 Fountains, Reflecting Pools, Ponds, Outdoor Plazas and Courtyards, and Sculptures 2-9.5 Site Lighting 2-9.6 Planting Bed Materials 2-9.7 Interior Plantings 2-9.8 Site Furnishings

2-10 PERIMETER FENCING

2-11 CONSTRUCTION CONSIDERATIONS

IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards 2-1 Site Planning and Landscape Architecture

2-1 SITE SELECTION

Site selection is typically carried out by in-house GSA professional staff. For leased properties, site selection is accomplished through a Market Survey in consultation with the IRS. Consulting may be required to develop building programs for these acquisition strategies. Where possible, select a site in accordance with the United States Green Building Council

(USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental

Design (LEED) rating system.

Site Planning and Landscape Architecture 2-2 IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards

2-2 SITING OF STRUCTURES

2-2.1 Accessibility

All building structures shall be located to provide convenient access from parking lots and public transportation, if available. Consideration must be given to the area required around structures for maintenance and security purposes. Accessibility to existing buildings on site must also be addressed when a new structure is added on to an existing, partially developed site. Accessibility must also address the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility

Standard (ABAAS) with regards to parking, allowable slope, building access, ramp, etc.

2-2.2 Existing and Future Site Development Constraints

Existing development constraints include areas of severe topography, wetlands, rights of ways, easements, sinkholes, etc., which do not permit economic siting of a building structure in these areas.

Future development constraints must be considered when locating a structure to allow adequate setbacks and buffering. Examples of future development that may impact site development include road widening and improvement projects. The local offices of the

State Department of Transportation and the local municipal authority can provide information regarding anticipated improvements around a site.

Potential for building expansion and phased build-out must be considered in siting evaluations, as well as existing and proposed easements for utilities, ingress-egress, runoff, etc. The adequacy of existing utilities and storm water management should also be considered.

When the facility is located in a climatic zone, which requires snow removal, an area for snow storage shall be provided.

The orientation of the building should take into consideration local climatic conditions, including prevailing winds, snowdrift at docks and natural light. Where possible, in cold climates, the building shall be oriented so that the loading docks are not facing the direction of prevailing winds and have a southern exposure to the maximum extent possible to melt ice and snow.

2-2.3 Zoning Requirements

Zoning regulations typically impact structure placement with regard to building setback and buffering from property lines. These setbacks are sometimes tied to building height and/or adjacent property zoning classifications. Other restrictions include, but are not limited to, maximum impervious cover, maximum floor area ratio and the number of stories allowed. It is GSA’s policy to comply with these requirements, unless there is an overwhelming reason for a deviation.

2-2.4 Physical Security

Physical security/anti-terrorism and force protection

(ATFP) influences the location and layout of built elements on a site. Refer to the IRS Physical Security

Design Manual for protective planning and design compliance guidelines and requirements.

2-2.5 Flood Hazard

The site should be investigated for flood hazard potential in accordance with the Federal Emergency

Management Agency’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps.

Finished grade for new buildings, building extension, other structures, parking areas and internal roadways shall be minimum 1’-0” (300mm) above the 100-year flood plain.

IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards 2-3 Site Planning and Landscape Architecture 1/1/2021

2-3 BOUNDARY AND

TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEYS

2-3.1 Proper Certifications

All surveys shall be obtained by GSA and conducted under the direction of a surveyor licensed or registered in the state in which the survey is being completed. All final survey drawings shall be sealed by the surveyor to indicate that, to the best of the surveyor's knowledge; all information is true and accurately shown and identified. Both GSA and IRS shall receive copies of the completed survey drawings.

Boundary Surveys

Boundary surveys shall comply with the Minimum

Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/ACSM

Land Title Surveys as published by the American

Land Title Association and American Congress on

Surveying and Mapping. The surveyor shall perform all research and field work necessary to provide a detailed topographic, existing features, easements, right-of-way, lease-limits and boundary surveys.

Property boundary, easements, right-of-way and lease-limits shall be shown in bearings and distance.

Zoning or property classification, name of property owner for the property and the adjoining properties shall also be included.

2-3.2 Topographic Surveys

Topographic surveys shall follow the requirements of the GSA/PBS Facilities Standards. At a minimum, topographic surveys shall:

1) Show contours at 1’-0” (300mm) intervals with an error not to exceed one-half contour interval.

2) Provide spot elevations in areas to clearly define the site topography (at swales, ridges, valleys, top of curb, low points, high points, flow lines, etc.). Centerline, top of curb, edge of pavement, finished floor building elevations, corners of buildings, building entrances, stoops, steps, ramps and flow lines shall be indicated at minimum

50’-0” (15.2m) intervals within the limits of the survey along roadways and driveways, plus an additional 100’-0” (30.5m) outside of the “limit of survey.”

3) Identify all existing structures, buildings, trees, other vegetation, pavements, parking areas, handicap accessible ramps, driveways, gravel areas/roads, dirt roads, curbs and other surface features, existing fences, gates, etc.

4) Show existing aboveground and underground utilities (including, but not limited to, light poles; manholes; valves;

inlets; gutters; handholes; power poles; fire hydrants; water mains; gas mains; sanitary sewer mains; septic systems; stormwater mains; culverts; stormwater management structures; electrical, fiber optic and telecommunications cables; abandoned utilities; etc.)

5) Provide inverts of all manholes, cleanouts, utility boxes, storm structures, storm drain pipes and sanitary sewer pipes within manholes and catch basins. Pipe materials and sizes shall also be provided for all water, sanitary, storm drains, gas, duct banks, etc.

6) Provide rim and grate elevations of all utility structures.

7) Provide structure elevations and inverts for the next downstream (or upstream) catch basin or manhole located outside the indicated limits of the survey.

An additional guide for topographic survey requirements is AIA Document, Land Survey

Agreement.

2-3.3 Ground Control Points

A minimum of two permanent control point monuments shall be established on the site with appropriate horizontal and vertical control. The horizontal control established shall be State Plane coordinate grid, adjusted for surface coordinates.

Vertical datum shall be the same as the datum used for the topographic survey. Original horizontal and vertical control points, which were used for establishment of the on site monuments, shall be clearly identified. It is preferred that the monuments are set in such a manner that a surveyor could set up over one monument and sight directly to the other.

The monuments shall be aluminum or brass disc set in concrete and shall be located in areas which will

Site Planning and Landscape Architecture 2-4 IRS-FMSS Facilities Design Standards not be disturbed during construction. 2-4 GRADING/EARTHWORK

2-4.1 Maximum and Minimum Slopes

Slopes shall comply with the requirements of the

GSA/PBS Facilities Standards, Site, Landscape, and

Community Design, “Grading.” Slope for driveway entrance and internal roadway shall be a maximum of

8% or as permitted by the local regulations. Where possible, the maximum slope for driveways should be reduced to 5% in areas where snow and icing conditions are a concern.

2-4.2 Cut and Fill Analysis

It is desirable to balance cut and fill, if the fill can be readily accommodated on the site. Consideration should be given to the use of extra fill material in landscaping berms to avoid extra haul and disposal cost. If large cut and fill volumes are anticipated, the geotechnical report for the project should address shrinkage/swell factors to be used in cut and fill computations.

2-4.3…