DESIGN CRITERIA GUIDELINES

1.0
PRE-DESIGN AND DESIGN PHASE
The following key components of planning and design shall be addressed:
Programming - development and clarification of project scope based on client needs and
expectations
Site Analysis - visual and functional analysis, natural landscape analysis, historical and
cultural landscape elements, landscape development zoning, existing site plan, project
limits
Site Planning - preliminary development of spatial-functional relationships based on
programming and site analysis
Preservation and Maintenance of Existing Resources - plant material, historical, cultural,
and natural resources
Grading and Drainage - erosion and sedimentation control, low impact development
Circulation Systems - roads, streetscapes, parking areas, recreational trails, bikeways and
walkways
Common Areas - plazas and courtyards, recreational areas, pedestrian and vehicular
gates/entrances, playgrounds and tot lots, monuments, memorials, static displays
Planting Design - plant selection and location, low maintenance, regionally native species,
xeriscape, remediation and reclamation, green roofs, interior planting
Forestry - trees, brush and fire management, urban forestry management
Irrigation Design - minimizing water requirements, plant establishment and survival, water
budgeting and hydro-zoning, water sources
Site Furnishings - exterior lighting, seating, shelters, trash and ash receptacles, fences
and walls, bicycle racks, grates, bollards, planters, water features
Signage Systems

, informational, identification, way-finding

Site Security - comprehensive planning, facility site design, site security details
Construction Documents - plans, details, specifications, cost estimating
2.0
SITE PLAN
The user's specific needs will be determined for the following:
1/ Functional requirements
2/ Creation of organizational efficiency and safety

3/ Relationship to adjacent functions

4/ Contribution to the quality of life of the occupants and residents of the development
The site plan should maximize functional relationships between uses and the interior and
exterior spaces. Locate buildings and parking to provide for ease of access and minimal walking
distances.
Provide for centrally located exterior space, away from traffic, that will serve as a meeting area
for informal gatherings and community activity. Provide for pedestrian access, protected from
the weather, that links the various buildings, exterior spaces and parking. Provide for direct, safe
and easy vehicular and pedestrian access the buildings. Minimize conflicts of vehicular traffic
and pedestrian access in parking lots.
3.0
VEHICULAR CIRCULATION AND PARKING
Circulation should promote safe and efficient movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Maintaining maximum separation of vehicles and pedestrians helps promote safety. Safe
circulation systems have a perceivable hierarchy of movement, lead to a clear destination and
do not interrupt other activities. Design site entrances and exits, services drives, and other
areas with special requirements (e.g., parking lots or loading docks) to accommodate the
largest vehicle that will use the facility.
The following factors should be considered in the design of vehicular circulation:
(1) Access Intersections. Driveway intersection access should be controlled to minimize the
conflicts between through traffic and vehicles entering and exiting the site. Points of conflict can
be limited by:
(a) Reducing the number of access drives to one (1) two-way drive or a pair of
one-way drives for each site.
(b) Increasing the space between drives and between drives and roadway
intersections.
(c) Preventing certain maneuvers (e.g., right turns).
(d) Provide right-turn lanes with storage for turning vehicles.
(e) Provide left-turn deceleration and acceleration lanes for left turning
vehicles.
(f) Include physical and sight distances which allow safe entry and exit from the
access road.
(g) Location away from any elements (e.g., building, topography or vegetation)
which block or lessen sight distance.
(h) Adequate views and signage of entry to the site from the access road.
(i) Use of topography, vegetation, and water to define entrances.
(j) Maintenance of maximum spacing between access drives occurring on the
same access road.
(k) Alignment of access drives across the primary roadway from each other, or
adequate separation of access roads.
(l) Right-angle turns from the access road onto the access drive with adequate
turning radii.
(m) Depending upon the size of the project, marginal or medial channelization.
(n) Adequate road width and length at entrances to channel vehicles smoothly
into the proper lanes.

(o) Provisions for special use vehicles that require nonstandard turning radii and
driveway widths.
4.0
DRIVEWAYS
Driveways provide access to the site to suit specialized needs. Driveway location, design, width,
turning radii, terminus, etc., is dependent upon the proposed use and the required site distance.
Access drives should be designed to meet the following criteria:
(a)Take vehicles to their destination and return with minimum interference or travel through
parking areas, service areas or emergency
(b) Enter and exit the site at the same point or on the same access road to discourage through
traffic on site.
(c) Accommodate two-way traffic since one-way systems can create confusion.
(d) Provide separation of service drives from emergency drives.
5.0
DROP-OFF AREAS
Drop-off areas should be provided for residential, commercial and community facilities with high
use. Drop-off areas should be:
(a) Located at or near the front of the building apart from entries into parking lots.
(b) Designated to provide a separate drop-off area located away from the building for taxis and
possibly buses.
(c) Preferably on a one-way loop to avoid confusion.
(d) Sufficient in size to avoid vehicle conflicts and stoppages of traffic flow.
Where a circular turn-around is used, the circle radius should be sized to support the design
vehicle.
6.0
PARKING
Parking should occur in lots or structures with a limited number of entrances and exits onto the
access road or drive. Entrances and exits into different lots on the same site should be aligned
or adequately separated to provide safe sight and maneuvering distances. Parking areas should
provide:
(1) Barrier-free parking and pedestrian access must be provided to meet requirements
of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities.
(2) Locate parking within convenient walking distance of a building entrance.
(3) Parking for high turn-over or short-term use (e.g., visitor, outpatient or delivery)
should be located in a separate lot or signed and placed nearest the entrance.
(4) Parking aisles aligned towards the building entrance to encourage more organized
pedestrian flow and limited places where pedestrian traffic must cross vehicular traffic
.
(5) Parking should not require movement across vehicular paths in areas primarily
designed for children such as Child Development Centers and play areas.
(6) Parking lot locations can have a strong heat and visual impact from reflected light
on adjacent land uses.

7.0
EMERGENCY ACCESS.
Emergency vehicle access must be provided as follows:
(1) Emergency (rescue) vehicle access must be provided to all buildings.
(2) Fire truck access must be provided between buildings. This access may be provided on
sidewalks, paths, or turf areas designed for the vehicle.
(3) If a special drive is installed to accommodate emergency vehicles, it must provide
sufficient room for the vehicle to turn and exit the site and adequate support for the vehicle
weight.
8.0
SERVICE VEHICLES
Service vehicles range in size from pickup trucks and vans to garbage and large delivery trucks.
These vehicles generally require larger turning radii, more room to maneuver, and holding
space while deliveries or service occurs. Service areas should be designed to provide space for
the largest service vehicle that would use that area. Service traffic should be separated as much
as possible from the traffic aisles of parking lots.
9.0
SANITATION VEHICLES
The circulation of sanitation vehicles is dictated by the locations of the dumpster pads.
Dumpster pads should be located to:
(a) Provide convenient access for pedestrians taking garbage to the dumpster.
(b) Provide direct, convenient access to vehicles emptying the dumpster that will allow the
vehicle to drive or back directly to the dumpster with minimal maneuvering.
(c) Reduce visual impact.
(d) Include sufficient screening with plant material, fences or walls.
(e) Provide a continuous route when more than one pad is included.
(f) Be removed physically and visibly from building entrances and major vehicular and
pedestrian circulation routes when the dumpster is located in the principal parking lot.
10.0 DELIVERY VEHICLES
Special zones for delivery vehicles should be placed in less visible areas of the site, such as the
rear or sides of buildings. Space requirements vary according to the type and size of vehicle
and the need to access loading docks. Maneuvering room should be provided to allow trucks to
back up and turn around to exit the site or to allow trucks to back up to the loading dock.
11.0 COURIER SERVICE VEHICLES
At least one parking space should be included at the primary or secondary entrance to the
facility for courier service trucks.
12.0 PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION.
Pedestrian circulation involves the movement of people by non-motorized means.
a. Pedestrian Desire Lines. Pedestrian circulation should be based on pedestrians'
tendency to follow the most direct route when walking between two points.
These studies are prepared as follows:
(1) Desire lines are drawn to anticipate pedestrian routes to prevent crisscrossing the site with
sidewalks.
(2) Desire lines should be weighted according to the most traveled routes.
(3) More generous paved area should be provided at pathway intersections to allow space for
congregation and circulation.
(4) Adequate reception area should be provided at entrances to buildings.

(5) Coordinate circulation routes with building layouts to discourage short cuts by personnel
through buildings.
b. Grid, Curvilinear, and Organic Path Systems.
Path systems are developed from the desire line study. The system should incorporate required
and anticipated access. Three types of systems are suggested to meet varying site demands.
All three systems provide functional access between facilities. Topography and vegetation can
be used to direct movement and emphasize sight lines.
(1) A grid path system is composed of straight lines and right angles and tends to provide the
most direct access between locations. The grid system is appropriate in formal landscapes and
in areas with strong architectural definition.
(2) A curvilinear path system is less formal and should be used to encourage pedestrian
interaction with the landscape where direct access to facilities is not critical.
(3) Organic sidewalk systems are unique in that the sidewalk patterns are defined by the space
outside of the sidewalk and therefore vary in width. Because of this, organic sidewalks are less
formal and often respond to natural elements in the surrounding landscape.
c. Pedestrian Concentration.
The space required to accommodate pedestrian movement increases at the point of origin and
destination, where movement slows. Pedestrian movement is also interrupted when people
meet, gather, wait, or sit. In areas of pedestrian concentration (e.g., building entrances, dropoffs and small outdoor spaces between buildings), the space should be developed to
accommodate these needs. General design techniques include:
(1) Widening walkways at the points of origin and destination.
(2) Providing adequate space for people to concentrate outside of the pedestrian flow.
(3) Locating areas for people to sit on the edge or outside of the pedestrian flow.
(4) Providing both shaded and sunny areas for people to congregate or sit.
(5) Providing shelter at congregation areas, especially where waiting is anticipated.
13.0 SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT. The primary functions of surface water
management are to establish positive drainage, prevent flooding of roadways, facilities and
activities, and prevent erosion. Proper management techniques also provide storm water
infiltration, habitat preservation, and recreational opportunities. Surface water management
should be designed to replicate natural systems and maintain public safety, health and
welfare. The guidelines discussed below refer to general on-site drainage design. Specific
criteria developed by local agencies having jurisdiction should also be consulted.

13.1 Stormwater Systems Design

Stormwater systems move runoff from circulation areas and can help clean contaminants
picked up from parking areas, roofs, and the air. Stormwater systems are most efficient
when considered early in the site design process. Create a sensitive stormwater system
with the following benefits:
Water conservation;
Groundwater recharge;
Erosion control;

 Sedimentation control;
Contaminant control; and
Wildlife habitat preservation.
Design surface and subsurface drainage systems to control the amount of sediment leaving
the site. Use these systems in combination to slow water and divert it from exposed soils or
other vulnerable areas.
13.2 Grading & Drainage
Parking lot grades and slope directions are determined utilizing the drainage requirements
established in the surface water management plan prepared for the project site. Swales should
be at a depth of no less than 30.5cm (12 in.). Provide positive drainage in parking lots and
accomplish the following:
(a) Maintain a relatively constant grade across the lot that includes no less than the minimum
slope of one (1) percent required for positive drainage to properly direct drainage to swales or to
drainage inlets.
(b) Provide a maximum slope within a 90-degree parking space of five (5) percent from front to
rear end and one and one-half (1 ) percent from side to side.
(c) Provide a maximum slope within a 45-degree or 60-degree parking space of five (5) percent
from front to rear end and one (1) percent from side to side.
(d) Use islands and medians to accommodate change in elevation between the access drive
and parking areas or between different parking levels.
(e) Provide sheet flow drainage across small, flat parking lots into swales in surrounding
grassed areas that are designed for erosion control.
(f) Control runoff with curbing that directs the runoff to the sides and corners of larger (more
than 100 spaces) and/or steeper lots.
(g) Avoid channeling of sheet flow.
(h) Avoid ponding water.
(i) Avoid creation of an impoundment zone in the center of the lot.
(j) Provide sufficient spot elevations to move water off the lot.
(k) Provide adequate drainage inlets to move water off the lot.
(6) Lighting. Illuminate parking lots with uniform lighting coverage for pedestrian and
vehicular safety and security.
.
(7) Pavement Marking and Signage. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for
Streets and Highways (ANSI D 6.1e) provides guidance on pavement marking and signage.
c. Parking Structures. Parking structures are to be designed as structures with the design
vehicle applied as described above.

13.3 Runoff from Impermeable Surfaces

Streets, paved parking lots, roofs, and other impermeable surfaces allow no infiltration of runoff
and provide little resistance to flow. Runoff draining from these surfaces can be highly
concentrated and move at a velocity greater than runoff flowing over an unpaved surface. Soils
must be protected from this erosive force, particularly at the edges of impermeable surfaces and
soils.

a. Impervious Surface
The placement of facilities on a site changes drainage conditions
by increasing impervious surfaces, primarily rooftops and pavements. This results in a greater
volume and velocity of water to be managed. The negative effects of impervious surfaces
upon the landscape can be reduced through the following:
(1) Avoid creation of unnecessary impervious surfaces.
(2) Evenly diffuse drainage across the site. Avoid concentrating drainage at one point by dividing
the site into more than one drainage basin.
(3) Divide large expanses of impervious surface (e.g., a parking lot) into smaller areas to help
control runoff, reduce the size of necessary drainage structures (e.g., catch basins), and avoid
drainage system back-up. Use areas in between divided spaces for infiltration and introduction
of appropriate plant material.
(4) Use Islands, medians, curbs and gutters to control drainage within parking areas.
Curbs strategically allow introduction of runoff into designated catch basins for temporary
storage or infiltration.
(5) Consider porous surfaces that allow infiltration (e.g., porous asphalt and concrete, gravel,
open-cell paving systems, and turf) as paving alternatives.
b. Grading.
Topography is the primary determinant in the amount, direction and rate of runoff. Existing
drainage patterns should be maintained where possible to preserve topsoil. Facilities and
parking areas should be sited to take advantage of existing topography. Graded slopes should
be gradual and avoid abrupt changes in gradient. Where graded slopes meet the existing
topography; they should blend into the existing slope.
c. Positive Drainage.
Positive drainage should be provided universally across the site.
(1) Direct water away from structures.
(2) Do not allow water to pond at low points or in low areas.
(3) Locate drainage structures vertically and horizontally such that if they are blocked, the water
will not back up into the buildings.
(4) Direct water concentrated in parking lots and along curbs away from major pedestrian areas
and routes.
d. Drainage Control.
Storm drainage from buildings and other impervious surfaces must be directed to a storm
drainage system. This water must be kept from infiltrating into the soils and causing foundation
problems for the buildings. It also must be directed away from pedestrian walkways where it
causes walking hazards. Runoff should be directed away from landscaped areas not designed
to accommodate Storm water runoff to keep from drowning plant material and washing away
mulch. Drainage can be controlled, captured and redirected using various methods.
(1) Vegetated swales and ditches are effective in cost and function for moving moderate
amounts of runoff. It is recommended that these have a minimum gradient of 2.0%
to maintain positive drainage.
(2) Paved swales and ditches are recommended to have a minimum gradient of 1.0% to
maintain positive drainage.
(3) Check dams or weirs are used to slow water movement and increase infiltration in
porous swales or ditches. Earth, stone, rip rap, gabions, and concrete are generally the best
materials for dam and weir construction.
(4) French drains are a cost-effective means of directing small amounts of runoff.
They can often be constructed by hand to correct post-construction drainage problems.

(5) Underground piping by way of sewer lines is the most expensive alternative in terms of
materials, construction and maintenance cost. Underground piping is completely effective if the
lines are sized correctly; however, changes to the system to suit future needs are difficult and
expensive.
13.4 Detention Ponds, Retention Ponds, and Infiltration Basins.
Detention ponds, retention ponds, and infiltration basins are drainage devices used to control
the rate of runoff from the increased impervious surfaces resulting from construction. The
increase in runoff is held within these ponds and slowly released at rates that are equal to or
less than the rates that occurred before construction. The maintenance of pre-construction
runoff rates helps prevent flooding, erosion and sedimentation of recipient drainage ways.
Ponds and basins can be designed to allow collected runoff to stand long enough for heavier
sediments to settle to the bottom, thereby reducing sedimentation downstream.
(1) Detention ponds release all of the collected water at a specific rate. Detention
and retention ponds are especially useful during construction when the lack of drainage
systems and vegetative cover make it difficult to control Storm water flow and erosion.
(2) Retention ponds function the same as a detention pond except they are designed to retain a
certain level of water permanently and release all of the collected water above the permanent
level at a specific rate.
(3) Infiltration basins retain all of the collected water until it infiltrates or evaporates.
Infiltration basins are important for increasing groundwater recharge, especially in highly
urbanized areas. Typically, infiltration basins are wide and shallow to facilitate rapid infiltration
and evaporation. Basin floors are graded at 0 percent or close to 0 percent and have a
permeable base. Infiltration basins are designed to be dry when not in use and can serve
other functions as well, such as athletic playing fields.
(5) These ponds and basins should be designed to serve other functions in a development such
as a water feature, wildlife habitat, wetland, and wastewater reclamation.
13.5 Erosion Control. Erosion control evaluation and implementation begins with identifying
the causes of erosion and then implementing controls to limit erosion.
(1) Erosion occurs as the result of:
(a) Lack of vegetative cover.
(b) Excessively steep slopes.
(c) Excessive runoff.
(d) Unstable soils.
(e) A combination of the above.
(2) Erosion control can be improved by:
(a) Reducing slope gradients.
(b) Using geotextiles as filtering fabrics.
(c) Establishing or reestablishing vegetative cover.
(d) Introducing mechanical controls such as riprap, gabions, terracing and
cribbing.
(3) Banks with steeper than 3:1 slopes are discouraged because they increase the
rate of runoff and erosion. When an area involves steep grades, solutions such as retaining
walls should be used to reduce erosion and maintenance.

14.0 UTILITY SYSTEMS DESIGN.

Utility systems should minimize impact to the natural site while meeting basic economic and
functional criteria. Utility systems should be located as follows:
a. Utility corridors should be used to minimize environmental disturbance and simplify
maintenance. These corridors should be located along a site's perimeter and not cross a site
diagonally or indiscriminately because future realignment of existing systems will increase the
costs of future development.
b. Utilities should be placed underground wherever possible to:
(1) Avoid conflicts with vegetation
(2) Provide protection from storm damage.
(3) Enhance the visual quality of the installation
c. To simplify maintenance, utility lines should not be placed under paved areas, but
located at the back of the roadway curb.
d. Utility transformers and transclosures for underground utilities shall be located to
ensure ease of access for maintenance but not obstruct site primary visual relationships. They
should be located with adequate setbacks from vehicular circulation and parking areas.
15.0 LIGHTING DESIGN.
Outdoor lighting allows such activities as driving and walking to continue at night under safe
conditions. On most sites, only enough light to illuminate these functions are necessary. Where
physical security is a concern, more lighting may be required. Different types of lighting should
be used to meet the needs of the site.
16.0 LANDSCAPE DESIGN.
Landscape design includes the preservation and enhancement of the environmental and visual
quality including plant material, hardscape, lighting and signage. Landscape design should be
considered as part of the total design process rather than as an addition of landscape plant
material once construction is complete. Coordination with other elements of the process such as
building design and placement, vehicular and pedestrian circulation, parking, lighting, and
utilities is critical to the overall success of the project. When properly planned, landscape
elements can be used for a variety of functions. Primary functions of landscape design include:
a. Ecological/habitat preservation.
b. Meeting environmental mitigation requirements.
c. Screening incompatible land use or visually unacceptable elements.
d. Modification of environmental conditions such as prevailing wind, sunlight, and
excessive moisture.
e. Physical and visual separation of spaces.
f. Soften architectural elements.
g. Visual enhancement.

Comprehensive site analysis is key to successful landscape design. Apply the following
design principles: proportion, scale, unity, harmony, line, emphasis, contrast, variety,
repetition, form, texture and color. The choice of materials also contributes to the quality of
landscape design. Landscape materials typically include: plants, inert materials, landforms,
site amenities, and water features.

16.1 Design Guidelines

Basic principles of quality landscape architecture apply to all projects. The following general
guidelines are typically employed:
Use hardy, regionally native and drought-tolerant plant materials when possible.
Create design solutions that minimize adverse impacts on the natural habitat.
Prevent pollution by reducing fertilizer and pesticide requirements and by using integrated
pest management techniques, recycle green waste, and minimize runoff.
Preserve and enhance existing natural landforms and vegetation.
Maximize low-maintenance landscapes.
Maximize the use of water-efficient plant material.
Install water-efficient irrigation systems.
Ensure site and planting plans promote energy conservation.
Screen undesirable views and land uses.
Use mass plantings, berms, groups of trees, and architecturally compatible fencing as
screens and buffers.
Create attractive entries.
Reduce building mass by creative, security-sensitive foundation plantings.
Use thornless and non-toxic plant material near childrens play areas.
Use site amenities that are durable, well constructed, and resistant to vandalism.
Design irrigation systems to minimize damage to key components, including sprinkler
heads, controllers, and backflow preventers.
17.0 WATER SUPPL Y & STORAGE
Storage should meet peak flow requirements, equalize system pressures, and provide
emergency water supply. The water supply system must provide flows of water sufficient in
quantity to meet all points of demand in the distribution system. To do so, the source must
produce the required quantity and quality, pressure levels within the distribution system must be
high enough to provide suitable pressure, and water distribution mains must be large enough to
carry these flows. Water storage facilities are onstructed within a distribution network to meet
the peak flow requirements exerted on the system and to provide emergency storage.
17.1 Meeting peak flow requirements.
Water supply systems must be designed to satisfy maximum anticipated water demands. The
peak demands usually occur on hot, dry, summer days when larger than normal amounts of
water are used. The water supply system can operate at a relatively uniform rate throughout the
day of maximum demand if enough storage is available to handle variations in water use. The

necessary storage can be provided in elevated ground, or a combination of both types of

storage.
17.2 Distribution system pressures.
(1) System pressure requirements.
(a) Minimum pressures. Water distribution system, including pumping facilities and storage
tanks or reservoirs, should be designed so that water pressures of at least 280 kPa (40 psi) will
be maintained at all points in the system, including the highest elevations in the service area.
Minimum pressures of 210 kPa (30 psi), under peak domestic flow conditions, can be tolerated
in small areas as long as all peak flow requirements can be satisfied. During firefighting flows,
water pressures should not fall below 140 kPa (20 psi) at the hydrants, in new systems. This
requirement does not constitute justification or changing existing storage facilities solely for the
purpose of increasing residual pressures to 140 kPa (20psi).
(b) Maximum pressure. Maximum water pressures in distribution mains and service lines should
not normally exceed 520 kPa (75 psi) at ground elevation. Static pressures up to 670 kPa (100
psi) can be tolerated in distribution systems in small, low-lying areas. Higher pressures require
pressure reducing valves on feeder mains or individual service lines to restrict maximum service
pressures to 520 kPa (75 psi).
(c) Multiple pressure levels. If an extensive area has pressures higher than 520 kPa (75 psi) or
lower than 280 kPa (40 psi) under a single pressure level configuration, it may be appropriate to
divide the system into two or more separate areas, each having different pressure levels. Within
each level, pressures within the distribution system should range from 280 to 520 kPa (40 to 75
psi) at ground elevation.
17.3 Provision of emergency water supplies.
(1) Firefighting flows. This demand can occur at any time, but may well coincide with other large
water demands on the system. Storage and distribution facilities will include capacity for
required firefighting flows at adequate pressures at any point of the installation.
(2) Other emergencies. Water storage must provide an emergency supply of water in the event
the water treatment plant, distribution pumps, or a principal transmission main is out of service.
The amount of emergency storage required depends on the reliability of the system and the
extent of other safeguards incorporated into the system, i.e., finished water interconnections
with a municipality (for either normal or emergency use).
17.4 Protection of Water Supplies
There must be no physical connection between a potable water line and the sewer system.
Sewer design will meet the following criteria:
- Sewers will be located no closer than 15 meters (50 feet) horizontally to water wells or
earthen reservoirs to be used for potable water supply.
- Sewers will be located no closer than 3 meters (10 feet) horizontally to potable water lines;
where the bottom of the water pipe will be at least 300 millimeters (12 inches) above the top of
the sewer, the horizontal spacing may be a minimum of 2 meters (6 feet).
- Sewers crossing above potable water lines must be constructed of suitable pressure pipe or
fully encased in concrete for a distance of 3 meters (10 feet) on each side of the crossing. Force
mains will have no joint closer horizontally than 1 meter (3 feet) to the crossing, unless the joint
is encased in concrete. The thickness of the concrete encasement will be a minimum of 100
millimeters (4 inches) at pipe joints.
- Depressed sewers crossing potable water lines must be installed below the water line with

a minimum vertical clearance of 600 millimeters (2 feet). Sewer joints will not be closer
horizontally than 1 meter (3 feet) to the crossing, unless the joints are fully encased in concrete
as required above.
18.0 SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
The development of final sewer plans must await the final site plan, the completion of field
surveys, and to some extent, the establishment of floor grades. However, the development of
economical site plans often requires concurrent preliminary planning of the sewer system. The
location of building and lateral sewers will depend not only upon topography, but also upon the
type and layout of the buildings to be served. Normally, the most practical location would be
along one side of the street. In other cases they may be located behind the buildings midway
between streets. In still other cases, in closely built-up areas and particularly where the street is
very wide or already paved, it may be advantageous and economical to construct laterals on
each side of the street.
Main, trunk, and interceptor sewers will follow the most feasible route to the point of discharge.
All sewers will be located outside of roadways as much as practicable, so that the number of
roadway crossings will be reduced to a minimum. A sewer from one building will not be
constructed under another building, or remain in service where a building is subsequently
constructed over it, if any other practical location for the sewer is available. Where no other
location is suitable, necessary measures will be taken to assure accessibility for future
excavation and complete freedom of the sewer from superimposed building loads. The following
general criteria will be used where possible to provide a layout which is practical, economical
and meets hydraulic requirements:
- Follow slopes of natural topography for gravity sewers.
- Check existing maps or field surveys along prospective sewer routes to assure that
adequate slopes are available.
- Avoid routing sewers through heavily wooded areas and areas which require extensive
restoration after construction.
- Check subsurface investigations for groundwater levels and types of subsoil encountered.
If possible, avoid areas of high groundwater and the placement of sewers below the
groundwater table.
- Locate manholes at changes in direction, size or slope of gravity sewers.
- Sewer sections between manholes should be straight. The use of curved sewer alignment
is not recommended.
- Manholes should be located at intersections of streets when possible.
- Avoid placing manholes adjacent to water courses and in locations where the tops will be
submerged or subject to surface water inflow.
- Designer should evaluate alternative sewer routes where applicable.
- Verify that final routing selected is the most cost effective alternative that meets service
requirements.
18.1 Lift Stations & Pump Stations
The following general guidelines for site selection and location of pumping stations
will be used:
-Pumping facilities will not be constructed beneath buildings, streets, roadways, railroads,
aircraft aprons or runways, or other major surface structures, to the maximum extent practical.
-Pump stations will not be located closer than 150 meters (500 feet) to buildings, or other
facilities to be occupied by humans, unless adequate measures are provided for odor and gas
control.

-The location of pumping stations will be made with proper consideration given to the
availability of required utilities such as electric power, potable water, fire protection, gas, steam,
and telephone service.
18.2 Lift Stations Site Requirements
a. Floor and building elevations. The invert elevations of incoming sewers will determine the
depths of underground portions (substructure) of the pumping station. It is common practice to
set the maximum liquid level in the wet well equal to the 80-90 percent flow depth of the lowest
incoming sewer. Subsurface and soil conditions at the site will dictate the structural design,
excavation depths and top of footing elevations required for the foundation. Surface conditions
such as adjacent buildings and site grading will determine the elevations of floors above ground
(superstructure), except that the elevation of the ground floor will be set above the maximum
expected flood level.
b. Architectural and landscaping. For pumping stations located in built-up areas, the
architectural exterior of the buildings should be made similar to or compatible with, surrounding
buildings. When the station is located in a remote area, building appearance is not important,
but the possibility of future development in the vicinity will be considered. Pump stations and
facilities will be provided with fencing where necessary to prevent vandalism, and to protect
people from hazardous contact with electrical transformers and switching equipment.
Landscaping should be considered in built-up areas, and will be required in residential
communities. Where stations must be constructed in close proximity to residences or other
quarters, buffer zones of planted shrubbery should be provided for noise reduction.
c. Access. All pump stations will be readily accessible from an improved road. For stations
that are not enclosed, access will be provided for direct maintenance from a truck equipped with
hoist attachments. For enclosed stations, provisions will be included in the structure to facilitate
access for repair, and to provide a means for removal and loading of equipment onto a truck.

19.0
19.1

PARKING STRUCTURE ROOFING

Vegetative Roofing Systems.

Vegetative roof systems are a roof area of plantings/landscaping installed above a waterproofed
substrate at any building level that is separated from the ground beneath by its manmade
structure. A vegetative roof system consists of a waterproofing system and its associated
components such as protection course, root barrier, drainage layer, thermal insulation and
aeration layer, and an overburden of growth medium and plantings. Vegetative roof systems
must be installed over newly installed roof systems and cannot be installed over existing roof
systems. Knowledgeable selection of compatible building materials, quality vegetative roof
system materials, and systems that will withstand the conditions of the location where a building
is located are vital to a quality vegetative roof assembly design. Properly prepared contract
documents with accurate drawings and details are essential. Vegetative roof systems shall be
designed by an RRC or a registered engineer or architect that derives his or her principal
income from roofing design. Test the final assembly with a 48-hour water test per ASTM D5957
and/or using an electric field vector mapping (EFVM) system. Recommended waterproof
membrane systems for use in vegetative roofs include:
Hot fluid applied modified asphalt membrane, fabric reinforced 215 mils
minimum thickness
Atactic polypropylene polymer (APP) and Styrene butadiene styrene
(SBS) polymer modified bitumen sheet membrane, 2-layer minimum
EPDM 90 mils minimum thickness
PVC reinforced 72 mils minimum thickness

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