Construction Documents/Permitting Flashcards

1
Q

What three regulations of the Federal EPA focus on air, water and chemicals?

A
  1. Clean Air Act - regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources to protect public health, establishes National Ambient air quality standards.
  2. Clean Water Act - regulates discharge of pollutants and quality standards for surface waters.
  3. Toxic Substance Control Act - regulates new and existing commercial chemicals distribution and use
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2
Q

What three regulations of the federal EPA focus on endangered species, environmental policies and responses?

A
  1. Endangered species Act(ESA) - conservation of threatened or endangered plants & animals as well as their habitats
  2. National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA) - requires environmental assessments & impact statements prior to land developement.
  3. Superfund(comprehensive environmental response, compensation & liability act - Long term site cleanup and prioritization process.
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3
Q

What design issues are the FAA(federal aviation administration) concerned with

A

Developement of any site near an airport for issues such as building heights & outdoor lighting. The FAA also develops airport design and engineering standards that focus on drainage, layout plans and master plans.

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4
Q

What services are provided by the U.S. Army corps of engineers regarding costal protection and disaster response?

A

protection from storm surge and wave generated erosion, construction of sea walls and breakwaters to protect against flooding, erosion, sediment management.

Disaster preparedness and Response - planning and mitigation of natural disasters such as floods resulting in saving of hundreds of dollars annually.

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5
Q
A
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6
Q

What concerns regarding navigable waterways, environmental protection and regulatory enforcement does the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have?

A

Navigable Waterways - planning and constructing new navigation channels as well as maintenance of existing in harbors and waterways.

Regulatory - protection of a wide variety of aquatic resources including wetlands, rivers, streams, tidal waters, coral reefs, shellfish beds and oceans.

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7
Q

How does the U.S. Army cords of engineers protect the water supply?

A

The corps has 136 multiple purpose projects that contain storage for water supply in 25 states. CA is in the South Pacific division with districts in SF, Sacramento and LA.

US army corps is one of the nations largest water agencies

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8
Q

Name two federal acts administered and enforced by the US army corps of engineers.

A

Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors act of1899(Federal) - A corps permit is required for structures in, over or under navigable waterways in the U.S.

Section 404 of the clean water act(Federal)- a corps permit is required for the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the US>.

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9
Q

Which federal agency enforces the endangered species act?

A

U.S. Fish and Wildlife.

Their mission is to work with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people?

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10
Q

What duties of the U.S. Coast Guard are relevant to design and construction?

A

Living Marine Resources - ensuring the country’s marine protected species are provided the protection necessary to help their populations recover to healthy, sustainable levels.

Marine Environmental Protection Program - developes and enforces regulations to avert the introduction of invasive species into the maritime environment, stop unauthorized ocean dumping, and prevent oil and chemical spills.

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11
Q

Describe four different types of projects and the specific requirements of each?

A
  1. Public - include requirements of the public contract code
  2. essential services building - include provisions of the essential services buildings seismic safety act.
  3. Public schools - include requirement of the field act.
  4. Private - maintain CBC standards.
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12
Q

What are the architects responsibilities during schematic design?

A
  1. Prepare prelimiary evaluation of owners program
  2. Exploration of different design alternatives
  3. Meeting with local officials.
  4. Meeting and preliminary coordination consultants
  5. Submit to the owner an estimate of the cost of work.
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13
Q

Name two types of specialize buildings other than Essential services buildings and give three examples of each?

A
  1. Assembly- Church, movie theatre, area
  2. Public - Library, school, city hall
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14
Q

Describe the architects role during design development?

A
  1. Focus on a single design strategy
  2. Consideration of materials and finishes
  3. Selection of structural system
  4. Meeting with local officials
  5. Meeting and coordination with consultants
  6. Update the estimate of the cost of work
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15
Q

Excluding the drawings, what two documents are part of the bid documents but not part of the project manual?

A
  1. Invitatior to bidders / instruction to bidders
  2. Form of agreement between owner and contractor
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15
Q

What basic responsibilities does the architect have during the construction documents phase?

A
  1. Prepare CD’s
  2. Prepare specifications
  3. Prepare the project Manual
  4. Prepare drawings for submittal to local agencies
  5. Coordination of consultants drawings
  6. Update the estimate of the cost of work
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16
Q

Define the two different types of Proprietary specifications that cand be utilized on a project?

A
  1. Open(equal) Specification - ‘or approved equal/alternate’
  2. Closed Specification - no substitutions. Generally not allowed on public projects.
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17
Q

What information is contained within the project Manual?

A
  1. Specifications
  2. Conditions of the contract for construction
    - General conditions
    - Supplementary conditions
    - Other Conditions
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18
Q

What is a performance specification?

A

A performance specification describes the performance criteria required for a particular product or system. A contractor can then specify andy material product assembly he chooses as long as it meets the performance requirements.

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19
Q

Describe an Allowance and how it is beneficial to the bidding documents?

A

An Allowance is used in lieu of specifying a product or particular portion of the work when that product or scope of work is not specified, such as door hardware. This allows the contractor to included the allowance in his/her bid knowing that the item will be selected at a later date. Once selected the contractors price will be adjusted.

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20
Q

Whats the difference between an alternate and a substitution?

A

An Alternate is an amount added or deducted to the base bid for a specific product, i.e. hardwood floor is specified in the base bid, but alternate #1is carpet. Only used in the bidding phase.

A substitution typically occurs during construction when a product is substituted for the one specified in the construction documents, i.e. no longer available, long lead time. Must be approved in writing by architect/owner.

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21
Q

Which 3 optional design phases are the main options typically offered to an owner?

A
  1. Pre-design - programming, flow diagrams, existing facilities survey, development of preliminary budget
  2. Site evaluation & planning - site analysis & selection, utility studies, surveys, soil reports.
  3. Post contract services - maintenance & operation programming, startup assistance, record drawings, warranty reveiw, post contract evaluation.
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22
Q

What are the architect’s responsibilities during bidding and negotiation?

A
  1. Send out contractors Qualification statements
  2. Send out invitation/instruction to bidders
  3. Send out bid documents
  4. Respond to RFI’s
  5. Issue addenda
  6. Attend pre-bid conference
  7. Assist owner in reviewing bids
  8. documentation and distribution of bidding results
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23
Q

Describe the architect’s role during contract administration?

A
  1. Review shop drawings
  2. Process change orders
  3. Issue revisions
  4. Interpret drawings and specs, revise if necessary
  5. Visit job site at appropriate intervals
  6. Process applications for payment to contractor
  7. Process certificate of substantial completion
  8. Schedule weekly/bi-weekly job meetings with owner, contractor and architect
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24
Q

Name some common types of additional services not coveredin the scope of Architects basic services?

A
  1. Programming
  2. Multiple preliminary designs
  3. Existing facilities survey
  4. Site evaluation and planning
  5. Detailed cost estimating
  6. As-built drawings
  7. Post occupancy evaluation
  8. Coordination of owner’s consultants
  9. Building commissioning and Leed Certification
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25
Q

What are some common reimbursable expenses according to AIA B102?

A
  1. Transportation and out of town travel
  2. Data and communication services, websites
  3. Fees paid for securing jurisdictional services.
  4. Printing, reproductions and plots
  5. Overtime work if authorized in advance by owner
  6. Renderings, models, mockups and professional photos
  7. Consultant professional liability insurance
  8. Taxes on professional services reimbursable
  9. Site office expenses
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26
Q

What responsibilities does the local planning department have regarding design and construction?

A

Implementing the General Plan as well as reviewing plans for compliance with the master plan and any specific plans. They may also act as the lead agency in regards to the CEQA process, depending on the project. The planning department also reviews plans for compliance with the local zoning code?

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27
Q

What elements are included in the zoning code that the planning dept will review?

A
  1. Use - appropriate for neighborhood
  2. Setbacks - front, side yards, rear yard.
  3. FAR
  4. Lot coverage(allowable footprint)
  5. Open space requirements
  6. Building height
  7. Parking
  8. Local ordinances
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27
Q

What is the building & safety department ultimately responsible for?

A

reviewing plans for compliance with CBC(T24). (aka Plancheck)

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27
Q

How do local zoning codes affect design during programming?

A

Affect permitted use of hte site, minimum area requirements for the building type, height limitations, total lot coverage(& FAR), setback dimensions and the quantity of off street parking.

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28
Q

What 4 items need to be taken into consideration when determining building footprint?

A

Setbacks, FAR, Lot coverage, Open space requirements.

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29
Q

Name 7 levels of the plan check process within the Dept. of Building and Safety?

A
  1. Building plan check
  2. Electrical plan check
  3. Elevator plan check
  4. fire sprinkler plan check
  5. Grading plan check
  6. Mech/hvac plan check
  7. plumbing plan check
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29
Q

Describe three different types of plan check?

A
  1. Counter Plan Check - Small and medium sized projects(TI, small offices) reviewed in 30-60 minutes
  2. Appointment plan check - slightly more complex - 1.5 hours to review
  3. Regular plan check - large more complex projects- several days to weeks to review
30
Q

What life safety issues will the building and safety department review for?

A
  1. Required fire resistance of structural elements, floors, ceilings, fire and party walls.
  2. Requirements for compartmentation areas
  3. Fire protection systems
  4. Means of egress requirements
31
Q

Name seven building and design issues the building and safety department will review the drawings for?

A
  1. Occupancy, building height and floor area
  2. Light, ventilation and other indoor environment requirements
  3. Structural requirements for building components
  4. Materials performance and specifications
  5. Requirements for building service systems
  6. Energy compliance
  7. Structural calculations
32
Q

What are four benefits of performing the design and permitting processes concurrently?

A
  1. Identify & correct code related issues
    2.Identify clearances & obtain sign offs early on(less delays and cost issues)
  2. Reduce overall permit processing time, start and complete construction on time or ahead of schedule
  3. Reduce project cost due to time savings.
33
Q

What might the Transportation Dept review?

A
  1. Traffic flow and increase in intensity
  2. Location of curb cuts.
  3. Types of traffic signals and directional signage being proposed?
34
Q

What items might the Dept of Public Works review?

A
  1. Water supply to the site
  2. Waste water from the site
  3. Storm water runoff
  4. Electrical service to and from the site
  5. Street lighting on the project
  6. Improvements in the right of way
35
Q

If the Fire Dept. reviews plans, what will they look for?

A
  1. Fire suppression systems such as sprinklers
  2. Egress requirements
  3. Fire lanes and emergency access
  4. location of fire hydrants and standpipes
  5. Fire Truck Turnarounds
36
Q

What items are of interest to the police dept. during a plan review?

A

-Communication system
-site lighting for saftey
-Security of entrance and exits
-Emergency response plan/system

37
Q

What sets the air quality management district apart from the CA air resources board?

A

The air quality management district has jurisdiction over businesses and other stationary sources.

The CA air resources board is primarily responsible for reducing emissions from mobile sources, such as cars and trucks

37
Q

What function does a county flood control district serve?

A

Regional agency that protects people, property and watersheds from damage or destruction from flood and storm waters.

They typically have plans in place for reduction of storm water run off, elimination of dry weather runoff, reduction of pollutants entering the storm drain system, expansion for uses for habitat and open space and recreational opportunities.

38
Q

Name three concerns of airport authorities for new development around an airport?

A
  1. Building height in flight path
  2. Proper marker lights on tall buildings
  3. local airport authorities may have standards for heights, lighting, noise abatement, soundproofing, and max noise levels in and around the airport.
39
Q

What would be major concerns of a community where local airport has been proposed for construction?

A
  1. Noise levels from planes
  2. Emissions from fuel and exhaust
  3. Saftey of surrounding neighborhoods
  4. Jetblast from jets increasing engines just before takeoff.
40
Q

What is the main function and areas of concern for the county department of public health?

A

Regional agency protects health, prevents disease and promotes well being.

Beaches, Housing, body art, indoor air, chemical hazards, landfills, food, pests, septic and waste, public pools.

41
Q

What are the four major programs of the state water resources control board?

A
  1. Water quality - Storm water, wetlands protection, wastewater treatment, ocean protection, quality monitoring, contamination clean up.
  2. Water rights
  3. Enforcement
  4. Financial assistance
42
Q

What four acts are contained in the environmental review and permitting process under the CA Dept. of Fish and Game?

A
  1. California Endangered Species Act - administers and enforces
  2. CEQA - Provide biological expertise to review and comment on environment documents
  3. Lake and streambed alteration program - conditions to protect fish and wildlife
  4. Timberland conservation program - may issue permits for road construction across streams with endangered species.
43
Q

Name four concerns of the marine life protection act as administered by the CA Dept. of fish and game?

A
  1. Disturbance of natural habitat of fish, wildlife and plant species
  2. Disturbance of water and food supply of native species
  3. presense of endangered species
  4. Construction measures to minimize impact on fish wildlife, plants and other natural resources.
43
Q

What are 5 agencies under the umberlla of Cal-EPA?

A
  • Air resources board
  • Dept of pesticide regulation
  • dept of toxic substances control
  • office of environmental health hazard assessment
  • State water resources board
44
Q

If Caltrans is involved in a project, what items will they be concerned with?

A

If a project is on or near a state highway then…

Traffic signals, curb cuts, access to the site, power and light poles, any work near the right of way

45
Q

According to Caltrans, what does encroachment mean?

A

An encroachment is defined as “any tower, pole line, fence, building or structure, under on or over any portion of the state highway right of way.

46
Q

When will an encroachment permit be required from Caltrans?

A

An encroachment permit must be obtained for all proposed activities related to the placement of encroachments within, under or over the state highway right of way. Some examples include, utilities, plantings and driveways.

47
Q

What elements of a project plan does the DSA(Division of the state architect) review?

A
  1. Structural Safety
  2. Fire and Life Safety
  3. Accessibility requirements
  4. Energy efficiency( if applied for incentive)
48
Q

What types of buildings does DSA-SS and DSA-AC provide design review for?

A

DSA-SS(Structural Safety) and DSA-AC(Access Compliance) review the following;
- K12 public schools(per field act)
- Community colleges(per field act)
- Essential services (per essential services safety act)

49
Q

What type of buildings only recieve DSA-AC review?

A
  • University of CA and Cal State campus projects and state owned buildings
50
Q

What programs and services does DSA provide?

A
  1. Construction Projects– reviews compliance with T24
  2. Codes and Policies - proposes changes to the CBSC through buillding standards commission
  3. Certificate programs(inspectors and testing lab facilities)
  4. Access compliance - provides plan check for schools and state funded construction
  5. Sustainability - focus on educational facilities
51
Q

In addition to design and construction, what is one of the main functions of the Office of statewide health planning and developement(OSHPD)?

A

Assure the safety of buildings used in providing healthcare(hospitals)

51
Q

What item does OSHPD provide plan review for?

A

OSHPD provides plan review and inspection for hospitals and medical care buildings for structural mechanical electrical plumbing accessibility and energy conservation requirements. Office of the state fire marshall reviews for fire and panic safety requirements.

51
Q

What is the typical hierarchy of jurisdictions when it comes to regulatory agencies?

A

Depends on the project. Local regulations are not necessarily more lenient.

52
Q

What is the process for resolving conflicts between agencies?

A

The architect would schedule a meeting with the owner and agencies in conflict and request direction from the agencies with the conflicting requirements.

53
Q

How would an architect resolve a conflict between different codes?

A

the most restrictive shall prevail. If there is a conflict, schedule a meeting with the agencies.

54
Q

Which party should be involved in every meeting with local, regional and state agencies as well as meetings with local code officials?

A

Owner.
Decisions may be up to the owner and they should be informed of any changes due to the codes and regulations.

55
Q

What kind of waivers are available to owners for compliance with the CBC accessibility requirements?

A

very rare for new construction, but an owner must get a final determination from the local building official for unreasonable hardship.

Existing buildings are sometimes allowed to deviate.

55
Q

What is the difference between Construction Documents and construction drawings?

A

Drawings are the drawings produced during the CD phase.

Construction documents is the third phase in architects scope of basic services and consists of drawings and the manual.

56
Q

Describe how requesting a varience from the local zoning authority could be beneficial to a building owner?

A

The owner could build outside the requirements of the ordinance.

Must prove that the variance of the new design will not be in conflict with public interest.

56
Q

For planning/Environmental review, what documents are typically required to gain approval?

A

No set requirements, depends on the project. Basic requirements often include;

-Site plan, floor plans, elevations
- Exterior finish material sample
- Renderings in site context
- reports or studies addressing specific site issues

57
Q

What documents are required by the Building and Safety Department for approval of a building permit?

A

CD’s clearly identifying all major code issues related to life safety and accessibility. If the project is an essential services building, public school or hospital, specifications will typically be required as well.

58
Q

Why is it important to properly design, construct and install non-structural elements within a building?

A

If not properly braced and secured, they could become airborn, sustain damage or cause injury in earthquake.

59
Q

A Historic building is undergoing a structural evaluation and there is concern about the floor structure, how shoudl the architect respond and what solutions could be recommended?

A

Architect should meet with owner and structural engineer.

Could suggest increasing floor sub-structure by adding joists, or capacity could be limited in the space to what the floor can safely accommodate.

60
Q

An Owner is concerned that adding columns will disrup the exterior aesthetic on an addition project. The structural engineer has determined these columns will be required. How do you respond to the owner?

A

Inform owner of structural engineer evaluation, and coordinate a meeting between both parties to come up with design solutions. The final decision is the owners, but the design must meet all code requirements and structural minimums.

61
Q

If the owner decides to change a solid nonstructural exterior wall to all glass, what affect will this have on the building and interior environment?

A
  1. The additional glass will expose the building to an increase in solar heat gain or loss and may require a larger HVAC system.
  2. With the addition of daylight into the space, the lighting levels may need adjustment.
  3. Any wires, pipes ducts. that were in the wall need to be relocated.
61
Q

What are two conditions that entitle the architect to compensation for additional services?

A
  1. Mutually agreed in writing by arch and owner
  2. a change is required due to circumstances outside of architects control, such as code revisions.
62
Q

According to California Green Building COde, what environmental controls are required in a workplace?

A
  1. In single office space
    -90% must have individual task lighting or daylilghting
    -50% must have thermal comfort controls or operable windows
  2. Multiple occupant spaces(classrooms, conference) all spaces must have overall lighting and thermal comfort controls.
63
Q

Name 5 building materials that have standards within the California Building Code?

A
  1. Concrete - Foundations, walls floor and roof deck
  2. Masonry - retaining walls, building walls
  3. Wood - wall, roof and floor framing
  4. Steel - wall roof and floor framing
  5. Gypsum - wall sheething
63
Q

What questions should and architect ask when specifying the use of green building materials?

A
  1. What is the recycled content of the material
  2. Is it made from plant based sources
  3. does it have a low chemical emissions rating
  4. Is the product natural or minimally processed?
  5. Does it have a low embodied energy
64
Q

What is the CSI Masterformat and how is this reference helpful in project design?

A

The CSI Master Format is used for material classification and includes information and descriptions of products in regards to performance requiremnets, quality standards, submittal requirements, warranties, delivery and storage, installation and maintenance.

This is helpful as a source for material specifications when choosing materials and products during project design.

64
Q

During bidding, a contractor notices a discrepancy in the contract documents. What should he/she do?

A

The contractor should contact the architect upon discovery of the conflicting information and request clarification. If the contractor does not report the issue, it could negatively affect his/her bid or could be grounds for disqualification.

65
Q

If an architect is made aware of an error, omission, or conflict of information in the contract documents during bidding, what should he/she do?

A

The Architect should verify the error, omission or conflict of information and discuss any necessary changes with the owner. The architect will then respond to all the bidding contractors through an addendum notifying all parties of the new changes.

66
Q

If the owner does not want to bid a project, what other options are available?

A

The owner may choose to directly negotiate with a single contractor, or request negotiated proposals from conntractors.

Design/build.

67
Q

Describe negotiated contract.

A

A negotiated contract is awarded on the basis of a direct agreement with the contractor. This process does not require competative bidding.

This may NOT be used on public projects, as they are subject to the public contract code.