DIVISION 2 SITE WORK - Miami-Dade County Public Schoolsfacilities.dadeschools.net/Planning/2013_Design_Criteria/div_02... · November, 2017 Site Work 2-1 Issued Design Criteria M-DCPS

November, 2017 Site Work 2-1

Issued Design Criteria M-DCPS

DIVISION 2 – SITE WORK

This division contains the following elements:

1.1 General

1.2 Civil

A. Site Access.

B. Flood Criteria.

C. Safety.

D. Earthwork.

E. Coordination with Local Governments.

F. Traffic Study Reports.

G. Pavements, Signage, Road and Traffic Control Improvements.

H. Concrete Slabs-on-grade, Sidewalks, Curbs & Gutters and Wheel Stops.

I. Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) Procedures.

J. Water Distribution System.

K. Hydrants and Siamese Connections.

L. Storm-water Management.

M. Sanitary Sewer System.

N. Waste Disposal System.

O. Dumpster Pads.

1.3 Physical Education Playfields, Hardcourts, and Playground Equipment.

A. General Requirements

B. Exterior Sports Components for New Facilities

C. P.E. Shelters

D. Primary Play Areas and Playground Equipment Areas

E. Safety Surfaces for Play Areas

F. Hardcourts

G. Track and Field Events

H. Athletic and Multipurpose Fields

1.4 Landscape.

A. General Requirements.

B. Protection and Transplantation of Existing Trees.

C. Earthwork for Landscape Areas.

D. Irrigation Systems.

E. Planting and Related Work.

F. Site Furnishings.

G. Fences and Gates.

1.1 GENERAL

A. New facilities or additions to an existing facility require a comprehensive site analysis of the

proposed project to identify opportunities, constraints, and any other design issues requiring

resolution inclusive of topography, off-site/on-site utilities and specific demolition process

where applicable.

B. Site analysis shall address:

1. Existing topography, soil conditions, percolation and drainage.

2. Sun exposure of proposed facility and spaces.



3. Natural areas and existing landscaping within the site to be preserved.

4. Prevailing breezes.

5. Utilization of solar, wind and geothermal energy considerations.

6. Existing and proposed accesses to site.

7. Noise control to and from site

8. Vibration and Settlement

9. Views to and from site.

10. Compatibility to adjacent and proposed land uses and buildings.

11. Pedestrian and vehicular on-site and off-site circulation.

12. Site features of historical or sociological significance.

13. Existing roads and utilities.

14. Provisions for relocatable buildings and future expansion as stated in this Design

Criteria, or when required by the Educational Specifications.

C. The following energy conservation and environmental concerns shall be addressed:

1. Use of xeriscaping.

2. Water efficient irrigation systems.

3. Limited use of hard surface areas.

4. Use of landscaping for shading facility.

5. Additional suggestions to help M-DCPS continue to be a leader in energy conservation

and environmental concerns.

D. Site design shall incorporate the latest design requirements of:

1. State Requirements for Educational Facilities (SREF).

2. Florida Building Code (FBC).

3. Americans with Disabilities Act and Accessibility Guidelines (ADA).

4. American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

5. American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

6. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

7. American Water Works Association (AWWA).

8. Board of Fire Underwriters (BFU).

9. Miami-Dade County Public Works Department (M-DCPW).

10. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

11. Florida Department of Education (DOE).

12. Florida Department of Health (DOH).

13. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DOA).

14. Florida Department of Environmental Resources (DER).

15. Florida Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM).

16. National Arborist Association (NAA).

17. U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

18. Handbook for Public Playground Safety by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety

Commission.

19. Courts and Field Diagram Guide published by the National Federation of High Schools

Associations (NFHS)

20. Other agencies having jurisdiction.

1.2 CIVIL

A. Site Access.



1. Provide safe access by pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

2. Site design shall minimize traffic impact upon the surrounding community by proper

coordination with existing off-site traffic systems.

B. Flood Criteria.

1. Minimum elevations of finish on-site grading and building lowest finish floor

elevations shall comply with the highest elevation requirements of:

a. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

b. Federal standard 44 CRF (National flood Insurance Program).

c. DERM Water Control Division.

2. Variance from flood management criteria is not allowed.

C. Safety.

1. A/E design shall provide for public safety, the safety of adjacent structures, and

protection of existing conditions to remain during construction.

D. Earthwork.

1. Comply with the requirements of the Trench Safety Act, sections 553.60 through

553.64 Florida Statutes.

2. Construction documents shall note “TRENCH WORK SHALL COMPLY WITH THE

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION EXCAVATION

SAFETY STANDARDS, 29 C.F.R.S. 1926.650 SUBPART P”.

3. Construction documents shall identify and locate play fields and landscape areas with

earthwork requirements different from building, paved areas, and utility earthwork

requirements.

4. Proposed paving and grading contours and tie back to existing grades at the perimeter

of the project shall be shown on construction drawings.

5. See Landscape in this division for tree protection.

6. Coordinate on-site and off-site earthwork next to school perimeter. Provide plans,

sections and details required for a timely completion.

7. Prevent impermeable zones from forming.

8. Termiticide soil treatment is required for slabs under enclosed spaces and shall not be

detrimental to the water supply. Verify additional requirements with the appropriate

regulatory agencies and M-DCPS Division of Safety and Emergency Management

(DSEM), 305 995-4900.

E. Coordination with Local Governments.

1. Pursuant to Florida Statutes, the School Board and non-exempt local governments are

required to ensure that plans for the construction and opening of public educational

facilities are coordinated with other necessary services.

2. M-DCPS has entered into an Inter-local Agreement with Miami-Dade County and all

non-exempt local governments in Miami-Dade, for coordinating the planning, design

and construction of new educational facilities and major expansions, where new student

stations will be created. In this regards, M-DCPS and the A/E shall coordinate with the

governmental bodies regarding all on-site and off-site improvements for all new

facilities and proposed significant expansion projects. Significant expansion projects

shall include construction improvements that result in greater than five (5) percent

increase in student capacity, the location of relocatables, or additions to existing

buildings for high schools with a capacity of more than 2,000 students. For significant



expansion to high schools with a capacity of less than 2,000 and for middle schools, the

applicable percentage shall be ten (10) percent, and for significant expansion to

elementary schools and K-8 centers, the applicable percentage shall be fifteen (15)

percent.

a. Early in the design process, the A/E shall coordinate with M-DCPS office of

Governmental Affairs and Land Use to review the requirements for the proper

coordination with local governments.

b. The A/E shall determine the local government that has jurisdiction for each project

and shall provide the appropriate information for the submittal and presentation of

the project to the affected local government.

c. The A/E shall provide M-DCPS with the necessary submittal information to assure

consistency with the Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) for all

appropriate local governmental bodies.

d. The A/E shall design all of the on-site and off-site improvements that have been

agreed to by M-DCPS. The agreed upon improvements shall be included in the

A/E’s construction documents for the project.

e. The A/E shall meet with and make formal submittals to M-DCPS and the affected

local governmental departments to obtain approval for all of the improvements

prior to proceeding with the bidding process.

3. The M-DCPS office of Governmental Affairs and Land Use will determine the projects

that are required to be submitted to the Miami-Dade County Developmental Impact

Committee (DIC) for approval. The DIC Educational Facilities Review Subcommittee

will review and make recommendations regarding the consistency of the proposed

public educational facilities and site plans with the Miami-Dade County’s Master Plan

and applicable Land Development Regulations.

a. The A/E will meet with all applicable county departments to coordinate all of the

on-site and off-site requirements for the projects.

b. The A/E will provide M-DCPS with the DIC plan submittal, which will include 2

hardcopies and one CD that contains a scanned electronic version of the submitted

hard copy plans.

c. The A/E will attend the DIC Sub-Committee Meeting and make a presentation to

the county departments.

d. The A/E will prepare the response to all DIC comments, until they are successfully

resolved with M-DCPS.

4. School Board-owned land required to become part of the Public Right-Away, has to be

dedicated to the local government or another appropriate authority. The A/E shall

prepare the “dedication submittal package” which requires approval by the School

Board prior to submittal to the appropriate agencies.

F. Traffic Study Report - A Traffic Study Report is required for all new school facilities and for

some addition projects that increase student stations at an existing facility. A Traffic Study

may also be required for projects that modify or create new bus drop-off or parent drop-off

areas.

1. The A/E shall utilize the most recent Site Plan and all other information and drawings

required to perform the Traffic Study.

2. The A/E shall meet with the Miami-Dade Public Works Department to ascertain the

scope of the Traffic Study required.



3. The A/E shall not incorporate the recommendations from the Traffic Study until written

approval has been received from M-DCPS. The A/E shall incorporate all of the required

information onto the construction documents once approval has been received from M-

DCPS.

4. The A/E shall attend additional meetings including the DIC meeting(s) to resolve all of

the issues relating to the Traffic Study Report.

G. Pavements, Signage, Road and Traffic Control Improvements.

1. Life cycle cost analysis shall determine use of:

a. Asphalt concrete paving.

b. Portland cement concrete paving.

2. Locate utility poles and signage clear of traffic lanes.

3. Required public right-of-way improvements shall comply with M-DCPW and FDOT

where applicable for permits, approvals and reviews.

4. Milling:

a. Milling shall be according to Florida Department of Transportation Standard

Specification for Road and Bridge Construction – latest edition.

b. Only lanes affected by actual construction or damages by construction equipment

shall be milled and resurfaced. Milling shall be of sufficient depth for the entire

lane width to accept required surface or friction courses.

c. Milling may occur at the following locations:

1) At signalized intersections.

2) At areas with existing curbs and gutters, valley gutters, median curbs, traffic

separators, etc.

3) At lanes to achieve required cross slope.

4) According to M-DCPW due to existing or unforeseen conditions.

d. Milled areas deeper than 1 inch shall have an asphalt wedge where the milled

surface meets the existing asphalt grade to minimize vehicular impact.

e. Resurfacing of milled areas shall be completed within 3 calendar days of the

milling operation to minimize pothole development and inconveniences to the

motoring public.

5. Provide the required signage and other traffic control devices located on right-of-ways

in accordance with FDOT, Miami-Dade County Public Works (M-DCPW) and M-

DCPS requirements.

6. Traffic control and site signage shall comply with:

a. FDOT “Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction”.

b. M-DCPS requirements.

7. Traffic signage plans and indicated traffic flows require approvals from M-DCPW –

Traffic Division and M-DCPS Division of Safety and Emergency Management.

8. Locate signage clear of traffic lanes.

9. Provide road markings along drives and service areas to indicate fire lanes, no parking

zones, loading zones and pedestrian crossings, etc.

10. Provide traffic signs which clearly indicate traffic flow requirements - examples:

BUS TRAFFIC ONLY - NO OTHER VEHICLES

VISITORS TRAFFIC ONLY

11. See Division 10 for traffic signage.



H. Concrete Slabs-on-grade, Sidewalks, Curbs and Gutters, and Wheel-stops.

1. Sidewalks, sloped paved areas, and curb cuts shall comply with M-DCPW.

2. Sidewalks that may be subject to maintenance trucks and other vehicular traffic, shall

be a minimum of 6 inches in thickness, and be provided with welded wire fabric, and

reinforced edges.

3. The grading of adjacent landscaping materials or paved surfaces shall not permit storm

water run-off to pond near, or sheath across adjacent walks.

4. Provide expansion and control joints as needed to prevent and control cracking, but as a

minimum, provide the following:

a. Sidewalks shall be provided with saw-cut or formed control joints at intervals not

to exceed 5 feet.

b. Expansion joints shall be provided at intervals not to exceed 20 feet, and as

follows:

1) At change in direction of the sidewalk.

2) Where sidewalks abut concrete curbs and driveways.

3) Where sidewalks come in contact with walls, columns, footings and similar

structures.

c. Slabs-on-grade shall be provided with control joints not to exceed intervals of 15

feet in any direction.

5. Slope paved areas as needed to provide positive drainage, but not exceeding a cross

slope of 1:50 at accessible routes for the disabled.

6. Parking areas shall be fully curbed, except behind wheel stops. Use poured-in-place

concrete or reinforced extruded curbing.

7. Provide pre-cast wheel-stops to comply with applicable Miami-Dade County

requirements.

I. Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) Procedures.

1. A/E Coordination with M-DCPS, Office of Offsite Utilities Planning and Development

(OUPD):

a. The A/E shall schedule a meeting with the Fire Department having jurisdiction, to

determine the requirements for fire hydrants. If a fire hydrant is required, a water

main extension may be required.

b. If it is determined that a water main extension is required, the A/E shall contact

M-DCPS / OUPD immediately.

c. The A/E shall provide the M-DCPS / OUPD a copy of the Fire Department

stamped approved site plan. M-DCPS / OUPD will determine if the Fire

Department requirements comply with Florida Statutes Section 1013.51 (1)(b).

d. M-DCPS / OUPD will schedule a meeting with the WASD and negotiate the

points of connection for water and sewer.

e. If required, M-DCPS / OUPD will formally request a WASD Service Agreement

from the utility company having jurisdiction. WASD requires the following

documents:

1) One (1) Signed and Sealed Boundary Surveys with Legal Description and

Location Map provided by M-DCPS.

2) Property Legal Description typed on 8-1/2" x 11" sheet.

3) One (1) copy of the site plan and/or tentative plat showing layout of buildings

and roads.



4) Proof of any existing or previously connected structure, and the type or usage/

occupancy of said structure.

5) Sewer Capacity Certification Letter (Sewer Allocation) provided by the A/E.

6) Preliminary site plan showing proposed water and sewer scope of work

(8½" x 11", 8½" x 14" or 11" x 17" sheet) provided by the A/E.

7) Fire Department stamped approved drawing provided by the A/E.

The A/E shall submit the aforementioned documents to M-DCPS /

OUPD who will then prepare the required Service Agreement package

and submit to WASD for processing

2. The A/E shall submit to WASD the required engineering documents for the Dry Run

review approximately 3 weeks after the Service Agreement has been requested.

3. The A/E shall submit all water and sewer (WASD and DERM) permit applications to

M-DCPS / OUPD for their review. Following their review, the M-DCPS Chief

Facilities Officer will sign the application, which will then be returned to the A/E for

further processing.

4. Specify that the contractor shall request a pre-construction meeting with WASD Service

Desk or Inspection Section to review procedures before commencing work.

5. Specify that the contractor, after the completion of all required testing, submittal of

WASD As-Built for approval (including approval of the legal description and sketches

for any new water or sewer easements), securing the WASD Final Inspection,

Department of Health (DOH) HRS Letter of Release, DERM Letter of Release and any

other approval or certifications required by applicable agencies, WASD New Business

Division, will prepare a Conveyance Package. This package shall include the following

documents:

a. Waiver and Release of Lien.

b. Warranty Letter or Maintenance Bond.

c. Cost Breakdown, Water and Sewer.

d. Legal Description and Sketch (Contractor shall provide two (2) originals to M-

DCPS / OUPD.

e. Bill of Sale.

f. Grant of Easement.

NOTE: The General Contractor/Offsite Contractor shall execute all the aforementioned

documents, and provide two (2) originals of each to M-DCPS / OUPD, with the

exception of the Bill of Sale and Grant of Easement, prior to the installation of the

permanent water meter.

6. The General Contractor/Offsite Contractor shall submit the Backflow Certifications and

HRS Letter of Release to M-DCPS / OUPD, who will then request the installation of

the permanent water meter.

7. In addition, prior to occupying the new facility, the Engineer of Record shall obtain the

required DERM 100% Certificate of Completion for the newly installed sewer

infrastructure.

J. Water Distribution System.

1. Public right-of-way improvements shall comply with DOH, WASD, and other utilities

with site jurisdictions, for approvals, permits, and other specific requirements:

2. On-site Improvements:

a. Extend water lines on site to provide domestic water, emergency water, and fire

service complying with DOH and fire department requirements.



b. Design connections to existing lines and provide locations for required meters

according to governing agency or utility requirements.

c. Provide supply line with reduced pressure backflow preventer and separate water

meter for irrigation tie-in to the domestic water supply.

d. On-site water lines to be dedicated to the county shall comply with WADS

requirements.

3. Provide alternate or temporary water and sewer lines as required to existing facilities to

avoid service interruption.

4. Underground exterior domestic water lines shall be:

a. PVC with push-on joints for 3 inch diameter lines and larger.

b. PVC with socket welded joints for 2-1/2 inch diameter lines or less.

c. Determine proper PVC type for intended use from Florida Building Code.

d. Burial depth:

1) Plumbing lines 2-1/2 inch in diameter or less shall be buried a minimum of 24

inches.

2) Plumbing lines 3 inch in diameter or larger shall be buried a minimum of 36

inches.

e. Install lines with 6 inches of clean sand below and at sides of pipe and with a

minimum of 12 inches of clean sand backfill over pipe.

f. PVC supply line velocities shall not exceed 5 fps.

g. PVC lines shall have 2 inch wide metallic detection tape buried between 4 and 6

inches below finish grade.

5. Post indicator valves shall be required at emergency lines, including building fire lines.

Locate valves near property lines. Additional valving shall not be provided except as

allowed by National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA).

K. Hydrants and Siamese Connections.

1. Locate a drafting hydrant or fire hydrant within 8 feet of a fire lane and next to the main

entrance of the school.

2. A Siamese connection shall be within 50 feet of a hydrant, either mounted on a wall

without adjacent window exposure or freestanding on a concrete pad or slab.

3. A Siamese connection shall be visible from fire lanes and readily accessible to

firefighting crews by being clear of obstructions or landscaping.

4. When Siamese connections are freestanding, they shall be located within a fenced-in

area with a lockable gate, as indicated under the “Fences and Gates” section of this

Division.

5. When Siamese connections require concrete bollards to provide protection from

vehicular traffic, the bollards shall be 3 feet high and shall be 4 feet clear of hydrants.

L. Storm-water Management.

1. Public right-of-way improvements shall comply with M-DCPW for approvals, permits,

and other specific requirements.

2. On-site improvements shall comply with:

a. DERM.

b. South Florida Water Management District.

c. M-DCPW.

d. Or other Agencies having jurisdiction.



3. Storm-water management shall follow the requirements of the Department of

Transportation (DOT) Drainage Manual, Volume 2A, and the requirements of the local

comprehensive plan.

a. Pipe capacity shall be determined by the Manning Formula and partially full

flowing pipes shall have a flow velocity of at least 2 feet per second.

b. Parking lot drainage shall have a storm recurrence frequency of 5 years, with

positive drainage at paving, and with the storm drainage system water level not

exceeding the pavement surface elevation.

4. The A/E shall decide the location and number of percolation tests to be performed on

each project. The geotechnical engineer performing the percolation tests will be

contracted by M-DCPS on projects that have an A/E commissioned by the Board, or by

the Design Builder for all Design Build projects. Site drainage design shall be based on

test results combined with finish grades, paved areas and building footprints.

5. Request criteria regarding soil corrosion effects from geotechnical engineer to decide

piping life cycle cost analysis.

6. Landscaped areas not directly drained by a system of pipes, trenches or catch basins

shall be sloped to a properly drained area to prevent ponding water.

7. Provide adequate drainage structures to control runoff from parking lots and other

paved areas.

8. Courtyards, partially or completely surrounded by buildings, shall drain away from

buildings.

9. Centerline of exfiltration trenches shall be at least 15 feet from building foundations.

10. Storm drainage runoff shall be directed away from buildings and shall not cross

sidewalks or covered walkways to get to drainage inlets.

11. Catch basins shall not be located in or within 10 feet of field play areas. Catch basins

shall not be located in or within 10 feet of field play areas.

12. Provide round catch basin covers.

M. Sanitary Sewer System.

1. Public right-of-way and on-site improvements require WASD and DERM approval

before M-DCPS acceptance.

2. Connect the building sewer system to a public sanitary sewer system or a DERM

approved disposal system.

3. Underground exterior sanitary lines shall be as follows:

a. PVC with push-on joints for lines 3 inch diameter and larger.

b. PVC with socket welded joints for lines 2-1/2 inch diameter or less.

c. Determine proper PVC type for intended use from FBC- Plumbing, Chapter 7 with

their respective governing ASTM or other standards.

d. Burial depth:

1) Sanitary lines that are 2-1/2 inch diameter or less shall be buried a minimum

of 24 inches.

2) Sanitary lines that are 3 inch diameter or more shall be buried a minimum of

36 inches.

e. Install lines with 6 inches of clean sand below and at sides of pipe and with a

minimum of 12 inches of clean sand backfill over pipe.

f. PVC lines shall have 2 inch wide metallic detection tape buried between 4 to 6

inches below finish grade.



4. Provide exterior sanitary sewer lines with manholes at every change of line or grade and

at intervals not exceeding 300 feet.

a. Piping connecting manholes shall be 8 inch diameter or greater, have at least a 0.4

percent slope, and a sewage velocity of at least 2 feet per second.

b. Provide traffic type cast iron rings and round covers at manholes.

c. Manholes shall be according to M-DCPW.

d. Manholes shall have inlet and outlet inverts noted and with a 0.1″ change of

elevation.

5. Calculations and design of lift stations require M-DCPS acceptance.

6. See Division 15, for acid resistant piping requirements.

N. Waste Disposal System.

1. See Division 15 “Mechanical”, for grease interceptor locations, sizes, and other

requirements.

2. Comply with and size grease interceptors according to DOH requirements.

O. Dumpster Pads.

1. See Division 00 - “General Considerations”, and Division 15 - “Mechanical”, of these

Design Criteria for other dumpster pads related requirements.

2. French drains or collection tanks shall not be used for dumpster pad drainage.

1.3 PHYSICAL EDUCATION PLAYFIELDS, HARDCOURTS AND PLAYGROUND

EQUIPMENT


1. Separate high noise generating exterior activity areas from administration, teacher

lounges, music and other educational program areas requiring normal or specialized

sound control.

2. Maximize visual control by each individual instructor involved and maintain strict

separation of age groups according to program requirements.

3. Design playfield areas to provide multiple uses. Locate playfield areas for easy access

from outdoor and indoor physical education areas, covered playgrounds (P.E. shelter),

and the cafeteria.

4. All playfields areas shall be properly irrigated, sodded and drained.

5. A 10-foot separation, with no drainage structures, vertical obstructions or changes of

finish grade elevations, shall be provided around perimeter edge of all playfields,

hardcourts, track or any other physical education component.

6. Athletic fields shall be designed and constructed to meet standard dimensions of the

game for which they will be used. Contours are very important since these provide for

fast removal of surface water to maintain desirable playing conditions.

7. Unless otherwise indicated by the M-DCPS Design Standards, all senior high school

athletic events shall comply with latest publication of “Court and Field Diagram Guide”

developed by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFSHSA).

8. Provide continuous concrete walkways from appropriate building exits and PE storage

rooms to the Primary Play Area, the Playground Equipment areas, the hardcourts, the

tennis courts, and athletic field areas including but not limited to the Track, the baseball

and softball fields and the multi-purpose playfields.



B. Exterior Sports Components for New Facilities:

1. New Facilities shall be provided with the following exterior sports components:

COMPONENTS ECC/PLC ELEM. K-8 MID Sr. HIGH

a. P. E. shelter 1 1 1 1 -

b. Primary Play Area complete 1 1 1 - -

with accessible safety surface

and play structure

c. Playground Equipment Area - 1 1 1 1

complete with accessible safety surface

and the following equipment:

1) Parallel bars - 1 1 1 2

2) Horizontal ladder - 1 1 1 -

3) Balance beam - 1 1 - -

4) Pull-up bars - 4 6 6 8

d. Hardcourts (Combination basketball/volleyball)

1) Number of hard courts 1 3 4 4 4

2) Size of hard courts 37′x42′ 74′x42′ (2) 74′x42′ 84′x50′ 84′x50′

(2) 84′x50′

3) Height of basketball rims 9′-0" 9′-0" (2) @ 9′-0″ 10′-0" 10′-0"

(2) @ 10′-0″

4) Size of Volleyball courts - 50′x25' (2)50'x25' 60′x30′ 60′x30′ (2)60'x30'

e. Tennis Courts - - - - 6*

f. Multipurpose play field (Size) - 150′x300′ 300′x450′ 300′x450′ 450′x600′

1) Number of portable soccer - 2 2 2 2

goals

g. Combination Football/Soccer field

w/ removable goals - - - - 1*

h. Running Track w/rubberized - - - - 1*

surface and with the following

Track & Field events:

1) Long Jump/Triple Jump - - - - 2*

2) Pole Vault - - - - 2*

3) High Jump - - - - 1*

4) Discus - - - - 1*

5) Shot-put - - - - 1*

i. Baseball field complete with - - - - 1*

backstop and dugouts

j. Softball field complete with - - - - 1*

backstop and dugouts

k. Electric water coolers 1 1 2 2 2

adjacent to equipment area.

* Applicable to Full Size Senior High Schools with Athletic Program. Verify with

M-DCPS Project Manager and the Educational Specialist for applicability.



C. P.E. Shelters:

1. Locate next to the physical education area and close to the hardcourts and playground

equipment areas.

2. Connect shelter with a continuous covered walkway to main building. Walking surfaces

shall not exceed a slope of 1:20 or a cross slopes of 1:50.

3. Finish floor elevation shall not exceed 6 inches above finish grade. From the shelter

perimeter, the slope of finish grade shall not exceed 1:50.

4. When adding a stand-alone shelter at an existing school, the shelter shall be constructed

with steel columns, glu-lam beams, exposed wood decking and an accepted roofing

system.

5. Do not use open-web joist or structural systems that create ledges where birds could

roost under the shelter structure.

6. Minimum clear height at the shelter, except for perimeter beams, shall be 12 feet above

finish floor. Perimeter beams shall be at least 10 feet above finish floor.

7. When located next to other buildings, provide proper drainage connected to the storm

drainage system. If remote from other buildings and not connected to a storm drainage

system, include provisions to prevent soil erosion and direct water away from

foundations and towards existing drainage structures.

D. Primary Play Area and Playground Equipment Area:

1. At new Facilities, provide a Primary Play Area and/or a Playground Equipment Area in

accordance with the requirements noted under the “Exterior Sports Components for

New Facilities” section of this Division.

2. All Primary Play Areas and Playground Equipment Areas shall be provided a synthetic

grass safety-surface system meeting all the requirements of this Division and M-DCPS

Master Specs Guidelines. Poured-in-place rubber safety surfaces shall not be used

without prior approval from M-DCPS Facilities Design and Standards, on a per project

basis.

3. Primary Play Areas and Playground Equipment Areas shall be designed to comply with

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) 325 - Public Playground Safety

Handbook.

4. Natural sod or exposed soil shall not be installed within the fenced-in area of the

Primary Play area.

5. Primary Play Area and Playground Equipment Area shall be designed with proper

drainage to prevent ponding on the play surface.

6. Surface drainage structures are not allowed within 10′-0″ from any Primary Play Area

or Playground Equipment Area.

7. At Primary Play Areas, provide a perimeter fence with gate, as indicated under the

“Fences and Gates” section of this Division.

8. Primary Play Areas shall be provided a play structure in accordance with M-DCPS

Master Guidelines and the following:

a. Play Structure equipment shall comply with:

1) CPSC 325 guidelines.

2) M-DCPS Guidelines for Playground Equipment Selection and Installation.

See Appendix.

3) ASTM 1292 - Specifications for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems

Under and Around Playground Equipment.

4) ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Play Areas (ADAAG),



5) ASTM F1487-05 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for

Playground Equipment for Public Use.

6) Heights of horizontal ladders, chinning bars, and other upper body equipment

shall be according to ASTM F1487 and shall not be more than 60 inches

above safety surface to the center of the grasping device.

b. Fall Zones:

1) The fall zones for equipment approved for installation shall extend 6 feet in

all directions from the perimeter of the equipment, and shall not overlap other

safe use fall zones of equipment higher than 2 feet above finish grade.

2) Equipment shall be installed in a “compact configuration” best suited for the

site.

3) A 10-foot separation, with no change of finish grade or elevation is required

between equipment and adjacent building walls or fences. Walls or fences

shall have smooth non-abrasive finishes.

4) Slides require a 6-foot surrounding fall zone. Slide exit requires a fall zone

equal to 4 feet plus slide height if the total is greater than 6 feet.

c. Vertical Drops.

1) Any vertical drop, not on circulation paths, between adjoining or abutting

surfaces of more than 6 inches but less than 18 inches in height shall be

protected by railings or other physical barriers at least 12 inches in height.

2) Any vertical drop of 18 inches or more shall be protected by railings or other

physical barriers at least 42 inches high with pickets able to reject a 4-inch

diameter sphere.

3) Physical barriers are not required at entrance and exit openings necessary for

each event.

4) Layout and construction of equipment shall provide flexibility for future

interchangeability, addition or subtraction of components, and possible

relocation of entire installation.

5) Arrange components in a practical and compact footprint.

6) Ramp slopes shall not exceed 1:12.

d. Restricted Equipment:

1) Seesaws, merry-go-rounds, swings, spiral slides, carousels, spring action

riding equipment, geodesic climbers, single width open slides, clatter bridges

and metal slides are not accepted for use by M-DCPS.

9. The Playground Equipment Areas shall contain the following equipment in the

quantities identified under the “Exterior Sports Components for New Facilities” section

of this Division:

a. Horizontal ladder.

b. Pull-up bars.

c. Parallel bars.

d. Triple balance beam.

10. See the Appendix section of these Design Criteria for M-DCPS Guidelines for

Playground Equipment Selection and Installation.

11. Shop drawings for the Primary Play Area and the Playground Equipment Area shall be

submitted to M-DCPS Office of Educational Facilities Code Compliance (the Building

Official’s Office) and M-DCPS Division of Safety and Emergency Management (Safety

Department), for their review and approval. In addition, playground equipment Plans

showing equipment layout and “fall heights” shall be submitted to M-DCPS Division of



Safety and Emergency Management (Safety Department), for their review and

approval.

12. Wood or aluminum playground equipment components are not allowed.

13. Lead-based paints or primers are not allowed.

14. Configure components to have walks outside of the safe use fall zones. Guardrails and

handrails shall comply with FBC, Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC)

guidelines and ASTM F1487 -“Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification

for Playground Equipment for Public Use”.

15. Landscaped shaded areas shall not encourage access to tree limbs from equipment, or

impede supervision.

16. See “Exterior Sports Components for New Facilities” section in this Division for

additional details and requirements.

E. Safety Surfaces for Play Areas:

1. Primary Play Areas and Playground Equipment Areas shall be provided with a safety

surface of synthetic grass that complies with the following:

a. Synthetic Grass Safety Surface:

1) Synthetic Grass areas shall be designed with a permanent “border” element

around its entire perimeter. Border elements shall consist of exterior walls,

concrete sidewalks or other surfaces pre-approved by M-DCPS as an

acceptable border.

a) A concrete curb may be used as a perimeter border only when the area

receiving the synthetic grass is separated from an adjacent area by a

permanent perimeter fence. In these cases the center line of the curb shall

coincide with the center-line of the fence posts.

b) In retrofit/renovation projects only, and with prior written approval from

M-DCPS, a continuous ribbon of 6″ wide x 6″ high x 8′-0″ long rubber

timber curbs may be used as a border around the perimeter of the safety

surface.

c) Under no circumstance shall the perimeter edge of the synthetic grass be

installed in direct contact with natural grass areas.

2) Provide impact mats directly beneath the synthetic grass fabric at all

playground equipment mount and dismount areas (i.e., exit point for slides,

jump-off areas for other equipment. Impact mats shall be of adequate size and

thickness to meet CPSC - Head Injury Criteria and G-max requirements.

Design and construction of impact mats shall serve to reduce deterioration and

displacement of the shock absorbing course.

b. Poured-in-Place Rubber Safety Surface shall not be used without prior approval

from M-DCPS Facilities Design and Standards. However, when a poured-in-place

rubber safety surface is approved by M-DCPS, it shall meet the following:

1) Poured-in-Place safety surface shall consist of a polyurethane resin-base

post-consumer recycled shred rubber material capped with a wear surface

composed of new Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer (EPDM) rubber.

2) Poured-in-Place surfaces shall be installed continuous and without seams.

2. Safety Surfaces at play areas shall meet the performance requirements of CPSC 325,

ASTM F 1292 and CSA Z614-98, providing a peak deceleration of no more than 200

G’s and a Head Injury Criteria (HIC) value of no more than 1,000 for a head-first fall

from the highest accessible portion of play equipment being installed in the play area.



3. The A/E shall specify that the impact attenuation performance of the Safety Surface

shall be documented by a certificate of compliance.

4. Design of the Safety Surfaces shall comply with ADA accessibility requirements.

5. The design of the Safety Surface shall accommodate all playground and play-structure

equipment and their foundations

6. Safety Surfaces shall comply with all the requirements indicated in this Division and

M-DCPS Master Spec Guidelines.

F. Hardcourts:

1. Hardcourts for tennis and basketball/volleyball shall be asphalt concrete. Hardcourts

shall be provided with a sport-surface coating system in accordance with M-DCPS

Design Standards. Provide contrasting colors to distinguish play areas from adjacent

side-line areas.

2. Basketball hardcourts shall be provided with M-DCPS approved pre-cast concrete

basketball standards. At existing facilities, galvanized steel “goose-neck” basketball

standards may be used only with prior written approval from M-DCPS Facilities Design

and Standards, on a per condition basis.

3. Hardcourts shall be marked for basketball and volleyball. See Appendix for hardcourts

markings. Yellow basketball markings shall be applied over white volleyball markings.

4. Provide volleyball court sleeves, including posts with an exposed height of 9 feet and

eyehooks at 8′-6″ above the court surface for installation of volleyball nets.

5. Provide all exterior courts a mandatory north-south court orientation, and a slope of 1

inch in 10 feet in one plane, either side-to-side, end-to-end or corner-to-corner.

6. Hardcourts shall be located with direct line-of-sight from the rear exits of the

gymnasium locker areas.

7. When required by the Educational Specifications, lighting poles shall be at least 10 feet

from basketball painted end lines and 6 feet from basketball painted sidelines. No other

vertical obstructions or changes in elevation are allowed within 10 feet of the painted

basketball court perimeter.

8. See sports and play component chart in this Division for specific requirements based on

Facilities type.

9. See Design Criteria – Appendix - A for details.

G. Tracks and Field Events:

1. Outside the periphery of the football field, provide a regulation 400-meter track with a

granular rubber surface in accordance with M-DCPS Design Standards.

2. The design of the track and all field events shall comply with NFSHSA requirements,

and with the following:

a. The track and the runways for the long jump and pole vault shall have a mandatory

north-south orientation.

b. Design dimensions for the track and the track and field events shall be in

accordance with NFSHSA.

c. Provide a solid concrete curb, 6 inches wide x 12 inches deep, to mark the edges of

the track.

1) The top of the curb at the inner edge shall be leveled with the top of the

asphalt.

2) The top of the curb at the outer edge shall be leveled with the top of

granulated rubber surface.



3) The track shall drain towards the inner edge. Provide adequate means for the

storm water to drain from the inner edge to drainage structures.

d. Provide two (2) 120V quadruplex GFI outlets on each side of the “finish line” area

of the track (total of 4). These outlets will be used to provide power for video

cameras, electric eyes and score keeping equipment. Locate each pair of

quadruplex outlets within a high-impact plastic hand-box rated for vehicular

traffic. Hand boxes shall be a minimum of 12 inches long x 9 inches wide, and

shall have a locking lid with the words “POWER” integrally molded on it. The top

of the boxes shall be installed level to the surrounding grade.

e. Inside of the track:

1) Provide a discus throw area with the following components:

a) A concrete slab having a light broom-finish, and designed to keep water

from ponding.

b) Slab shall be sized to accommodate a Not-In-Contract portable discus

cage. Refer to the NIC FF&E List for information on the manufacturer

and model of the discus cage being provided for the project. Coordinate

with discus cage manufacturer installation instructions to ensure slab

design will accommodate all steel base supports for the cage.

c) Locate discus throw area so that none of its components interfere with, or

create a safety hazard for surrounding track and field events including

the football field.

2) Provide a high jump area with granulated rubberized surface.

3) Provide a shot put area with a concrete slab having a light broom-finish.

f. Outside of the track:

1) Provide 2 long-jump/triple-jump runways with granulated rubberized surface,

and oriented side-by-side and with their individual long-jump/triple-jump pit

located opposite to each other. Pits shall have a 2-foot depth of designated

LakeWales silica sand. Locate long-jump runways parallel to one of the

straight-a-way sections of the track.

2) Provide 2 pole vault runways with granulated rubberized surface and each

with a pole vault “planting box”. Orient the pole vault runways facing a

common concrete slab for placement of a not-in-contract pole vault landing

mat. Locate pole vault runways on the other straight-a-way section of the

track.

3) Ten feet from the outside edge of the straightaway (sprinting) portion of the

track, provide a 4-foot high chain-link fence running the full length of the

straightway. On the trackside of this fence, provide a 5-foot wide asphalt

walkway the full length of the straightaway. On the opposite side of this 4-

foot fence, and directly adjacent to the fence, provide a 4-foot wide concrete

sidewalk the full length of the fence. Adjacent to the concrete sidewalk,

provide four (4) permanent aluminum bleachers, each 20'-0" long x five (5)

rows high. Bleachers shall be placed in pairs and properly anchored to the top

of the concrete slab. Slabs shall be sized to provide an open area that is

handicap accessible. When site conditions permit, locate one of the pair of

bleachers, complete with concrete slab and accessible sidewalks, on the

opposite side of the track, directly outside of the track’s10-foot wide buffer

zone.



3. See sports and play component chart in this Division, for specific requirements based

on Facilities type.

H. Athletic and Multipurpose Fields

1. The following fields and courts shall comply with NFSHSA guidelines, and with the

following :

a. Baseball field:

1) The distance from home plate to right field and from home plate to left field

shall be a minimum of 300 feet. The distance from home plate to center field

shall be a minimum of 350 feet.

2) Provide one (1) permanently fixed home plate, three (3) permanently fixed

standard bases, and one pitching rubber.

3) The distance from each foul line to the nearest obstruction (dugout, fence,

etc.) shall be 35 feet.

4) Provide a permanent chain-link fence backstop, minimum of 14 feet high,

complete with overhang.

5) The distance from home plate to the backstop shall be 35 feet.

6) The pitcher's mound shall be "turtle-backed" shaped so as not to fall abruptly

from the edge of the mound area.

7) Entire field shall have a perimeter fence a minimum of 10-foot high. When

the perimeter of the field is adjacent to public right-of-ways or private

properties, a barrier netting system of sufficient height shall be provided to

prevent over-thrown or batted balls from exiting the playfield.

8) Provide two (2) dugouts (one for each team), with the following requirements:

a) Clear inside dimension shall be 30-foot long x 8-foot deep x 8-foot high.

b) Back wall and the two sidewalls shall be constructed of concrete

masonry block. The rear wall shall have louvers to provide cross-

ventilation.

c) On the side of the dugout that faces the infield, provide an 8'-0" high

protective chain-link fence running the whole length of the dugout.

Locate the fence 4 feet in front of the edge of the two sidewalls to

provide two points of entry into the dugout (one at each end).

d) Provide a concrete floor slab that extends from the back wall of the

dugout to the protective chain-link fence located in the front. Floor slab

shall drain towards the infield.

e) Provide a concrete roof slab that extends from the protective chain-link

fence located in front of the dugout, up to 1-foot beyond the rear wall of

the dugout. Roof slab shall drain to rear of dugout.

f) Each dugout shall be provided with an aluminum players-bench running

the full length of the dugout.

g) Provide each dugout one (1) hose bibb.

9) Baselines between home plate and first base and between home plate and

third base shall be a clay surface, and shall be 6 feet wide (3 feet on each side

of the foul line).

10) Provide two (2) bullpen areas (one for each team), each with two practice

pitching-mounds. Locate each bullpen outside of the foul territory area and

within a chain-link enclosure containing a 3-foot wide gate to access the play

field.



11) Provide four (4) fixed aluminum bleachers, each 20'-0" long x five (5) rows

high. Bleachers shall be arranged in pairs, in close proximity to each dugout.

Bleachers shall be placed on top of a continuous concrete slab sized to

accommodate the entire footprint of the bleachers plus an additional open area

for use by the handicap. Concrete slab shall be made accessible to adjacent

sidewalks and parking areas and shall be sloped to provide positive drainage

and prevent ponding. Bleachers shall be anchored to resist movement during

hurricane force winds.

12) Provide one (1) vandal resistant drinking fountain adjacent to each spectator’s

bleacher area (total of 2). Provide the adjacent dugout easy access to the water

fountain.

13) Provide a 15-foot wide clay warning-track along the entire outfield fence.

b. Softball field:

1) The distance from home plate to all the outfields shall be an arc of equal

distance of 200 feet.

2) Provide one (1) permanently fixed home plate, three (3) permanently fixed

standard bases and one pitching rubber.

3) The distances between bases shall be 60 feet and the distance from home plate

to the pitching rubber shall be 43 feet.

4) The top surface of the entire infield area shall be skinned and consist of 6

inches of rock free Native Florida Red Clay (70/30- silica sand/clay).

5) The distance from each foul line to the nearest obstruction (dugout, fence,

etc.) shall be 25 feet.

6) Provide a permanent chain-link fence backstop, minimum of 14 feet high,

complete with overhang.

7) The distance from home plate to the backstop shall be 25 feet. This area will

be all rock free Native Florida Red Clay (70/30-silica sand/clay).

8) Entire field shall have a perimeter fence a minimum of 10-foot high. When

the perimeter of the field is adjacent to public right-of-ways or private

properties, a barrier netting system of sufficient height shall be provided to

prevent over-thrown or batted balls from exiting the playfield.

9) Provide two (2) dugouts (one for each team), with the following requirements:

a) Clear inside dimension shall be 30-foot long x 8-foot deep x 8-foot high.

b) Back wall and the two sidewalls shall be constructed of concrete

masonry block. The rear wall shall have louvers to provide cross-

ventilation.

c) On the side of the dugout that faces the infield, provide an 8-foot high

protective chain-link fence running the whole length of the dugout.

Locate the fence 4 feet in front of the edge of the two sidewalls to

provide two points of entry into the dugout (one at each end).

d) Provide a concrete floor slab that extends from the back wall of the

dugout to the protective chain-link fence located in the front. Floor slab

shall drain towards the infield.

e) Provide a concrete roof slab that extends from the protective chain-link

fence located in front of the dugout, up to 1-foot beyond the rear wall of

the dugout. Roof slab shall drain to rear of dugout.

f) Each dugout shall be provided with an aluminum players-bench running

the full length of the dugout.



g) Provide each dugout one (1) hose bibb.

10) Provide two (2) bullpen areas (one for each team), each with two practice

pitching-mounds. Locate each bullpen outside of the foul territory area and

within a chain-link enclosure containing a 3-foot wide gate to access the play

field.

11) Provide four (4) fixed aluminum bleachers, each 20'-0" long x five (5) rows

high. Bleachers shall be arranged in pairs and in close proximity to each

dugout. Bleachers shall be placed on top of a continuous concrete slab sized

to accommodate the entire footprint of the bleachers plus an additional open

area for use by the handicap. Concrete slab shall be made accessible to

adjacent sidewalks and parking areas and shall be sloped to provide positive

drainage and prevent ponding. Bleachers shall be anchored to resist

movement during hurricane force winds

12) Provide one (1) vandal resistant drinking fountain adjacent to each spectator’s

bleacher area (total of 2). Provide the adjacent dugout easy access to the water

fountain.

13) Provide one (1) hose bibb within each dugout (total of two).

14) Provide a 15-foot wide clay warning-track along the entire outfield fence.

c. Combination Football/Soccer field:

1) Football/Soccer field shall have a mandatory north-south orientation.

2) The Football/Soccer field shall have a designated slope of 1.5 degree slope

from outer edges to the middle with the crown in center of the field. The

water shedding shall be engineered to the catch basins in the four corners

and/or outer edges with networking collection pipes located along the outer

edges. All catch basins shall be connected to provide collection of water in a

minimal amount of time to prevent standing water on field.

3) Provide one set (total of two) of removable football goal posts. Football goal

posts shall be single post design provided with safety padding up to at least 6

feet above finish grade (AFG). Top of football goal crossbar shall be 10 feet

AFG. Top of uprights shall be at least 20 feet AFG and 23'-4" apart. Football

goal crossbar shall be removable.

4) Provide one set (total of two) of portable soccer goals. Soccer goals shall have

stake or auger anchors provided to prevent goals from tipping over. Soccer

goal shall be 8 feet high x 24 feet wide x 4 feet deep at top and 10 feet deep at

the bottom.

5) See “Track and Field Event” section of this Division for details on Track and

Field components to be provided adjacent to Football/Soccer field.

d. Multipurpose play field:

1) Provide a multipurpose grass play field for physical education activities,

including athletic sports and band practice, in accordance the requirements

noted in this Division.

2) Provide portable exterior sports components in accordance with M-DCPS

Design Standards and this Division.

2. For additional requirements based on the Facility-type see the “Required Exterior

Sports Components” section in this Division.



1.4 LANDSCAPE


1. For new schools or other projects with large or specialized site components, the A/E

Team shall include a Florida registered landscape architect secured for full services,

from design and construction administration through construction of the project.

2. Develop a comprehensive landscape design providing students protection from the sun

and promoting energy conservation. Emphasize the main administration entrance and

front facades and coordinate with architectural, civil, mechanical and electrical work,

and the construction process.

3. A/E shall provide M-DCPS Facilities Maintenance Operations - Landscaping Staff

(305-995-7849) a copy of the Landscape and Irrigation System Construction

Documents, for their review and approval. These documents shall be provided during

the Phase II Matrix Review or by no later than the 50% Phase II/III Matrix Review.

Prior to bidding, the A/E shall incorporate all comments issued by M-DCPS Facilities

Maintenance Operations (Landscaping Staff) into the Construction Documents.

4. The landscape design shall provide design grades, coordinated lighting layouts, plazas,

walks, drives, service areas, fencing, playfields, site furnishings, planting plans,

irrigation plans and considerations for future expansion provisions.

5. Landscaping shall not impede the means of egress at emergency rescue egress windows

and any other paths of egress.

B. Protection and Transplantation of Existing Trees.

1. Preserve, if feasible, existing trees on acquired sites or sites considered for purchase.

a. The intent of this policy shall be followed from preliminary design through

construction administration.

b. See Appendix for Tree Canopy Replacement.

c. Existing trees shall be evaluated to decide feasibility and desirability of retainage

or relocation during Phase 1. Before completing Phase I documents, participate in

a preliminary walk-through for tree relocations and removals to comply with the

appropriate agencies.

2. A/E shall provide appropriate plans and specifications for tree protection or

transplantation.

3. A/E shall provide tree surveys to include:

a. Scientific and common tree names.

b. Tree height.

c. Canopy spread.

d. Grade elevation at base.

e. Trunk diameter at diameter breast height (DBH) or 4'-6" above existing grade.

f. Condition of tree.

g. Recommendation for retainage, relocation or removal.

4. Tree Protection.

a. In construction documents, provide methods and scheduling for effective tree and

plant protection during construction.

b. Provide appropriate protective fencing, boxing, root pruning, construction pruning,

mulching, irrigation, fertilization and aeration to comply with:

1) ANSI Z133.1 “Safety Requirements for Pruning, Trimming, Repairing,

Maintaining and Removing Trees and for Cutting Brush”.



2) NAA – REF.1 “Pruning Standards for Shade Trees”.

3) NAA – REF.2 “Standard for Fertilizing Shade and Ornamental Trees”.

c. Provide a 6-inch mulch layer over root zones of existing trees to remain during

construction. Remove after construction activities have been completed and before

“final” cleanup.

d. Thoroughly aerate the soil, according to accepted horticultural practice, around the

base and within the drip line of protected trees before “final” cleanup.

e. Construction debris shall not be buried or left on site at any time.

f. Existing oaks or pines shall not have adjacent cuts or fill greater than 6 inches

without artificial drainage structures being installed to provide oxygen exchange

for root systems.

g. Provide tree protection during construction through Final Completion.

h. Necessary corrective or aesthetic pruning shall be included in the scope of work,

and shall be directed by the A/E’s landscape architect in accordance with Local,

State, and ANSI Z133.1 “Safety Requirements for Pruning, Trimming, Repairing,

Maintaining, and Removing Trees, and for Cutting Brush” requirements.

5. Tree Transplantation.

a. Include tree relocation instructions on plans and in specifications. Hand digging,

tree spade, boxing, or other relocation methods shall comply with:

1) ANSI Z60.1 “American Standards for Nursery Stock”.

2) DOA “Codes and Standards for Nursery Plants Parts I & II”

b. The A/E shall specify that the Contractor provide maintenance of transplanted

materials until Final Completion, or as required by the Warranty, whichever is

more stringent.

C. Earthwork for Landscape Areas.

1. The A/E shall decide the location and the number of percolation and soil tests to be

performed at each project. The geotechnical engineer performing the percolation tests

will be contracted by M-DCPS on projects for which the A/E is commissioned by the

Board, and by the Design Builder on all Design Build projects. Site design shall be

based on test results combined with finish grades, paved areas and building footprint.

2. The A/E shall monitor surface and subsurface soils before and after fill operations to

confirm that percolation and compaction levels satisfy playfields and proposed planting

requirements.

3. Slopes:

a. At all sites the A/E shall establish finish grade at building perimeter 6 inches below

the adjacent lowest interior finish floor. From the building perimeter, slope down

1:50 for a minimum of 12 feet, and then, if needed, not more than 1:12 down to the

remaining finish grade of the site unless otherwise directed by M-DCPS.

b. Slopes of sidewalks shall not exceed 1:20 or a cross slope of 1:50 unless designed

as a ramp accessible to the disabled or otherwise directed by M-DCPS.

1) From sidewalk edges, the A/E shall maintain a 1:50 slope for at least 5 feet

and then a slope not to exceed 1:12 to finish grade unless otherwise approved

in writing by M-DCPS.

2) Finish grade elevation of areas scheduled to receive sod shall be 4 inches

below finish elevation of adjacent sidewalk surfaces.

c. Finish grade slopes at berms shall not exceed 1:3 (1 foot rise to 3 foot run).



4. Materials:

a. Baseball field and softball field skinned areas shall receive a 2-inch base of fine

satisfactory fill material with rocks not larger than 1 inch. Topping shall be a 6-

inch minimum of 70/30 (70/30-silica sand/clay) rock free Native Florida Red Clay.

b. Baseball and softball turf areas shall receive a 4-inch base of fine compacted

satisfactory fill material with rocks not larger than 1/2-inch and passing thru a #4

sieve, with a 4-inch minimum topping of 80/20 topsoil mix (80/20 silica sand

(quartz)/native organic peat). The sand constituency of the mixture must pass thru

a # 4 sieve.

1) Infield gradient: 1 to 1.25 percent.

2) Baseball outfield gradient: 1.25 1.5 percent.

3) Softball outfield gradient: 1.5 percent.

4) Compaction: 85 percent ±2 percent.

c. Football and playing field turf areas shall receive a 4-inch base of fine compacted

satisfactory fill material with rocks not larger than 1/2-inch and passing thru a #4

sieve, with a 4-inch minimum topping of 80/20 topsoil mix (80/20 silica sand

(quartz)/native organic peat). The sand constituency of the mixture must pass thru

a # 4 sieve.

1) Provide 85 percent compaction ±2 percent.

2) At football fields, provide a 1.25 percent gradient to 10 feet beyond the

sidelines from a longitudinal and level 12 inch center crown between an

including 10 feet beyond the end zones.

d. Other landscaped areas shall receive a 6-inch minimum topping of 80/20 topsoil

mix (80/20 silica sand (quartz)/native organic peat) in accordance to grading plan

and compaction of 85 percent.

D. Irrigation Systems.

1. Provide an electric automatically controlled irrigation system for head to head coverage

of planted areas to comply with the best engineering and landscaping practices and

equipment manufacturer’s recommendations.

2. The A/E shall design the irrigation systems to have an automated central control station

reporting to M-DCPS Facilities Maintenance Operations - Landscaping Staff, via an IP

Intra-network. Design shall include installation of a 1" diameter conduit, with pull

string, from the controller to the nearest telecommunication closet.

3. A/E shall provide M-DCPS Facilities Maintenance Operations - Landscaping Staff

(305-995-7849) a copy of the Landscape and Irrigation System Construction

Documents, for their review and approval. These documents shall be provided during

the Phase II Matrix Review or by no later than the 50% Phase II/III Matrix Review.

Prior to bidding, the A/E shall incorporate all comments issued by M-DCPS Facilities

Maintenance Operations - Landscaping Staff, into the Construction Documents.

4. The irrigation contractor shall request an inspection from the M-DCPS Facilities

Maintenance Operations - Landscaping Staff at (305) 995-7849), before installation of

the irrigation system has been completed. In addition, the A/E shall request both a

Substantial Completion Punch List Inspection and a Final Inspection from M-DCPS

Facilities Maintenance Operations - Landscaping Staff. The final operational tests for

the irrigation equipment and all irrigation zones shall be performed by the contractor



and witnessed by the A/E and the M-DCPS Facilities Maintenance Operations -

Landscaping Staff.

5. Wells and Pump Stations

a. When providing irrigation for any playfield or athletic field area at an existing

facility, the A/E shall investigate with M-DCPS Facilities Maintenance Operations

-Landscaping Staff, to determine if an existing usable pump station is on site. This

will avoid duplication of wells and pump stations. If there is no usable pump

station on site, then one of the M-DCPS specified pump stations as manufactured

from Hoover Pumping Systems, Pompano Beach, Florida or approved equal, shall

be provided. The size and type of the pump station will be determined by the size

of the area to be irrigated.

b. Irrigation pump system shall consist of a bronze fitted centrifugal closed-couple

case pump with a 15-gallon minimum pressure tank, and equipped with the

following:

1) Pressure/flow switches interlocked with the controller and pump starter.

Pressure switch shall have high and low settings for emergency shutdown.

2) Pump over-heating sensors.

c. The size of the irrigation pump and the number of circuits/zones shall provide a

minimum of 1.5 inches of water per week in three irrigation cycles. For sites 5

acres or less, the irrigation cycle shall be 4 hours per day. For sites greater than 5

acres, the irrigation cycle shall be 8 hours per day.

d. The irrigation well shall comply with South Florida Water Management District

(SFWMD) guidelines and regulations, and with the following requirements:

1) All suction piping shall be Schedule 40 galvanized steel pipe connected to a

steel tee with ANSI flanges.

2) Irrigation well design shall meet the following:

a) Pumping capacity shall be 150% the discharge of the largest zone, but

never less than 100 gallons.

b) Well draw-down shall not exceed 3 feet during pumping.

c) After installation, the irrigation pump shall be operated for 4 continuous

hours, in the presences of the A/E and representatives from M-DCPS

Facilities Maintenance Operations - Landscaping Staff, to verify that the

requirements noted above have been complied with.

3) Well check valve shall be spring-loaded type and shall be provided in

accordance with the pump’s manufacturer’s recommendations.

4) At existing facilities, when the well-head cannot be located within a secured

chain-link area, a concrete enclosure with lockable galvanized steel lid shall

be provided to protect the well.

5) Provide a hose-tap on the suction side of the well piping to facilitate priming

of the pump.

e. Pumps and control panel shall be located within a secured chain-link enclosure

with lockable gate, as indicated under the “Fences and Gates” section of this

Division.

f. Provide an electrical riser diagram for the entire well system showing the electrical

components, interlock, etc.

6. Irrigation water sources:



a. The use of reclaimed water for irrigation purposes shall be evaluated by the

designer and presented to M-DCPS Division of Facilities Design and Standards for

consideration.

b. A well system shall be the primary source of irrigation for the school site

landscaped areas. The well system shall incorporate a centrifugal split case pump

with a 15-gallon minimum pressure tank, depending on the type of area being

irrigated.

1) System design shall include a pressure switch interlocked with the controller

and pump starter.

2) Pressure switch shall have high and low settings for emergency shutdown.

c. The use of domestic water for irrigation shall be limited to planters, containerized

areas, and landscaped areas that are in close proximity to buildings, courtyards,

covered walkways, exterior covered shelters, and other building structures. The

domestic water irrigation system shall be provided complete with reduced-pressure

backflow preventer and a dedicated water meter. Backflow preventer and water

meter shall be located within a secured chain-link fenced enclosure with lockable

gate, as indicated under the “Fences and Gates” section of this Division.

7. The Irrigation System shall be provided complete with the following:

a. A two (2) year warranty for the entire system.

b. Pop-up sprays, bubblers (3-inch riser), or pop-up gear driven rotors

c. Vehicle-traffic rated pre-cast solenoid valve boxes with lids, constructed of high

impact polymer plastic. Top of boxes shall be 17 inches x 11-3/4 inches, and

bottom 21 inches x 15-3/4 inches. Valve boxes shall have a green locking lid with

the words “IRRIGATION VALVE” integrally molded on it. The top of the valve

boxes shall be installed level to the surrounding soil grade.

d. Automated Central Control Station shall be Rainbird Model No.IQ- LXM-DTC

Satellite Controller or approved equal, with modular design in a single enclosure,

complete with automatic timer, zone expansion capabilities and with primary and

valve output surge protection.

e. Solenoid zone valves shall be a minimum of 2 inches and a maximum of 3 inches.

f. Watertight electrical connections.

g. Risers and laterals shall be Schedule 40 PVC pipe, with a minimum Schedule 40

PVC sleeve under pavements and walks.

h. Main lines and laterals shall be buried a minimum of 18 inches below finish grade.

i. Main lines shall be as follows:

1) Main lines 6 inches or less in diameter shall be Schedule 40 PVC.

2) Main lines greater than 6 inches in diameter shall be Class 200 with o-ring

fittings.

j. Swing joints shall be installed on all spray head pop ups and gear driven rotors. All

swing joints shall be Schedule 80 rigid PVC, Type 1, cell classification 12454-B,

conforming to ASTM D1784. All NPT threads, sockets and spigots shall be

Schedule 80 per ASTM D2464 and D2467 pre-manufactured with pressure

regulating devices with threaded fittings. Poly-pipe swing joints are not allowed.

k. Heads flush or within 1/2" below finish grade or per manufacturer’s

recommendation.

l. Riser heights appropriate with surrounding plantings.

m. Hose bibb connection at pump piping suitable for priming the pump.

n. UV resistant PVC risers painted black.



o. A 2 inch wide metallic detection tape buried between 4 to 6 inches below finish

grade at PVC main and lateral lines.

8. Irrigation system for grassed areas shall be fully operational, inspected, and accepted by

M-DCPS Facilities Maintenance Operations – Landscaping Staff, before placement of

the sod begins.

9. The A/E shall specify that the contactor shall maintain and operate the irrigation system

until final completion of the project, to ensure that all landscape areas are properly

irrigated.

10. Provide a 1" diameter industrial strength brass quick-coupling valve adjacent to each

baseball and softball dugout for the manual watering of the clay infield areas. Each

quick-coupling valve shall have a locking cover and be located within a 12-inch

diameter traffic-rated valve box w/cover, located adjacent to each dugout and away

from the playing areas. Quick-coupling valve shall be Rainbird Model 33DRC or

approved equal.

11. Irrigation zones serving landscape areas shall be separate from irrigation zones serving

athletic fields.

12. Athletic fields shall have separate irrigation zones for watering the infield clay areas

utilizing stainless steel Falcon 6504 rotors, or approved equal.

13. Provide necessary irrigation system, design data, and calculations regarding volumes

and pressures to deliver 100 percent head-to-head coverage of landscaped areas.

14. Provide rain-sensing equipment for automatic system to ensure on-site water

conservation.

15. Provide separate zones and applicable heads to correspond to irrigation requirements of

various landscape areas.

16. Zone xeriscape areas independently from other areas.

17. Irrigation zone design shall include provisions for future building additions and

expansions.

18. Provide an 8″ x 10″ clear laminated photocopy, inside controller box door, of the

irrigation plan with color coded circuits noted in sequence equal to automatic operation.

19. All portions of the underground irrigation piping system shall be pressure tested at 100

psi for 1 hour.

20. All low voltage zone wires shall be installed in Schedule 40 gray-conduit along main

line to each solenoid valve. The gray conduit shall be a minimal 1-1/2" Schedule 40

PVC.

E. Planting & Related Work.

1. The use of xeriscaping for all landscaped areas other than sodded play-fields is

mandatory. A/E design shall include the use of an efficient watering system, the use of

appropriate plants, including native plants whenever possible, and soil analysis which

may include the use of solid waste compost.

2. Retain existing trees whenever possible.

3. Landscape areas with trees, shrubs, sod, ground cover and hedges. Sand, gravel, wood

chips, cypress mulch or pavement shall not be used as landscape materials.

4. Include low maintenance and water-conserving native Florida trees and shrubs in new

plantings.

5. Provide planted buffers and screening such as hedges, fences, walls, earth berms, or

other landscaping between board-owned sites and incompatible adjacent land uses, such

as a factory.



6. A minimum of 4 mature existing or new trees per acre shall be provided. Trees may be

grouped and need not be located within each acre.

a. Mature existing trees are defined as having an approximate trunk diameter of 6

inches, measured 4′-6″ from the ground, and a minimum drip-line diameter of 15

feet.

b. New trees are defined as having an approximate trunk diameter of 1-1/2″ to 2″,

measured at 4′-6″ from the ground.

c. Trees with a drip-line less than 15 feet may be grouped together to equal the

required drip-line.

d. Trees to be preserved on a site shall be protected from construction or vehicle

damage by erecting substantial barriers at the tree drip-line.

e. Credit shall be given for existing healthy, disease-free, non-construction-damaged

trees and root systems as follows:

DRIP-LINE DIAMETER TRUNK DIAMETER NUMBER OF CREDITS

90′+ 35″+ 7

60′ – 89' 30″ – 34″ 6

50′ – 59' 25″ – 29″ 5

40′ – 49' 20″ – 24″ 4

30′ – 39' 15″ – 19″ 3

20′ – 29' 10″ – 14″ 2

5′ – 19' 2″ – 9″ 1

7. The site shall be cleared of poisonous and toxic plants and none shall be planted.

8. A systematic program for the removal of invasive non-native plants, including Punk

tree (Malaleuca Quinquenervia), Brazilian Pepper (Schinus Terebinthifolius),

Australian Pine (Casuarinas-Equisetifolia), and Cat claw Mimosa (Mimosa Pigra) shall

be implemented and none shall be planted, as required by law.

9. Paved parking area landscaping should be as follows:

a. A minimum of 5 percent of the required paved vehicular use areas shall be

landscaped and shall be devoted to xeriscape landscaping.

b. Twenty percent of the landscaping shall be adjacent to the buildings served.

c. The remainder of the landscaping should consist of planter islands, traffic divider

median strips, and perimeter landscape strips.

d. Place landscaped islands at each end of every parking row and, when possible, a

maximum of 10 parking spaces apart.

10. Building area landscaping shall be as follows:

a. A minimum of 10 percent of the building’s ground level floor plan gross square

footage shall be devoted to plantings of shrubs, flowers and ground covers, not

including sod.

11. Trees and landscaped areas shall be designed and installed so as not to create blind

spots around the perimeter of buildings and not provide access to the roof. Trees shall

be planted no closer than the mature height of the tree from buildings.

12. Road intersection visibility, on or off site, shall be achieved by providing a clear sight

line at intersections. No object, earth berm, or vegetation, other than grass or low

ground cover, shall be permitted in the right-of-way area measuring fifty (50) feet from

the edge of the two roads.



13. Where trees are included in the landscape design of courtyards, whose narrowest

dimension is a minimum of 30 feet and is less than 60 feet, use restricted growth trees

whose canopies mature at only 25 to 30 percent of the courtyard width to reduce the

potential of fire transfer within the courtyard to the surrounding buildings.

a. All trees and palms shall be planted no closer to the buildings than the mature

height of the tree.

b. Courtyards less than 30 feet in width shall not be landscaped with large trees or

palms. In these areas, shrubs, small canopy trees and palms should be considered.

14. Refer to the following for trees and landscaping:

a. Appendix – Plant List.

b. Appendix – Landscaping Details.

15. General.

a. Planting categories include trees, shrubs and ground cover.

1) Provide 3 to 5 different planting types for each category.

2) Each plant type shall not be less than 20 percent of each category.

3) Provide low maintenance varieties of plants.

b. Plant materials with thorns, stickers, projectiles, fruit, berries, nuts or aggressive

root systems, or are poisonous are not allowed on the site.

c. Select trees for locations based on ultimate size of tree, and ease of maintenance

and replacement. Large trees are not appropriate for small interior courtyards.

Royal palms and other palm trees that produce large falling fronds shall not be

used in designated sitting and other student gathering areas or in proximity to

parking spaces.

d. Specify single or multiple tree trunks to achieve consistent plantings. Do not mix

trunk types and do not leave decision to contractor.

e. Intention to match trees for size, multiple trunks or other visual criteria shall be

noted in construction documents.

f. Specify that landscaped and sodded areas are to be completed at least one month

before Substantial Completion.

g. Specify that the Contractor is to maintain all plantings until Final Completion, or

until required by the Warranty period whichever is more stringent. See Irrigation,

this Division, for additional requirements.

h. Comply with quarantine requirements of white-fringed beetles and fire ants.

i. Prior to delivery, material suppliers for topsoil mix, sod, and other landscaping

materials shall certify in writing that these materials are in compliance with the

specified requirements.

1) Topsoil and planting soil shall be initially tested and tested immediately

before application by an M-DCPS contracted testing laboratory and paid by

M-DCPS.

2) Retesting by the M-DCPS contracted testing laboratory due to non-complying

materials shall be paid by the Contractor.

j. Specify that the Contractor shall replace at no additional cost to M-DCPS:

1) Sodded areas in unsightly or damaged condition for 90 days after M-DCPS

Final Completion.

2) Trees, shrubs and ground cover for one year after Final Completion.

k. Project landscape architect shall approve landscaping and materials before

planting.



l. Provide clear sight line zones for vehicular drives, entrances and at potential areas

of pedestrian and vehicular conflict.

m. Do not provide access to roofs and compromise security by planting large trees

closer than 20 feet from buildings.

16. Specific Requirements.

a. Provide tree canopy shade to reduce sun exposure or heat gain at:

1) Primary Play Areas.

2) Bus/parent drop-off, waiting or congregating areas.

3) Courtyards.

4) The building perimeter

5) A/C units to increase unit efficiency.

6) Paved areas of service yards, parking areas and perimeter of hardcourts.

7) Perimeter areas of athletic fields for shading of spectators.

8) Areas set aside for outdoor instructional and educational activities.

b. Parking Lots.

1) Locate trees to avoid conflict with parking lot lighting.

2) Avoid planting strips between sidewalk edges and fences to minimize

maintenance difficulties.

3) Island ground cover shall be solid sod.

4) Provide xeriscape landscaping areas equal to 5 percent of paved parking lot

area.

5) Verify landscaping requirements of the applicable municipality for additional

items.

c. Entry Plaza at Building Front.

1) Design an entry plaza with 1,000 square feet minimum of landscaped area to

include:

a) Shade trees at waiting and congregating areas.

b) 35 percent of landscaped area with shrubs.

c) 65 percent of landscaped area with ground covers.

d) Planters accommodating proposed root balls and future growth.

d. Remaining building front excluding playfields and playgrounds shall include:

1) Canopy trees to provide shade.

2) 15 percent of area with shrubs.

3) 10 percent of area with ground covers.

4) Solid sod at remaining areas.

e. Courtyards.

1) Planters or planted areas shall be at least 25 percent of the total courtyard

square footage.

a) Locate shade trees at potential gathering areas and to reduce heat island

effect. Locate trees in large containment areas for future root

development.

b) Provide surface and subsurface conditions for proper drainage of planted

areas and planters.

c) Verify adequate percolation before planting operations begin.

d) Raised planter seat walls shall be between 18 and 20 inches.

e) Curbed planter edges shall not be lower than 6 inches.

f) Provide 35 percent coverage with shrubs and 65 percent coverage ground

cover at planters and planted areas.



2) Courtyard areas other than planter or planted areas shall be concrete with 1/4″

per feet slope. Provide proper drainage. Ponding is not allowed.

f. Building rear and sides excluding playfields shall include the following from main

building to perimeter sidewalks or to 50 feet away.

1) Trees

2) 10 percent of area with shrubs.

3) 5 percent of area with ground covers.

4) Solid sod at remaining area.

g. Athletic and Multipurpose Fields.

1) Locate trees at least 20 feet away from perimeter fencing, 60 feet away from

baseball field foul lines, and 30 feet away from softball field foul lines and

practice field boundaries.

h. Sodded Areas.

1) Provide Certified Bermuda “Celebration” solid rolled sod at Senior High

Schools football fields, soccer fields, softball fields, baseball fields and multi-

purpose PE field. It shall also be specified around other athletic specialty

areas such as track-and-field and between athletic field areas so that it is

continuous within the athletic fields’ footprint. All sodded fields shall be

designed so that there are physical barriers between the Bermuda sod and

other types of sods and ground covers to prevent migration.

2) Provide solid sodding of St. Augustine Floratam at non-P.E and non-Athletic

fields at Senior High Schools, and at all P.E. multi-purposes playfields for

ECC’s, PLC’s, Elementary Schools, K-8 Centers and Middle Schools. It shall

also be specified for general irrigated landscape areas adjacent to buildings

and parking lots for all schools.

3) Solid sodding of Bahia shall be specified for right-of-way areas, and with

prior approval from M-DCPS Facilities Design and Standards, in areas where

grass maintenance may be a major concern.

4) Seeding and sprigging are not allowed.

i. Root barriers, when used, shall extend from the surface to a depth of 30 inches.

F. Site Furnishings.

1. Provide adequate outdoor furnishings located on site to include, but not limited to,

bicycle racks, exterior lighting, outdoor courtyard seating, outdoor signage and

flagpoles.

2. Bicycle parking areas, when required by program requirements, shall be located so they

can be viewed from building windows, adjacent streets or other vantage points.

a. Surround bicycle racks with concrete or asphalt surfaces of adequate size to allow

maneuvering and parking of bicycles.

b. Location of parked bicycles shall not block adjacent sidewalk circulation or cause

bicycle traffic on landscaped or grassed areas.

3. Recycled plastic may be used for site furnishings in place of wood products and

conditional uses of aluminum. Provide adequate bracing and support to reduce

deflection. Comply with coefficients of friction according to Division 9, if used for

walking surfaces.

G. Fences and Gates.



1. M-DCPS fencing shall comply with applicable zoning requirements. An ordinance will

have precedence over a design criteria item. Coordinate fencing plan review with

appropriate agencies and M-DCPS.

2. The A/E design shall include perimeter fencing around the entire school site, utilizing

portions of the buildings as the perimeter barrier to minimize the fencing requirements.

3. The A/E shall provide M-DCPS School Police Chief (305-757-7708) and Facilities

Maintenance Operations (Landscaping Staff (305) 995-7849), a copy of the

construction documents for the permanent fencing to for their review and approval.

These documents shall be provided during the Phase II Matrix Review or no later than

the 50% Phase II/III Matrix Review. Prior to bidding, the A/E shall incorporate all

comments issued by M-DCPS personnel into the Construction Documents.

4. Products made of aluminum, aluminized, or otherwise treated with aluminum to any

significant extent shall require M-DCPS Facilities Design and Standards approval on a

per project basis, unless allowed in this section for specific conditions.

5. Fencing materials and gates, including framing, 9 gage fabric, hardware and ancillary

materials, shall be hot dipped galvanized steel and conform to the appropriate ASTM

standards. After installation, metal with the protective coating breached shall be treated

with an accepted galvanizing anti-corrosive paint.

6. Lead-based paints or primers are not allowed.

7. Temporary construction chain-link fencing shall be 6 feet or higher and shall be

provided with top and bottom rails. Provide a mid -rail when chain-link fencing is 8 feet

or higher.

8. For permanent chain-link fencing, provide a top and bottom rails; provide a mid-rail for

chain-link fencing 8 feet or higher.

9. Permanent fencing shall be provided in accordance with M-DCPS Design Standards.

10. Areas designated to receive fencing includes but are not limited to site perimeter,

playfields, parking lots, bicycle storage areas, mechanical equipment areas, hazardous

storage areas and water retention areas. Permanent fencing shall be provided as follows:

a. 6′-0″ high chain-link fence at site perimeter.

b. 10′-0″ high (minimum) chain-link fence at perimeter of baseball and softball fields.

c. 10′-0″ high chain-link fence around perimeter of tennis courts, with a minimum of

two (2) 4′-0″ W x 7′-0″ H lockable gates remotely located. Note: If the tennis

courts are arranged in clusters that are stacked adjacent to each other in the

north/south direction, separate each cluster with a 10′-0″ high chain link fence

containing a minimum of one (1) 4′-0″ W x 7′-0″ H lockable gate.

d. 6′-0″ high chain-link fence around student parking lots and bicycle storage.

e. 6′-0″ high chain-link fence around staff parking lots.

f. 8′-0″ high chain-link fence around exterior electrical transformers, backflow

preventers, irrigation pumps, meters and electrical power distribution panels.

Provide a 4′-0″ wide lockable gate x full height of fence. Provide a minimum 3′-6″

horizontal clearance all around the equipment. Provide a concrete slab extending

over the entire fenced area for ease of maintenance.

g. 8′-0″ high chain-link fence around storm water retention lakes and other hazardous

areas to restrict student access. Provide 8′-0″ wide lockable double-gates x full

height of fence as may be necessary to provide easy access to maintenance

equipment.

h. 8′-0″ high minimum chain-link fence with overhead chain-link protection around

perimeter of grade-level exposed exterior HVAC equipment. Provide a full height



access gate x width adequate for removal of equipment. Lowest point of the

overhead protection shall be 8′-0″ above finish grade or 3 feet above the highest

point of the equipment whichever is greater, and shall be capable of being rolled

back or removed for service access. Provide a concrete slab extending over the

entire fenced area for ease of maintenance.

i. Allow the following minimum horizontal clearances from chain-link fencing or

masonry construction.

1) 4′-0″ to exterior HVAC equipment.

2) 3′-6″ to associated electrical transformers and power distribution panels.

3) 10′-0″ to cooling tower and tower accessories or more as recommended by

equipment manufacturer.

j. 6′-0″ high masonry or chain-link fence with landscaping for visual screening at

service yards.

k. 6′-0″ high masonry or chain-link fence at patios according to program

requirements.

l. 6′-0″ high smooth steel picket barrier fencing at senior high schools along the full

length of the front of the school adjacent to public right-of-ways. Provide pickets

to reject a 4-inch diameter sphere and a top cross bar 8 inch or less from top.

Minimize use of horizontal members to discourage climbing. Aluminum picket

fencing, in lieu of steel, shall be used when the facility is within one mile of a

saltwater coastline. Elementary Schools, K-8 Centers and Middle Schools shall not

receive picket fencing unless indicated in this document or approved by M-DCPS

Facilities Design and Standards on a per project basis.

m. At Primary Play Areas, specify that perimeter fencing shall be provided as follows:

1) At new facilities, specify a 4'-0″ high smooth steel picket barrier fencing with

pickets spaced to reject a 4-inch diameter sphere, complete with a 3′-0″ wide

gate and Code compliant exiting hardware. Minimize use of horizontal

members to discourage climbing.

2) At existing facilities, specify a 4'-0" high chain-link fencing, complete with a

3′-0″ wide gate with Code compliant exiting hardware. On a per project basis,

the A/E shall verify with M-DCPS Facilities Design and Standards to

determine if the chain-link fabric used for this application shall be powder

coated with a UV-resistant color olefin material.

n. Fencing used to secure hallway openings shall be not more than 3 inches from

walls and not more than 3 inches from the ceiling when the ceiling is less than

10'-0" high. Fencing shall be provided with exit devices that are protected to

prevent unauthorized activation of the exit device from the exterior.

o. Any section of fence shared by facilities calling for differing fence heights shall be

provided at the greater of the heights required.

p. Top and bottom knuckled selvage shall be provided for all chain-link fencing.

11. Gates and Fence Openings.

a. Unless otherwise specifically indicated in the M-DCPS Design Standards, provide

all fenced-in areas 3′-0″ wide (minimum) x full height lockable gates.

b. At service yards, provide a 20′-0″ clear-opening vehicular double-gate, and two

remotely located pedestrian gates 3′-0″ wide x fence height.

c. At each play field (including but not limited to running track, baseball, softball,

etc.) provide two remotely located 14′-0″ wide double-gate x fence height to

provide access to maintenance vehicles.



d. All openings through fences shall have gates with locks, except at baffle gates.

Provide panic hardware when required by Code.

e. To other fenced areas according to program requirements.

f. All hinged gates shall swing inward over level ground and without obstructions.

Provided a 2-inch maximum ground clearance along the full swing of all gates.

g. Consider use of rolling gates at the following locations;

1) Where space for the use of a swing gate is limited.

2) Where adjacent ground elevations, and/or landscaping would interfere with

proper and safe operation of a swing gate.

3) Where the use of a swing gate would obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

4) When rolling gates are specified, they shall not exceed 12 feet in clear

opening or 15 feet in total gate length.

h. Baffled Openings at Chain Link Fencing: Provide “pedestrian-use only” baffled

openings along the perimeter fence of playfields located adjacent to residential

areas. Provide baffled openings only if the adjacent portion of the facility is secure.

Baffled openings shall consist of a 4-foot wide opening located on the perimeter

fence, with a 10-foot wide chain-link fence panel of equal height as the adjacent

fence, set 3-feet inside the fence line to create two remote access points. See

Appendix A for details.

12. The use of barbed wire is not allowed at educational facilities.

END OF DIVISION