Lesson 1Accessibility and ADA requirements affecting design and common areasThis section explains accessibility rules under ADA, Fair Housing, and local standards that shape site planning, entrances, circulation, and amenities. It highlights common design pitfalls, documentation needs, and inspection issues for mixed-use common areas.
Key ADA, ABA, and Fair Housing Act frameworksAccessible routes, slopes, and cross slopesParking, drop-off zones, and passenger loadingEntrances, lobbies, and vertical circulationRestrooms, amenities, and shared common spacesSignage, communication, and assistive featuresLesson 2Parking, loading, and curb management rules in urban zonesThis section outlines zoning and transport rules for parking, loading, and kerb use in crowded areas. It addresses stall counts, shared parking, loading dock design, TDM measures, and coordination with municipal kerb management policies.
Minimums, maximums, and shared parking studiesAccessible, EV, and bicycle parking provisionsLoading dock sizing, access, and maneuveringCurb cuts, driveways, and pedestrian safetyCurb use: pick-up, delivery, and micromobilityTransportation demand management requirementsLesson 3Noise, dust, and air quality controls during construction (local ordinances and typical permit conditions)This section explains local noise, dust, and air quality bylaws that govern construction activities. It covers work hours, equipment limits, dust suppression, emissions controls, monitoring, and typical permit conditions and penalties.
Noise ordinances, work hours, and exemptionsEquipment selection, mufflers, and barriersDust control plans and water applicationMaterial handling, stockpiles, and haul routesAir emissions, idling limits, and monitoringCommunity complaints, notices, and enforcementLesson 4Fire protection and life-safety requirements: fire-resistance ratings, sprinkler systems, smoke control, egress widths and travel distancesThis section details fire and life-safety rules affecting mid-rise mixed-use work. It covers occupancy classification, fire-resistance ratings, sprinklers, alarms, smoke control, egress sizing, travel distances, and coordination with fire officials.
Occupancy, separation, and mixed-use strategiesFire-resistance ratings and firestopping detailsAutomatic sprinkler and standpipe designFire alarm, detection, and notification systemsSmoke control, pressurization, and exhaustEgress widths, travel distances, and exitsLesson 5Energy and sustainability mandates: IECC energy requirements, local energy ordinances, mandatory commissioningThis section reviews IECC energy standards, local stretch codes, and green bylaws. It explains envelope, HVAC, and lighting requirements, plus when commissioning, testing, and energy modelling are triggered by code or incentives.
IECC scope, climate zones, and compliance pathsBuilding envelope insulation and air leakage limitsHVAC efficiency, controls, and economizer rulesLighting power density, controls, and daylightingCommissioning triggers, scope, and documentationEnergy modeling, benchmarking, and disclosureLesson 6Permitting, inspection, and approval workflows: typical plan review and inspection milestones and timingThis section maps the typical permitting path from pre-application to occupancy certificate. It explains plan review cycles, trade permits, inspections, special inspections, and strategies to align schedule, phasing, and approvals.
Pre-application meetings and due diligenceZoning, land use, and entitlement approvalsBuilding, trade, and right-of-way permitsPlan review cycles, comments, and resubmittalsRequired inspections and special inspectionsTemporary occupancy, final CO, and closeoutLesson 7Zoning fundamentals for urban mixed-use projects: height limits, FAR, use mixes, setbacks, and stepbacksThis section explains zoning basics for urban mixed-use projects, including height, FAR, density, and use mix controls. It covers setbacks, stepbacks, overlays, bonuses, and variance processes that influence massing and feasibility.
Zoning districts, overlays, and comprehensive plansHeight limits, bulk planes, and view protectionsFAR, density, and floor plate efficiencyUse mixes, ground-floor activation, and retailSetbacks, stepbacks, and streetwall alignmentVariances, conditional uses, and rezoningsLesson 8Environmental regulations: stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, local MS4 requirementsThis section covers stormwater quality and quantity controls, erosion and sediment measures, and MS4 permit obligations. It links design details, phasing, and maintenance plans to typical municipal review and inspection requirements.
Stormwater quality, quantity, and peak flow goalsDetention, retention, and green infrastructure toolsErosion and sediment control best practicesConstruction phasing and seasonal constraintsMS4 permits, SWPPP content, and reportingInspection, maintenance, and as-built obligationsLesson 9Overview of the International Building Code (IBC) provisions commonly applied to mid-rise mixed-use buildingsThis section introduces core IBC provisions for mid-rise mixed-use buildings. It addresses use and occupancy, construction type, height and area limits, structural and fire requirements, and how local amendments modify baseline IBC rules.
IBC structure, chapters, and local adoptionUse and occupancy classifications and groupsConstruction types and allowable materialsHeight, stories, and allowable floor areasStructural design loads and lateral systemsKey fire and egress provisions for mixed-use
