Lesson 1Accessibility and ADA requirements affecting design and common areasThis section covers accessibility rules like those from international standards adapted locally, shaping site planning, entrances, movement, and facilities. It points out common design errors, record-keeping needs, and inspection challenges for shared spaces in mixed-use buildings.
Key accessibility frameworks from international and local actsAccessible paths, gradients, and cross-gradientsParking, drop-off areas, and passenger loading zonesEntrances, reception areas, and vertical movementToilets, facilities, and shared spacesSignage, communication aids, and support featuresLesson 2Parking, loading, and curb management rules in urban zonesThis section outlines zoning and transport rules for parking, loading, and roadside use in busy areas. It addresses space numbers, shared parking, loading bay designs, transport demand measures, and links to city roadside policies.
Minimums, maximums, and shared parking assessmentsAccessible, electric vehicle, and bicycle parking provisionsLoading bay sizes, access, and turning spacesRoadside cuts, driveways, and pedestrian safetyRoadside use for pick-up, delivery, and small mobility optionsTransport demand management requirementsLesson 3Noise, dust, and air quality controls during construction (local bylaws and typical permit conditions)This section explains local bylaws on noise, dust, and air quality that regulate building activities. It covers working hours, equipment restrictions, dust control, emission limits, monitoring, and usual permit conditions plus fines.
Noise bylaws, working hours, and exceptionsEquipment choices, silencers, and barriersDust control plans and water useMaterial handling, storage piles, and transport 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 for mid-rise mixed-use buildings. It covers occupancy types, fire-resistance levels, sprinklers, alarms, smoke management, escape widths, travel paths, and working with fire authorities.
Occupancy, separation, and mixed-use approachesFire-resistance ratings and sealing detailsAutomatic sprinkler and water pipe designsFire alarm, detection, and alert systemsSmoke control, pressure systems, and ventilationEscape widths, travel distances, and exitsLesson 5Energy and sustainability mandates: IECC energy requirements, local energy bylaws, mandatory commissioningThis section reviews international energy standards like IECC, local enhanced codes, and green bylaws. It explains building shell, heating/cooling, and lighting rules, plus when testing, commissioning, and energy modelling are required by code or incentives.
IECC coverage, climate areas, and compliance optionsBuilding shell insulation and air leak limitsHeating/cooling efficiency, controls, and fresh air rulesLighting power limits, controls, and natural light useCommissioning triggers, scope, and recordsEnergy modelling, benchmarks, and reportingLesson 6Permitting, inspection, and approval workflows: typical plan review and inspection milestones and timingThis section maps the usual permitting process from initial application to occupancy certificate. It explains plan checks, trade permits, inspections, special checks, and ways to match timelines, phases, and approvals.
Pre-application meetings and preparationZoning, land use, and approval processesBuilding, trade, and access permitsPlan review stages, feedback, and revisionsRequired inspections and special checksTemporary occupancy, final certificate, and completionLesson 7Zoning fundamentals for urban mixed-use projects: height limits, FAR, use mixes, setbacks, and stepbacksThis section explains zoning basics for city mixed-use projects, including height, floor area ratio, density, and use combinations. It covers retreats, stepbacks, overlays, bonuses, and change processes that affect building shape and viability.
Zoning areas, overlays, and master plansHeight limits, mass rules, and view protectionsFAR, density, and floor efficiencyUse combinations, ground-level activity, and shopsRetreats, stepbacks, and street alignmentChanges, special uses, and rezoningLesson 8Environmental regulations: stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, local MS4 requirementsThis section covers stormwater quality and volume controls, erosion and sediment measures, and local drainage permit duties. It connects design details, phases, and upkeep plans to typical council reviews and inspections.
Stormwater quality, volume, and peak flow aimsDetention, retention, and green toolsErosion and sediment control practicesBuilding phases and seasonal limitsMS4 permits, stormwater plans, and reportingInspections, upkeep, and final recordsLesson 9Overview of the International Building Code (IBC) provisions commonly applied to mid-rise mixed-use buildingsThis section introduces main IBC rules for mid-rise mixed-use buildings. It addresses uses, building types, height and area limits, structural and fire needs, and how local changes adjust standard IBC rules.
IBC structure, sections, and local adoptionUse and occupancy types and categoriesBuilding types and allowed materialsHeight, levels, and floor areasStructural loads and side force systemsKey fire and escape rules for mixed-use
