National Standards. The latest edition of the nationally
Conflicts between Nationally Recognized Codes and
recognized standards herein, in effect at the time of
GSA Requirements. To ensure flexibility, it is GSA policy
design contract award shall be used during design and
to make maximum use of equivalency clauses in all
construction.
nationally recognized codes. Should a conflict exist
between GSA requirements and the GSA adopted
Lease Construction. Lease construction is defined as
nationally recognized codes, the GSA requirement shall
new construction of a building for Government use in
prevail. All code conflicts shall be brought to the attention
response to GSA's formal solicitation for offers. The
of the GSA Project Manager for resolution.
construction may be either on a pre-selected site assigned
by GSA to the successful offeror or on the offeror's site.
Code Requirements for Alterations. Generally, involved
Therefore, the building will be developed on private land
building systems need only be upgraded to correct
and the building will be leased to GSA. In these cases, the
deficiencies identified by GSA, unless the entire building
applicable State and local government codes apply. The
is being renovated. All new work is required to meet the
developer/owner (i.e., offeror) must also obtain the
applicable nationally recognized codes adopted by GSA
necessary building permits and approvals from the
and interpreted by the specific GSA Region. If only a
appropriate State and/or local government officials. The
portion of the building is being renovated, the IBC shall
Facilities Standards do not apply to Lease Construction,
be evaluated to determine if the entire building must be
it does, however, apply to Lease Construction with
brought up to code compliance. Any questions or concerns
Government Option to Purchase and is recommended for
should be discussed with the GSA Project Manager.
significant build-to-lease buildings. For requirements for
Zoning Laws. During the planning process and devel-
Lease Construction see SFO specific program, i.e. seismic,
opment of associated environmental documentation for
environmental, fire safety, accessibility, etc.
new construction and renovation projects, GSA shall
Lease Construction with Government Option to
consider all requirements (other than procedural
Purchase. In cases where GSA's formal solicitation for
requirements) of zoning laws, design guidelines, and other
offers has an option for GSA to purchase the building at a
similar laws of the State and/or local government. This
future date, the GSA adopted nationally recognized codes
includes, but is not limited to, laws relating to land-
and requirements apply as well as the applicable State and
scaping, open space, building setbacks, maximum height
local government codes. Should a conflict exist between
of the building, historic preservation, and aesthetic
applicable State and local government codes and the
qualities of a building. The project design team is to fully
GSA requirements, the GSA requirements take prece-
address such laws and requirements in their planning and
dence. However, GSA shall carefully consider each conflict
design documents. Any proposed deviations from such
based on adequacy, cost, and nationally accepted practice.
laws are to be documented, fully justified, and brought to
In addition, the developer/owner must also obtain the
the attention of the GSA Project Manager for resolution.
necessary building permits and approvals from the
Local regulations must be followed without exception in
appropriate State and/or local government officials as
the design of systems that have a direct impact on off-site
well as from GSA.
terrain or utility systems (such as storm water run-off,
12 F A C I L I T I E S S T A N D A R D S
FOR THE
PUBLIC
BUILDINGS
SERVICE
1.3 National Codes and Standards
Revised March 2005 PBS-P100
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