As early as possible in the design process, the Architect-of-Record (AOR/EOR) / Engineer-of-Record (EOR) shall identify and secure the professional services necessary to deliver each project. As directed by CPS, the AOR/EOR/ EOR may be required to solicit multiple proposals for any professional service. These services may include, but may not be limited to, the following:
LEED Site Assessment
Site assessment may be completed by any member of the design team. The fully completed and documented assessment includes the following information:
- Topography
Contour mapping, unique topographic features, slope stability risks. - Hydrology
Flood hazard areas, delineated wetlands, lakes, streams, shorelines, rainwater collection and reuse opportunities, TR-55 initial water storage capacity of the site (or local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.). - Climate
Solar exposure, heat island effect potential, seasonal sun angles, prevailing winds, monthly precipitation, and temperature ranges. - Vegetation
Primary vegetation types, greenfield area, significant tree mapping, threatened or endangered species, unique habitat, invasive plant species. - Soils
Natural Resources Conservation Service soils delineation, U.S. Department of Agriculture prime farmland, healthy soils, previous development, disturbed soils (local equivalent standards may be used for projects outside the U.S.). - Human Use
Views, adjacent transportation infrastructure, adjacent properties, construction materials with existing recycle or reuse potential. - Human Health Effects
Proximity of vulnerable populations, adjacent physical activity opportunities, proximity to major sources of air pollution.
The survey or assessment shall demonstrate the relationships between the site features and topics listed above and how these features influenced the project design; give the reasons for not addressing any of those topics.
Survey
A topographic and boundary survey may be required for the design and permitting of the development. Surveys shall include observed at-grade features and underground site utilities, including rims and inverts, and shall also incorporate all available record information. Limits of the survey shall be coordinated with the proposed improvements and may extend beyond the project as deemed necessary by CPS or the AOR/EOR in order to successfully deliver the project.
Refer to the City of Chicago Department of Water Management Regulations for Topographic and Utility Survey for additional information regarding survey requirements.
Refer to the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Economic Development, The City of Chicago Zoning Department, and the City of Chicago Landscape Ordinance for various survey requirements for specific improvement projects.
Environmental Testing
Conduct a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment as described in ASTM E1527-13 to determine whether environmental contamination exists at the site. If contamination is suspected, conduct a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment as described in ASTM E1903–11 (or a local equivalent). If a site is contaminated, remediate the site to meet local, state, or national environmental protection agency region residential (unrestricted) standards, whichever are most stringent.. Environmental services are to be coordinated between the AOR and the appropriate CPS Managing Environmental Consultant (MEC). An environmental report and specifications, prepared by the MEC, will be included in the design documents prior to finalizing the contract documents. See Volume 2, Section 4.1 Environmental for New Construction for additional information.
Geotechnical Investigation
Geotechnical soil borings and infiltration testing is required for proposed site projects unless otherwise discussed with CPS. An important factor to consider when designing an infiltration-based Best Management Practice (BMP) is the infiltration rate of water into the soil and the seasonally high groundwater elevation at the site. If a site utilizes a subsurface infiltration BMP or detention storage BMP designed for infiltration as a solution for rainwater management, soil boring information must be obtained. Soil borings will provide useful design information about existing soil conditions. See Volume 3 Section 1.5.1 Site Engineering for additional information. Refer to the City of Chicago Stormwater Management Ordinance Manual for more information on soil boring and infiltration testing requirements.
Sewer Televising
Early in the design phase, CPS recommends completing sewer cleaning and televising of all existing sewers and drainage structures within the improvement areas that will remain after development is complete. Sewer televising aids in determining the ability to reuse existing sewer infrastructure. The investigation of the sewer network also provides the ability to identify potential issues that may require correction prior to completing the design of the improvements.
Ground Penetrating Radar
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) can detect below-grade utilities, debris, foundations, anomalies, etc. that are undetectable at the surface. If there are risks of unobserved obstructions in the project area, CPS recommends performing a GPR study to capture any potential scope, schedule and cost impacts prior to completing the design.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design, specify, and oversee the construction of roadways, parking areas, sidewalks, underground utilities, site drainage, storm water detention systems, and other programmatic elements of a project. When serving as the AOR/EOR on a project, the civil engineer leads the design and shall collaborate with the required design professionals and other specialized consultants.
Landscape Architect
Landscape architects design and detail the exterior environments of varying types and scales. When serving as the AOR/EOR on a project, the landscape architect leads the design and shall collaborate with the required design professionals and other specialized consultants. Landscape architecture affects public health, safety, and welfare through the design of built and natural environments by:
- Protecting the public from hazards
- Protecting natural and cultural resources
- Sustainably managing the natural and built environment
- Enhancing social, economic, cultural, and physical aspects of communities
Arborist
In conjunction with, or at the request of a landscape architect, the services of an ISA-Certified arborist may be retained. Services may include the identification of on-site species of plant material, evaluation of their health and condition with regard to viability before, during, and following construction operations, and any Department of Forestry issues or concerns regarding right-of-way trees.
Structural Engineer
If the project scope involves any type of footing design, retaining wall, substantial ramp and stair construction, etc., the services of a structural engineer shall be retained.
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineering
If the scope of the project involves exterior lighting design, drinking fountains, automatic doors, cameras, etc., the services of a mechanical, electrical, and/or plumbing engineer shall be retained.