HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP202200048 Correspondence 2023-01-06 (3)SHIMP ENGINEERING, P.C.
Design Focused Engineering
January 4, 2023
Howard Lagomarsino
County of Albemarle
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
RE: Response Letter #1 for SDP2022-00048 Regents School of Charlottesville
Major Site Plan Amendment — Submit 2
Dear Howard,
Thank you for your review of the major site plan amendment for Regents School. This letter contains
responses to County comments dated September 2, 2022. Our responses are as follows:
1. All buildings on the property must be served by a fire apparatus access road that provides access
to all sides of the ground level of each building within 150 feet of the fire apparatus access road.
Please provide such access.
RESPONSE: Following discussion with Fire/Rescue, two standpipes are proposed to provide
adequate fire access to buildings further than 150' from the fire apparatus access road. One
standpipe has been added to the Regents Plaza, with the second standpipe proposed adjacent to
the ADA walkway that is adjacent to the athletic field. The installation of the two standpipes
should provide sufficient fire protection for the classrooms adjacent to the field.
2. The fire apparatus access road shall provide 20 feet unobstructed travel way access for buildings
30 feet tall or less and 26 feet unobstructed travelway access for all buildings over 30 feet tall.
RESPONSE: A 20' unobstructed travelway is provided for fire access.
3. For buildings taller than 30 feet tall, the access provided must be within a minimum of 15 feet of
the building and a maximum of 30 feet from the building.
RESPONSE: Comment received.
4. This is within the water authority service area so fire hydrants are required for the site in
accordance with the spacing requirements and numbers per the needed fire flow.
RESPONSE: Comment received.
5. If any buildings are to have a sprinkler or standpipe system with FDC, there shall be a hydrant
within 100 feet of the FDC and arranged so its use does not obstruct the travelway access for fire
apparatus.
RESPONSE: Comment received. As discussed with Fire/Rescue, the standpipe in the Regents
Plaza would be within 100' of the fire hydrant proposed in the parking lot area.
6. The note indicating the needed fire flow is 2,125 gpm is acknowledged, please provide a note on
the plan indicating the available fire flow.
RESPONSE: Comment received. The original 2,125 gpm estimate was noted due to the
gymnasium. However, we have communicated with the architect and the gym is to be sprinkled,
912 E. High St. Charlottesville, VA 22902 1434.227.5140 1 shimp-engineering.com
which brings the overall site minimum of needed fire flow to 1,500 gpm. A fire flow test
indicates 852 gpm is available at fire hydrant 12364, which is at the intersection of Reservoir
Road and Foxhaven Farm.
7. During demolition and/or construction, the following fire prevention steps are required, so please
note them on the plan:
a. Smoking shall be prohibited in areas where smoking makes conditions such as to make a
smoking a hazard and these areas shall be designated with no smoking signs per Virginia
Statewide Fire Prevention Code.
b. Areas where smoking can occur, shall have appropriate receptacles for discarded
smoking materials per Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code.
c. Per the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, vehicular access for firefighting shall be
provided at all construction and demolition sites, including access to within 100 feet of
temporary or permanent fire department connections, and have no overhead wiring or
other overhead obstructions lower than 13 ft. 6 inches, this access may be via permanent
or temporary road, but shall be capable of supporting fire apparatus in all weather
conditions.
d. Contractor shall ensure the street numbers are always plainly visible form the frontage
street during construction per the Virginia Statewide Fire Code.
e. An approved water supply for firefighting operations shall be in place and available as
soon as combustible materials arrive on site.
f Waste and combustible debris shall be removed from the building at the end of each day
and disposed of in accordance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Code.
g. Fire extinguishers shall be provided, with not less than one approved fire extinguisher at
each stairwell, on all floor levels where combustible materials have accumulated, in every
storage and construction shed and in areas of special, hazards, such as where flammable
and combustible liquids are stored or used, in accordance with the Virginia Statewide
Fire Code.
h. Operations involving the use of cutting and welding shall comply with the Virginia
Statewide Fire Prevention Code and shall require a permit from the Albemarle County
Fire Marshal's Office.
RESPONSE: These notes have been added on the cover sheet.
If you have any questions or concerns about these revisions, please feel free to contact me at
Rachel anshimp-en ing eering com or by phone at 434-227-5140.
Regards,
Rachel Moon
912 E. High St. Charlottesville, VA 22902 1434.227.5140 1 shimp-engineering.com