VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
VA REGIONAL OFFICE TECHNICAL CRITERIA
Roads and Parking
Prepare a site development plan incorporating appropriate parking (structure or surface) for the
site. Parking shall accommodate not only VA requirements but non-VA needs as well. The VARO
requires parking spaces for visitors and staff; therefore, the total number of parking spaces
constructed on the site for the VARO must be able to accommodate both. Any proposed non-VA
parking needs shall be determined based on proposed use and according to local zoning. The plan
shall include a covered vehicular drop off near the main entrance and as many surface-parking
spaces as possible close to the building to improve accessibility. Include an appropriate number of
handicapped spaces per local code requirements.
Loading Dock
The loading dock area must be an integral part of the VARO building and shall be large enough to
accommodate a range of commercial vehicles from one-ton vans to standard tractor-trailer trucks.
The design shall incorporate adequate pavement thickness, space for truck maneuverability and
protection of freight and personnel from the weather. The loading dock shall also include a
transition device such as a hinged loading ramp, dock leveler or scissors lift.
Underground Utilities
Permanent utilities and equipment owned by outside utility providers serving the building and
parking lot shall be installed underground except for components such as hydrants, transformers,
telephone pedestals and similar utility system components. Pole mounted electric power or
telephone services are not permitted. All underground utilities shall be designed in conformance
with local codes, ordinances and any applicable county, state or federal codes or regulations.
Landscaping
Landscaping shall be sensitive to the architectural features of the building as well as the overall
design of the site. Areas of high visibility such as the building entrance shall receive a higher level
of design focus. Indigenous plant materials that require little maintenance and water shall be
utilized throughout the site. The amount of landscaping in parking areas shall conform to
applicable local codes.
Plant materials shall conform to the standardized system of the American Association of
Nurserymen, Inc. current standards (ANSI Z60.1-1986 and ANSI Z133.1-1988) for Nursery Stock.
Landscaping shall comply with Executive Order 13148, Greening the Government through
Leadership and Environmental Management.
SITE DEVELOPMENT AND CIVIL ENGINEERING
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