Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Sustainable Design in Public Works Projects
Dustin Wolff, AICP
May 4, 2011
Mead & Hunt, Inc.Established in 1900Planners, engineers,
architects, scientistsHQ in Madison;
4 WI offices24 offices nationwide
Conservation Design ForumFrequent partner
30th St Industrial Corridor, MilwaukeeUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison
Leaders in ecological designOffice in IL and MI
Thank you for many photos
About this sessionI am NOT an engineerI am NOT an environmentalist
Bridge the gap
Our focus:ZoningDesign guidelinesMunicipal infrastructure specificationsLand development regulations Implementation
Regulations for Sustainability
View as “enabling” legislationFocus on:
Creating opportunityGood decision-makingProtecting ALL property ownersEnhancing neighborhoods and
infrastructure
Encourage and incentivize
Zoning“…public health, safety, and
general welfare…”Allows government to regulate
private propertyPreserve/protect property and quality
of life
MAX and MINsZoning can:
Hinder desired outcomesStifle creativity
Wind Energy
NONE
OF THIS
Wind Energy
Wind Energy
PSC regulations and Wis Stats 66.0401Applies to units 1 MW or moreSWECS < 300kw
Not community friendlySlanted against communitiesLimits ability to regulate
Exception 66.0401(1m)(a):“…serves to protect the public health or safety.”
Capacity: 2 – 4MWHub Height: ±260’Blade Length: ±180’Total Height: ±440’Tip Speed: ±150mph
Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems (SWECS)
Refer to it as MICRO WIND?Focus on performance and safety
standardsPublic notificationLocation/Setbacks/Fall ZoneBlade length Nameplate capacity (1kw – 10kw)Noise and shadow flickerOther features (overspeed control,
electrical connections, etc.)
Geothermal (GSHP)System type
Closed loop [horizontal/vertical/pond]Open loop
Aquifer issuesUSEPA and WDNR regulations on
underground injection control (UIC)
Geothermal (GSHP)
System sitingPermitsProper setbacks
Avoid wells and septic systemsConstruction practices
Extensive WNDR coordinationReference State regulationsWDNR has staff w/ expertiseEnsures consistency
Solar Energy Systems (SES)
Communities may require a permit
Be aware of “access rights” StatutesFuture development that impacts a solar
receptor Tree trimming on neighboring property
Surface Regulations
Communities require paved surfacesSurface area of most cities
Roof 25%Pavement 35%
Combat requirementsPavement requirementsMAX lot coverageMIN greenspace
7 – 10 acres of parking
Site Lighting“Dark Sky” requirementsSpecify lamp
Metal-halide vs. HPS/LPS LED
Specify wattageRequire photometric plan
No spillageUniformity ratio (4:1)Avoid hotspots (>10 fc)Average 2.4 fc for non-res
Surface RegulationsPermeable surfaces
Interlocking PaversConcreteAsphalt
Parking and Landscaping
Encourage shared parkingRequire landscape areas/islands
Combat heat island effectBio-retention opportunitiesNative and salt tolerant plantings
Development and Land Divisions
Street SpecificationsWater managementUtilities
Roadways/Design SpecsTypical width• How is it determined? • Fire Department?
Urban vs. RuralPavement and subsurface
Specific base course aggregateMay specify MAX recycled material
DrainageTraditional? Integrated in ROW?
Excessive widthNo separation of
bike/ped from traffic
Typical Section
Alternative Typical Section
Alternative Typical Section
Break from the conventional
Stormwater Management
Stormwater Management
New is not so new anymoreRain GardensBioretention
What is allowed in the ROW?
Maintenance?Do you have a spec?
Stormwater Management
Infiltration
Bioswale
Bioretention
Subdivision Development
Subdivision DevelopmentEvaluate ALL resources
Ag lands and recreation opportunities
Surface water, woodlands, wetlands
Critical species habitats and viewsheds
Develop preservation prioritiesAcquisition vs. management
Use as a GROWTH MANAGEMENT TOOL
Subdivision Development
Evaluate ecological featuresAllow density transfer
• Give bonuses• Think perpetuity
Subdivision Development
Mixed usePedestrian
densityLife-cycle
housingPublic
spacesMulti-
modal
How to make this happen?Political will and leadershipDepartment head buy-in
Include public safety
Get your ducks in a row“Smart Growth” PlanSustainability PlanStrategic PlanMunicipal Code
Educate and Encourage, not dictateIncrementalism
Immediate Action Items
BE THE LEADERReview planning, zoning, ordinance, and
code requirements Reduce obstacles to sustainable business
practices Offer incentives to encourage sustainability
Review policies/practices by departmentAssess incentives for (re)development
TIF districts
Create revolving loan fund for sustainable improvements (businesses)
