Hello,
I'm working on a large building with over 20 separate entrances/exits that are adjacent to public sidewalks and plaza areas. The owner is concerned that placing 20 no-smoking signs will negatively impact the aesthetic of the building (even with nicely designed signs), and I tend to agree. Unfortunately we got the following comment from the LEED reviewer: “The documentation indicates that the exterior smoking policy may not be posted in sufficient locations to account for multiple entrances to the project building. Provide a narrative and other documentation to confirm how the signage is posted in enough locations to communicate the exterior non-smoking policy reasonably to all occupants.”
Has anyone dealt with a similar situation or have any suggestions on how to communicate the no-smoking policy to all occupants without having a sign at every door? I’m thinking we could strategically place signs so they cover multiple doors, but I wanted to see if anyone had any other ideas or insights. Thank you.
Gustavo De las Heras Izquierdo
LEED Expert181 thumbs up
January 11, 2017 - 10:25 am
Have you thought about prohibiting smoking in all exterior areas and designating specific areas for smokers?
Renee Shirey
Stantec421 thumbs up
January 11, 2017 - 10:37 am
Mike, could you provide some information on what your submitted approach was for the signage? This may help in narrowing down a possible solution.
Is this building taking up an entire block, is the property adjacent to another property? The sidewalk may be public, but is the plaza public or part of the project site?
I try to take a look at the entire site through the eye of a pedestrian and a driver - what are all the different ways I could approach the site and head towards the closest door - would I go past or easily see a smoking policy sign? Where could I put a sign that would be viewed by as many people as possible?
Mike Fortier
3 thumbs up
January 11, 2017 - 10:54 am
Hi Renee,
Thanks for your reply. The building is the width of an entire block. One side abuts the public sidewalk, two sides abut the building's plaza (which is accessible to the public), and the fourth side has no entrances/exits because it is adjacent to another building. There are several main building entrances that provide access to the main lobby as well as entrances that provide direct access to first floor tenant spaces (e.g. restaurants, retail, etc.). In addition to these major entrances, there are several secondary entrances/exits scattered along the building.
Thanks in advance for your input.
Renee Shirey
Stantec421 thumbs up
January 11, 2017 - 4:57 pm
Mike, what was the design approach you submitted for your signage?
For areas along the public sidewalk, I make sure to put a sign on either end of the building, stating the '25' distance' from the building. However, if that side of the bldg. has storefront doors and parallel parking, people won't see the signs because they aren't approaching the bldg. from that direction. In that case, you will need a few more signs, either spread across the building façade, or perhaps you could add the signs to posts already along the sidewalk (lighting poles, parking signs, etc.)?
Yifan Li
DesignerAtelier Ten
2 thumbs up
April 30, 2019 - 4:52 pm
Hi Mike, would you mind sharing with us your final submission for this prerequisite? Did you only put the signage on the main building entrances? Did the signage you submit include all the words from the requirements, which are "no smoking within 25' of entries, outdoor intakes, and operable windows"? Or the signage you submitted only mentioned: "no smoking with 25 ft of the building"? Thanks!