We are currently working in a residential project. It will probably be a C&S due to the project scope.
Some residential units have private balconies. These balconies are located within 25 ft from operable windows and probably air intakes.
How could we designate these balconies as 'no smoking areas'? Would it be sufficient to install signage stating that smoking is prohibited in private balconies? Or this statement should be incorporate in contractual language of lease agreements?
The requirement would be the same if after the final construction the property decides to separately sell the residential units?
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Sam Stoltze
Sustainability ConsultantChapman Construction / Design
November 7, 2014 - 10:37 am
Emmanuel,
Signage
We typically prefer to spec signage at each building entrance stating that "Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of the building" rather than "Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows." This helps avoid confusion around balconies or other potentially confusing conditions for residents. You'll additionally be required to generate a drawing that illustrates the areas where smoking is prohibited/designated as well as an image of the signage.
Lease Agreements
Yes. We typically produce a legal document that not only outlines the policy, but additionally outlines enforcement strategies for the application of residential units.
Should you be specifying interior smoking areas in some units I would do things slightly different, however I did not get that impression from your post.
Good luck!
Emmanuel Pauwels
OwnerGreen Living Projects
129 thumbs up
November 10, 2014 - 4:12 am
Hi Sam, thank you for your response.
In residential units smoking will be allowed. We are going to perform a blower door test every 7 units in order to demonstarte compliance with the prerequisite. But our doubt was about private balconies and the required documentation in order to comply. They are located within 25ft of operable windows of other residential units.
What would be your approach in this case?
Sam Stoltze
Sustainability ConsultantChapman Construction / Design
November 10, 2014 - 11:16 am
Emmanuel,
My revised response is below:
Signage
I recommend specifying signage on all balconies fitting the credit parameter (within 25 feet of entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows) stating "Smoking is prohibited on private balconies". Additionally signage at each entrance stating "Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows" is advised. Create a site plan that both illustrates the areas where smoking is prohibited/designated (offset a polygon from your building perimeter 25 feet) and signage. Lastly include a design image or photograph of each signage type.
Lease Agreements
Yes. We typically produce a legal document that not only outlines the policy, but additionally outlines enforcement strategies for the application of residential units.