SSc4.3/4.4 CIR This 700,000 sf project is the new world headquarters for a major sporting goods manufacturer. The facility will house up to 1600 employees as well as a mock store, which will be used to simulate the layout of an actual chain store to study product placement, displays and the like. The mock store is in a prominent part of the building, on the 1st floor right next to the main entry. Product manufacturers and vendors will frequently visit the store to deliver new products and displays and remove outdated goods, which is a critical element in the daily business of the company. There are 41 loading/unloading spaces, less than 2% of the total parking field, that are located closer to the main entrance than the main parking areas, with the exception of handicap spaces. The intent of these spaces is to for use as a loading/unloading zone for the visiting vendors and manufacturer\'s representatives who are dropping off and picking up often very bulky and heavy goods. This loading area is different from typical deliveries made to building loading docks, as it will not be used by box trucks or semis trailers, but instead will be used by SUVs, station wagons and mini-vans. These spaces will be designated with "Vendor Loading Only" signs to discourage parking by non-delivering visitors and employees. We request clarification as to whether these loading spaces can be located closer to the main entrances than the designated "carpool" and "alternative fuel" spaces and remain in compliance with SS Credits 4.3 & 4.4.
The project team describes a special circumstance in which "Vendor Loading Only" spaces are to be located near the main entrance, and is requesting clarification on whether these vendor spaces can be located closer to the main entrance than the designated carpool and low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicle spaces. Given the loading and unloading function of these spaces and the location of the mock store, it is acceptable to give the vendor spaces priority after handicapped spaces. However, because the types of vehicles anticipated to occupy the vendor spaces are not precluded from the preferred parking requirement of SSc 4.3 & 4.4, the project is required to provide preferred parking for 5% of the "Vendor Loading Only" parking. Additionally, the remaining required designated carpool and low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicle spaces in the main parking area shall be located closest to the main entrance, with priority after handicapped parking. The main parking area should be within 500 feet of the building entrance. Additionally, vendor loading parking located closer to the main entrance than main parking spaces should account for less than 3% of overall parking allocated to the building that includes the mock store. Applicable Internationally.