Overview
Maintaining a safe and inviting school property is essential. Adequate lighting and security cameras must be provided. The site design shall avoid blind corners, steep slopes, and hidden spaces, such as dense plantings, high berms and opaque structures that present safety and security concerns. Place security cameras for maximum coverage, avoiding line of sight obstructions such as trees, fences, backstops, etc. Provide intrusion system connection for field/equipment storage rooms (door contact(s) /motion detector(s)).
Lighting
- Exterior lighting throughout each school property shall be adequate and appropriate for safety and security, as well as an attractive feature of the project site.
- Lighting shall reduce light pollution and not be harmful to birds, bats, insects, and other wildlife. Lighting shall comply with the City’s lighting code.
- Meet LEED requirements for up light and light trespass requirements for the lighting zone of the project property at the time construction begins.
- More information on lighting zone definitions is provided in the Illuminating Engineering Society and International Dark Sky Association (IES/IDA) Model Lighting Ordinance (MLO) User Guide.
Fencing
- Fencing shall be used to provide a secured site at all CPS properties.
- Fencing shall be 5’ tall decorative/ornamental metal fence without pointed pickets unless otherwise directed by CPS Capital Planning and Construction Executive Director.
- Fencing requirements shall meet all applicable codes and standards, including the Chicago Landscape Ordinance.
- Chicago Landscape Ordinance requires opaque wood fencing at parking areas fronting residential or institutional properties; provide 4’ tall black vinyl coated chain link fencing at non-parking areas.
- All enclosed areas shall be provided with a minimum of two (2) gates for access.
- Wood fencing must be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
- Height of fencing in areas with security concerns to be reviewed and approved by CPS Capital Planning and Construction Executive Director.
- Refer to the City of Chicago Landscape Ordinance.
ITS
- ITS applications include access control, emergency communications, and surveillance.
- Operation and maintenance requirements, upgrading schedules, and replacement due to unforeseen damage shall be considered both when selecting ITS components and locating them on-site.
- Coordination with the individual school regarding its specific needs and available budget shall occur early in the design process.