5.9.1 Concept Meeting

A. The concept meeting is an important opportunity to describe and determine the expected scope of work for existing properties, which may range from significant rehabilitation to more limited repairs and alterations.

B. A key result of the concept meeting should be consensus on the methods and the professionals that will be used to evaluate the existing buildings and define the scope of work. The Lender and Project Architect must describe a process consistent with Appendix 5, Section A.5.7 and a timeline for evaluating the existing buildings and developing the scope of work and supporting due diligence.

C. Appendix 5, Section A.5.3 defines a step-by-step process for determining whether seismic conditions warrant further analyses of existing buildings in accordance with the most recent standards of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The threshold is easily determined, requires no onsite analysis or observation of buildings or sites and should be provided at the concept meeting to indicate whether seismic analyses are required. (The CNA e-Tool requires a determination of these same threshold values.)

D. The Lender should describe the existing or expected due diligence analyses including lead-based paint inspection for buildings constructed prior to January 1, 1978, buildings with asbestos materials and any other known or reasonably anticipated hazards. See Chapter 9 for other environmental review requirements.