Proposal to Complete UUSS Master Plan

Site & Building Assessment — UUSS Master Plan Process

January - 2011

 A detailed Site & Building Assessment Study has recently been completed for the UUSS Campus Master Plan process. This study describes how the existing buildings need to be upgraded and how existing conditions need to be factored into future development of the campus in the coming years. The study will guide completion of the master plan in 2011 and the future stewardship of the facility.

The complete Assessment Study report is available on the UUSS website as part of the ‘master plan’ link.   Highlights of the Assessment Study are summarized as follows:

Planning:

• Future interior and exterior remodeling of the existing buildings will require  a building permit (without a use permit process).
• Future new building(s) will require a use permit process.  The continued use of the property by the Church will be viewed by the County as being compatible with the residential neighborhood.
• Completion of the master plan will include discussions with the County planning staff to confirm the requirements for future campus development.

 Site Development:

• The UUSS campus is at the edge of the high water mark of the 100-year storm event (floodplain level) of the American River.  Completion of the master plan will include a drainage analysis to determine how storm water will be directed through the site.
• The parking lot is in poor condition and needs to be repaved and renovated with new lighting, signage and landscaping.  The parking area is sufficient in size to support a 500-seat sanctuary in addition to the existing buildings.  The master plan will include a revised layout for the parking area in order to comply with all current regulations and to improve safety and security of the campus.
• The adjacent duplex parcel property line should be realigned to include the current grass play area as part of the UUSS campus site.
• Future improvements will include a new water service line for a building sprinkler system for fire protection.

Existing Building Renovations:

• The existing buildings are structurally sound, but additional testing is required to confirm the amount of reinforcement required for the social hall to meet current standards for earthquake design.  This testing will be undertaken during completion of the master plan.
• A number of areas of the building interior and exterior need refinishing and renovation.  The most critical areas include: the social hall flooring, kitchen, bathrooms, and office areas; replacement of doors and windows; replacement of the social hall roof; upgrade to the heating and cooling system.
• There are a few “health & safety” issues that should be attended to immediately; these include the heating and cooling system in the FAHS building, ducting connections and egress lighting in the social hall.
• There are significant opportunities to upgrade the buildings’ energy performance during the remodeling process; these include the installation of insulation, a new heating/cooling system for the social hall, and replacement of glass panels.

Future Building Additions:

• There are a number of ways to design additional buildings to enhance the functions and programs, and to resolve inadequacies of the existing spaces.  Future buildings could provide space for:  additional classrooms, additional meeting rooms, improved/expanded office/administrative areas, a sanctuary, and additional support spaces.    The conceptual design for future buildings will be prepared during completion of the master plan, and will be based on the appropriate site design for the campus and a detailed ‘needs assessment’ survey.
• Future new buildings will require the addition of certain site improvements and upgrades to the existing buildings.  The major items include:  a fire sprinkler system, a new electrical service, a new water service line, new site drainage system, and renovation of the parking lot.

 Completion of the Master Plan:

The Planning Task Force and Oversight Group are proposing to complete the UUSS Master Plan in 2011 with the support and assistance of the congregation, committee groups, staff, and consultants.  To accomplish this task, a number of ‘next steps’ have been identified:

• Develop a “program” of phased priorities and a long term ‘needs assessment’.  This will be undertaken through questionnaires, interviews, committee meetings and workshops, and will seek input from the whole congregation.
• Complete the assessment work on the existing building structure and other items identified in the recent report.
• Conduct a pre-application process with the County planning department to confirm detailed requirements for the campus development.
• Prepare a campus master plan that illustrates the phased future development.
• Prepare a preliminary cost estimate for each phase of the plan, and a capital campaign/financing program for the initial phase to be undertaken in 2012-13.