CPTED Checklist-06-08-2020-V1Bulletin #021 – January 1, 2011 Page 1 of 2 k:\Handout \CPTED Instructions
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
(CPTED) Checklist Instructions
This checklist is designed to assist the project proponent in demonstrating how CPTED principles have
been met. This goal can also be met by submitting a written explanation as to how each of the three design
principles of Natural Surveillance, Access Control, and Ownership has been met.
The checklist has been prepared to provide guidance and assistance in regard to the integration of CPTED
principles into proposed project designs. The purpose of the checklist is to assist a project proponent in
identifying and incorporating design strategies that implement the CPTED principles identified in Federal
Way Revised Code (FWRC) 19.115.010.
CPTED principles, performance standards, and strategies are used during project development review to
identify and incorporate design features, which reduce opportunities for criminal activity to occur. The
effectiveness of CPTED is based on the fact that criminals make rational choices about their targets. In
general:
(1) The greater the risk of being seen, challenged, or caught; the less likely they are to commit
a crime.
(2) The greater the effort required, the less likely they are to commit a crime.
(3) The lesser the actual or perceived rewards, the less likely they are to commit a crime.
Through use of CPTED principles, the built environment can be designed and managed to ensure:
(1) There is more chance of being seen, challenged, or caught;
(2) Greater effort is required;
(3) The actual or perceived rewards are less; and
(4) Opportunities for criminal activity are minimized.
CPTED Design Principles
CPTED design principles are functionally grouped into three categories:
(1) Natural Surveillance. This category focuses on strategies to design the built environment in
a manner that promotes visibility of public spaces and areas.
(2) Access Control. This category focuses on the techniques that prevent and/or deter
unauthorized and/or inappropriate access.
(3) Ownership. This category focuses on strategies to reduce the perception of areas as
“ownerless” and therefore available for undesirable uses.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
Bulletin #021 – January 1, 2011 Page 2 of 2 k:\Handout \CPTED Instructions
How to Use This Checklist
This checklist has been prepared to assist in identifying appropriate strategies to incorporate CPTED
design principles into proposed projects in Federal Way. The guidelines included in this checklist expand
on the principles found in FWRC 19.115.010.
It is recommended that the principles be reviewed initially to identify the approaches used to implement
CPTED. Subsequent to this initial review, this checklist should be reviewed to identify additional
strategies that may be applicable for a proposed project. Not all strategies are applicable to all projects. In
addition, the CPTED principles may be addressed through strategies that are not listed.
Checklist Design
The checklist has been organized in the following manner:
Site Plan and Building Permit Review
Certain guidelines and techniques are best applied during different points in the review process. To assist
in facilitating CPTED review, guidelines which are best considered during site plan review are indicated
with a “” symbol. Guidelines that are most appropriately applied during building permit review are
indicated with a “” symbol.
Bulletin #022 – January 1, 2011 Page 1 of 9 k:\Handouts\CPTED Checklist
Crime Prevention Through Environmental
Design (CPTED) Checklist
Directions
Please fill out the checklist to indicate which strategies have been used to implement CPTED principles in
your proposed project. Please check all strategies that are applicable to your project for each of the
numbered guidelines. You may check more than one strategy for each guideline.
Your responses will be evaluated by City Staff, and will be integrated into the Site Plan and/or Building
Permit review process.
Section and
Performance
Standard
Functional Area
Performance Standard
Strategy
Applicable during Site Plan Review
Applicable during Building Permit Review
Evaluation for
Agency Use Only
Section 1.0 Natural Surveillance
1.1 Blind Corners
Avoid blind corners in pathways and parking lots.
__Conforms
__Revise
__NA
Comments:
Pathways should be direct. All barriers along pathways should
be permeable (see through) including landscaping, fencing etc.
Consider the installation of mirrors to allow users to see ahead
of them and around corners.
Other strategy used:_________________________
_________________________________________
__________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
1.2 Site and Building Layout
Allow natural observation from the street to the use, from the
use to the street, and between uses
__Conforms
__Revise
__NA
Comments:
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
Bulletin #022 – January 1, 2011 Page 2 of 9 k:\Handouts\CPTED Checklist
Section and
Performance
Standard
Functional Area
Performance Standard
Strategy
Applicable during Site Plan Review
Applicable during Building Permit Review
Evaluation for
Agency Use Only
Orient the main entrance towards the street or both streets on
corners.
For Non-Single
Family
Development
Position habitable rooms with windows at the front of the
dwelling.
Access to dwellings or other uses above commercial/ retail
development should not be from the rear of the building.
Offset windows, doorways and balconies to allow for natural
observation while protecting privacy.
Locate main entrances/exits at the front of the site and in view
of the street.
If employee entrances must be separated from the main
entrance, they should maximize opportunities for natural
surveillance from the street.
For Commercial/
Retail/ Industrial
and Community
Facilities
In industrial developments, administration/offices should be
located at the front of the building.
Avoid large expanses of parking. Where large expanses of
parking are proposed, provide surveillance such as security
cameras.
For Surface
Parking and
Parking
Structures
Access to elevators, stairwells and pedestrian pathways should
be clearly visible from an adjacent parking area.
Avoid hidden recesses.
Locate parking areas in locations that can be observed by
adjoining uses.
For Common/
Open Space
Areas
Open spaces shall be clearly designated and situated at
locations that are easily observed by people. Parks, plazas,
common areas, and playgrounds should be placed in the front
of buildings. Shopping centers and other similar uses should
face streets.
Other strategy used:__________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Bulletin #022 – January 1, 2011 Page 3 of 9 k:\Handouts\CPTED Checklist
Section and
Performance
Standard
Functional Area
Performance Standard
Strategy
Applicable during Site Plan Review
Applicable during Building Permit Review
Evaluation for
Agency Use Only
1.3 Common/Open Space Areas and Public On-Site Open
Space
Provide natural surveillance for common/open space areas.
__Conforms
__Revise
__NA
Comments:
Position active uses or habitable rooms with windows adjacent
to main common/open space areas, e.g. playgrounds,
swimming pools, etc., and public on-site open space.
Design and locate dumpster enclosures in a manner which
screens refuse containers but avoids providing opportunities to
hide.
Locate waiting areas and external entries to elevators/stairwells
close to areas of active uses to make them visible from the
building entry.
Locate seating in areas of active uses.
Other strategy used:_________________________
_________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
1.4 Entrances
Provide entries that are clearly visible.
__Conforms
__Revise
__NA
Comments:
Design entrances to allow users to see into them before
entering.
Entrances should be clearly identified (Signs must conform to
FWRC 19.140.060. Exempt Signs. (Applicable during
Certificate of Occupancy Inspection).
Other strategy used: _________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
1.5 Fencing
Fence design should maximize natural surveillance from the
street to the building and from the building to the street, and
minimize opportunities for intruders to hide.
__Conforms
__Revise
__NA
Comments:
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Section and
Performance
Standard
Functional Area
Performance Standard
Strategy
Applicable during Site Plan Review
Applicable during Building Permit Review
Evaluation for
Agency Use Only
Front fences should be predominantly open in design, e.g.
pickets or wrought iron, or low in height.
Design high solid front fences in a manner that incorporates
open elements to allow visibility above the height of five feet.
If noise insulation is required, install double-glazing at the
front of the building rather than solid fences higher than five
feet.
Other strategy used:__________________________
_________________________________________
__________________________________________
1.6 Landscaping
Avoid landscaping which obstructs natural surveillance and
allows intruders to hide.
__Conforms
__Revise
__NA
Comments:
Trees with dense low growth foliage should be spaced or their
crown should be raised to avoid a continuous barrier.
Use low groundcover, shrubs a minimum of 24 inches in
height, or high-canopied trees (clean trimmed to a height of
eight feet) around children’s play areas, parking areas, and
along pedestrian pathways.
Avoid vegetation that conceals the building entrance from the
street.
Other strategy used: _________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
1.7 Exterior Lighting
Provide exterior lighting that enhances natural surveillance.
(Refer to FWRC 19.115.050(7)(a) for specific lighting
requirements.)
__Conforms
__Revise
__NA
Comments:
Prepare a lighting plan in accordance with Illuminating
Engineering Society of America (IESA) Standards, which
addresses project lighting in a comprehensive manner. Select a
lighting approach that is consistent with local conditions and
crime problems.
Bulletin #022 – January 1, 2011 Page 5 of 9 k:\Handouts\CPTED Checklist
Section and
Performance
Standard
Functional Area
Performance Standard
Strategy
Applicable during Site Plan Review
Applicable during Building Permit Review
Evaluation for
Agency Use Only
Locate elevated light fixtures (poles, light standards, etc.) in a
coordinated manner that provides the desired coverage. The
useful ground coverage of an elevated light fixture is roughly
twice its height.
For areas intended to be used at night, ensure that lighting
supports visibility. Where lighting is placed at a lower height to
support visibility for pedestrians, ensure that it is vandal-
resistant.
Ensure inset or modulated spaces on a building facade,
access/egress routes, and signage is well lit.
In areas used by pedestrians, ensure that lighting shines on
pedestrian pathways and possible entrapment spaces.
Place lighting to take into account vegetation, in its current and
mature form, as well as any other element that may have the
potential for blocking light.
Avoid lighting of areas not intended for nighttime use to avoid
giving a false impression of use or safety. If danger spots are
usually vacant at night, avoid lighting them and close them off
to pedestrians.
Select and light “safe routes” so that these become the focus of
legitimate pedestrian activity after dark.
Avoid climbing opportunities by locating light standards and
electrical equipment away from walls or low buildings.
Use photoelectric rather than time switches for exterior
lighting.
In projects that will be used primarily by older people
(retirement homes, congregate care facilities, senior and/ or
community centers, etc.) provide higher levels of brightness in
public/common areas.
Other strategy used:_________________________
_________________________________________
__________________________________________
1.8 Mix of Uses
In mixed use buildings increase opportunities for natural
surveillance, while protecting privacy.
__Conforms
__Revise
__NA
Comments:
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Section and
Performance
Standard
Functional Area
Performance Standard
Strategy
Applicable during Site Plan Review
Applicable during Building Permit Review
Evaluation for
Agency Use Only
Where allowed by city code, locate shops and businesses on
lower floors and residences on upper floors. In this way,
residents can observe the businesses after hours while the
residences can be observed by the businesses during business
hours.
Include food kiosks, restaurants, etc. within parks and parking
structures.
Other strategy: used__________________________
_________________________________________
__________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
1.9 Security Bars, Shutters, and Doors
When used and permitted by building and fire codes, security
bars, shutters, and doors should allow observation of the street
and be consistent with the architectural style of the building.
__Conforms
__Revise
__NA
Comments:
Security bars and security doors should be visually permeable
(see-through).
Other strategy used:__________________________
_________________________________________
__________________________________________
Section and
Performance
Standard
Functional Area
Performance Standard
Strategy
Applicable during Site Plan Review
Applicable during Building Permit Review
Evaluation for
Agency Use Only
Section 2.0 Access Control
2.1 Building Identification
Ensure buildings are clearly identified by street number to
prevent unintended access and to assist persons trying to find
the building. Identification signs must conform to FWRC
19.140.060. Exempt Signs.
__Conforms
__Revise
__NA
Comments:
Street numbers should be plainly visible and legible from the
street or road fronting the property.
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Section and
Performance
Standard
Functional Area
Performance Standard
Strategy
Applicable during Site Plan Review
Applicable during Building Permit Review
Evaluation for
Agency Use Only
In residential uses, each individual unit should be clearly
numbered. In multiple building complexes, each building entry
should clearly state the unit numbers accessed from than entry.
In addition, unit numbers should be provided on each level or
floor.
Street numbers should be made of durable materials, preferably
reflective or luminous, and unobstructed (e.g. by foliage).
For larger projects, provide location maps (fixed plaque
format) and directional signage at public entry points and along
internal public routes of travel.
Other strategy used:__________________________
_________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
2.2 Entrances
Avoid confusion in locating building entrances.
__Conforms
__Revise
__NA
Comments:
Entrances should be easily recognizable through design
features and directional signage. (Signs must conform to
FWRC 19.140.060. Exempt Signs.
Minimize the number of entry points.
Other strategy used:__________________________
_________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
2.3 Landscaping
Use vegetation as barriers to deter unauthorized access.
__Conforms
__Revise
__NA
Comments:
Consider using thorny plants as an effective barrier.
Other strategy used:__________________________
_________________________________________
__________________________________________
2.4 Landscaping Location
Avoid placement of vegetation that would enable access to a
building or to neighboring buildings.
__Conforms
__Revise
__NA
Comments:
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Section and
Performance
Standard
Functional Area
Performance Standard
Strategy
Applicable during Site Plan Review
Applicable during Building Permit Review
Evaluation for
Agency Use Only
Avoid placement of large trees, garages, utility structures,
fences, and gutters next to second story windows or balconies
that could provide a means of access.
Other strategy used:__________________________
_________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
2.5 Security
Reduce opportunities for unauthorized access
__Conforms
__Revise
__NA
Comments:
Consider the use of security hardware and/or human measures
to reduce opportunities for unauthorized access. (Applicable
during Certificate of Occupancy Inspection).
Other strategy used:__________________________
_________________________________________
__________________________________________
_________________________________________
2.6 Signage
Insure that signage is clearly visible, easy to read and simple to
understand [Signs must conform to FWRC 19.140.060. Exempt
Signs].
__Conforms
__Revise
__NA
Comments:
Use strong colors, standard symbols, and simple graphics for
informational signs.
Upon entering the parking area, provide both pedestrians and
drivers with a clear understanding of the direction to stairs,
elevators, and exits.
For Surface
Parking and
Parking
Structures
In multi-level parking areas, use creative signage to distinguish
between floors to enable users to easily locate their cars.
Advise users of security measures that are in place and where
to find them, i.e. security phone or intercom system.
Provide signage in the parking area advising users to lock their
cars.
Bulletin #022 – January 1, 2011 Page 9 of 9 k:\Handouts\CPTED Checklist
Section and
Performance
Standard
Functional Area
Performance Standard
Strategy
Applicable during Site Plan Review
Applicable during Building Permit Review
Evaluation for
Agency Use Only
Where exits are closed after hours, ensure this information is
indicated at the parking area entrance.
Other strategy used:__________________________
_________________________________________
__________________________________________
Section 3.0 Ownership
3.1 Maintenance
Create a “cared for” image
__Conforms
__Revise
__NA
Comments:
Ensure that landscaping is well maintained, as per FWRC
19.125.090, in order to give an impression of ownership, care,
and security. (Ongoing).
Where possible, design multi-unit residential uses such that no
more than six to eight units share a common building entrance.
Other strategy used:__________________________
_________________________________________
__________________________________________
3.2 Materials
Use materials, which reduce the opportunity for vandalism.
__Conforms
__Revise
__NA
Comments:
Consider using strong, wear resistant laminate, impervious
glazed ceramics, treated masonry products, stainless steel
materials, anti-graffiti paints, and clear over sprays to reduce
opportunities for vandalism. Avoid flat or porous finishes in
areas where graffiti is likely to be a problem.
Where large walls are unavoidable, refer to FWRC
19.125.040(21) regarding the use of vegetative screens.
Common area and/or street furniture shall be made of long
wearing vandal resistant materials and secured by sturdy
anchor points, or removed after hours.
Other strategy used:__________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________