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27 <br /> Section F EVALUATION CRITERIA <br /> For any given site, resources may vary widely in importance; e.g., a natural area <br /> compared to a historic site. Likewise, for each type of resource, there may be <br /> examples of greater or lesser significance; e.g., a notable example of local <br /> vernacular building traditions compared to a much altered older home. Priorities <br /> for conserving such resources should therefore be based upon a thorough site <br /> analysis and an understanding of what is more special, unique, noteworthy, <br /> environmentally sensitive, and/or historic as compared with other similar features <br /> or different types of resources. <br /> In evaluating the layout of lots and open space, the following criteria will be <br /> considered as indicating design appropriate to the site's features and meeting <br /> the intent of the Flexible Development standards. Whereas diversity and <br /> originality in lot layout are encouraged, it is recognized that not all objectives may <br /> be achieved on a given site. Each applicant must therefore to achieve the best <br /> possible relationship between development and preservation objectives. <br /> FA General Criteria <br /> The following criteria apply to all Flexible Development projects: <br /> • The shape of the open space shall be reasonably contiguous, coherently <br /> configured, and shall abut existing or potential open space on adjacent <br /> properties. Long narrow segments must be avoided except in the case of <br /> trail or stream corridors, or landscape buffers adjoining street rights-of- <br /> way and/or neighborhood boundaries. <br /> • The pedestrian circulation system shall be designed to assure that <br /> pedestrians can walk safely and easily on the site, between properties <br /> and activities or special features within the neighborhood open space <br /> system. All roadside footpaths should connect with off-road trails, and link <br /> with existing or potential open space on adjoining parcels. <br /> • Protect and preserve all wetlands, floodplains, and steep slopes from <br /> clearing, grading, filling, or construction except as may be approved by <br /> the Board of Commissioners. <br /> g:\subregs\IV-B-1 0.new <br />