Agenda - 04-01-1996 - IX-D - Laserfiche WebLink

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30 Section F EVALUATION CRITERIA For any given site, resources may vary widely in importance; e.g., a natural area compared to a historic site. Likewise, for each type of resource, there may be examples of greater or lesser significance; e.g., a notable example of local vernacular building traditions compared to a much altered older home. Priorities for conserving such resources should therefore be based upon a thorough site analysis and an understanding of what is more special, unique, noteworthy, environmentally sensitive, and/or historic as compared with other similar features or different types of resources. In evaluating the layout of lots and open space, the following criteria will be considered as indicating design appropriate to the site's features and meeting the intent of the Flexible Development standards. Whereas diversity and originality in lot layout are encouraged, it is recognized that not all objectives may be achieved on a given site. Each applicant must therefore to achieve the best possible relationship between development and preservation objectives. F.1 General Criteria The following criteria apply to 411 Flexible Development projects: • The shape of the open space shall be reasonably contiguous, coherently configured, and shall abut existing or potential open space on adjacent properties. Long narrow segments must be avoided except in the case of trail or stream corridors, or landscape buffers adjoining street rights-of-way and/or neighborhood boundaries. • The pedestrian circulation system shall be designed to assure that pedestrians can walk safely and easily on the site, between properties and activities or special features within the neighborhood open space system. All roadside footpaths should connect with off-road trails, and link with existing or potential open space on adjoining parcels. • Protect and preserve all wetlands, floodplains, and steep slopes from clearing, grading, filling, or construction except as may be approved by the Board of Commissioners. • Landscape common areas (neighborhood greens), cul-de-sac islands, and both sides of new streets with native specie shade trees and flowering shrubs with high wildlife conservation value. F.2 Forest Land/Natural Areas Conservation Where the goal of the Flexible Development project is to conserve forest land and/or natural areas and wildlife habitats,the following criteria apply: • Dwellings should be located in unwooded parts of the site away from mature forests, natural areas, and/or wildlife corridors.