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101 <br /> Section IV-B-10-G. DESIGN GUIDELINES <br /> For any given site, resources may vary widely in importance; e.g., a natural area compared to a historic site. <br /> Likewise, for each type of resource, there may be examples of greater or lesser significance; e.g., a notable <br /> example of local vernacular building traditions to a much altered older home. Priorities for conserving such <br /> resources should therefore be based upon a thorough site analysis and an understanding of what is more special, <br /> unique, environmentally sensitive, and/or historic as compared with other similar features or different types of <br /> resources. <br /> In evaluating the layout of lots and open space, the following criteria will be considered as indicating design <br /> appropriate to the site's features and meeting the intent of the Flexible Development standards. Whereas diversity <br /> and originality in lot layout are encouraged, it is recognized that not all objectives may be achieved on a given site. <br /> Each applicant must therefore to achieve the best possible relationship between development and preservation <br /> objectives. <br /> 1. General Guidelines. The following guidelines apply to all Flexible Development projects: <br /> • Protect and preserve all wetlands, <br /> floodplains,and steep slopes from clearing, <br /> grading, filling, or construction except as <br /> may be approved by the Board of - <br /> Commissioners. i <br /> • The shape of the open space shall be •, • <br /> reasonably contiguous, coherently <br /> configured, and shall abut existing or <br /> potential open space on adjacent properties. <br /> Long narrow segments must be avoided <br /> except in the case of trail or stream <br /> corridors, or landscape buffers adjoining • '_'. Woodlands/ . <br /> street rights-of-way and/or neighborhood a Natural r a <br /> boundaries. • <br /> • The pedestrian circulation system shall be _ <br /> designed to assure that pedestrians can ,:; r <br /> walk safely and easily on the site, between <br /> properties and activities or special features <br /> within the neighborhood open space Where forest land or natural areas are to be <br /> system. All roadside footpaths should preserved, locating development in open areas at <br /> connect with off-road trails, and link with the far edge of a field is preferred (Montgomery <br /> existing or potential open space on County Land Preservation District). <br /> adjoining parcels. <br /> • Landscape common areas(neighborhood greens), cul-de-sac islands,and both sides of new streets <br /> with native specie shade trees and flowering shrubs with high wildlife conservation value. <br /> Z. Forest Land/Natural Areas Preservation. Where the goal of the Flexible Development project is to <br /> preserve forest land and/or natural areas and wildlife habitats, the following guidelines apply: <br /> • Dwellings should be located in unwooded parts of the site away from mature forests, natural <br /> areas, and/or wildlife corridors. <br /> • To the greatest extent practicable,development should be designed around existing hedgerows and <br /> treelines between fields or meadows. The impact on larger woodlands(greater than five acres), <br /> especially those containing mature trees, natural areas, and/or wildlife corridors should be <br /> minimized. <br /> Flexible Development 35 <br />