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II <br /> II , <br /> N A T U R A L E N V I R O N M E N T <br /> This element addresses features of the natural environment that affect <br /> development: soil types , slopes , waterways and floodplains , vegetation . <br /> Some of these natural features act as constraints to growth -- that is , <br /> there are areas' where development should not take place or take place at <br /> low densities , because of natural features . Natural features can also <br /> affect development in a positive way -- indicating areas that are most <br /> suitable for development activity . <br /> Phys i oaraahi c Features, <br /> Physical characteristics of the natural environment are the starting <br /> point for preparation of this Land Use Plan . The basic approach is to <br /> assess the relative suitability of Land for development as a first step , <br /> and then introduce other considerations . <br /> Physiographic characteristics considered in the preparation of the Land <br /> Use Plan are include topography (degree of slope) , slope orientation <br /> ( southern or northern) , existing vegetative cover, and soil stability . <br /> Decree of Slope : Slope can affect development intensity. Degree of <br /> slope is measured in percentages : number of feet up or down for each <br /> horizontal foot . A slope of 45 is a 100% slope. The greater the <br /> percentage, the steeper the slope . <br /> Slopes have been grouped into three categories : Less than 7 .5%, <br /> between 7 .5 and 15%, and greater than 15%. Land with slopes in the <br /> first category are most suited for intense development , but constraints <br /> can be present (particularly where slopes are Less than one percent and <br /> drainage is slow) . Land with slopes above 15% are most difficult to <br /> develop due to 'Increased construction costs and the potential for <br /> increased erosion and flooding . Such Lands are more suited for <br /> conservation and, open space purposes . <br /> Slope Orientation : The orientation of ground surfaces with respect to <br /> the sun is indicative of relative suitability for solar access . South— <br /> facing or southeastern slopes are better suited for such access <br /> should be considered relatively more suited for intense development . and <br /> Vegetative Cover: Vegetation provides important benefits in urban and <br /> rural settings. Principal among them are moderation of winds and <br /> storms , flood and erosion reduction , moderation of temperature extremes , <br /> and buffering more intensive land uses from less intensive ones . Three <br /> categories of vegetative cover have been employed in preparation of the <br /> Land Use Plan : wetlands , woodlands , and cleared areas . Cleared areas <br /> are most suited for development , while wetlands should be earmarked for <br /> preservation . <br />