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Designing Low-Density Developments
Site assessment and thoughtful, quality design are critical to successful integration of low-density housing within the predominantly rural ten-county region. Low-density residential development design and location should accommodate a site’s topography, natural features, and sensitive areas. Structures should also be clustered whenever possible to minimize their environmental and aesthetic impact on surrounding areas. Local jurisdictions are encouraged to promote development patterns and revise zoning ordinances to facilitate developments which complement the rural visual character and protect natural resources.
Incorporating the following guidelines can assist in the formation of new or improvement of existing low-density developments: site assessment, access management, building placement, landscaping, roadways, and signage. For detailed information on specific techniques refer to the Critical Design Practices section.
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Site Assessment
Conduct a site inventory and analysis, including a soil survey, to determine a parcel’s most valuable natural resources and the portions of the site which should be preserved. Refer to Critical Design Practices: Natural Resources Protection for additional information.
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Building Placement
Locate buildings on the portion of the site with the least visual or environmental value, as well as below prominent ridge and tree lines. Existing rural structures and features (e.g., farm buildings and fencing of historic or architectural significance) should be preserved where feasible. Establish build-to lines – with larger variation than commonly allowed in areas of greater density – to enhance rural streetscapes. Refer to Critical Design Practices: Building Orientation, Building Compatibility, and Building Revitalization & Reuse for additional information.
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Landscaping & Natural Features
Retain existing natural features (e.g., hills, fields, streams) and vegetation – especially along ridgelines and road corridors – to enhance a site’s environmental and market value. Limit pre-construction clearing, protect vegetation during construction, and incorporate low-maintenance and native/naturalized vegetation in landscaping following construction. Require buffering, screening, and landscaping between roadways and developed areas. Refer to Critical Design Practices: Landscaping and Stormwater Control & Detention for additional information.
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Lighting
Preserve rural character and dark skies by minimizing outdoor lighting. Refer to Critical Design Practices: Site Lighting for specific information.
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Signage
Require appropriately scaled signs and minimize gateway and other on-site development identification signs to maintain a consistent rural character. Refer to Critical Design Practices: Sign Design & Placement for additional information.
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Roadways
Promote narrower street widths, especially in cluster developments, and encourage connections between developments to facilitate pedestrian and vehicular circulation. Refer to Critical Design Practices: Site Access and Roadways for additional information.
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Concrete strip driveway
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Access & Parking
Using gravel, brick, concrete strips, or other pervious surfaces can aid in the reduction of stormwater runoff. Combined driveways also reduce the amount of paved area, as well as enhance safety and aesthetics by minimizing curb-cuts (i.e., driveways, access points). Refer to Critical Design Practices: Site Access and Parking for additional information.
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