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Conservation Design Sketch Plan and Plat Review Guide
Design Process
Developer should be asked to show this analysis at the sketch plat stage of review:
Step 1: Identify primary and secondary conservation areas and an open space conservation theme
Step 2: Locate potential building sites
Step 3: Align road and trail network
Step 4: Draw the lot lines
Yes |
No |
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Did the developer work with local land conservation organizations and trail organizations to plan and design open spaces, greenways and potential offsite linkages, and can they provide documentation from the organization(s)? |
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Are there significant natural features on or adjacent to the property and/or adjacent public open spaces? |
 
| Design Review - Does the Design: |
Yes |
No |
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Cluster residential development to protect sensitive areas and designated open space? |
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Build around and take advantage of the natural features of the development site, thereby creating an open space network composed of large contiguous areas that minimize habitat fragmentation? |
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Link nearby natural areas via greenways and incorporate appropriate buffers for highly sensitive areas (100’ minimum)? |
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Protect natural drainage and water storage features such as moisture-retentive (hydric) soils, natural depressions, and drainage ways? |
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Minimize alteration of native vegetation and soils? |
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Protect a diversity of native trees as part of the site design? |
How many building lots are adjacent to protected open space?
(fewer neighbors are better from a conservation and ecological management perspective) |
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| What percentage of designated open space is included: |
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Remnant natural areas, natural area buffers, and restored natural landscape zones? |
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Stormwater management facilities? |
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Required perimeter buffers? |
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Outlots that will be owned in common?
(from a conservation and ecological management standpoint, common ownership is more effective than multiple private owners) |
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How many individual parcels comprise the open space?
(fewer parcels is better from a conservation and ecological management standpoint) |
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| Review of site development plans (engineering) - Will the developer: |
Yes |
No |
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Utilize native vegetation as the dominant landscaping approach in lieu of turf grass and non-native ornamental plants, particularly in areas impacted by stormwater facilities, buffer zones, greenways, and common open spaces not intended for active recreational use? |
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Minimize impervious surface areas—for example, by reducing street widths and parking lot sizes—to reduce stormwater runoff and avoid disruptions to the replenishment of groundwater? |
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Minimize unnecessary mass grading and soil compaction. |
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Protect remnant woodlands, savannas, and isolated native trees as part of the site development process? |
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