LANDSCAPE PLANNING
Minimize site disturbance and surface grading
by following the contours of the land and by
locating facilities near existing roads and
utilities.
Minimize clearing of native vegetation.
Minimize construction of new roads and parking.
Avoid building in sensitive wildlife or riparian
areas.
Consider climate, solar orientation, and
prevailing winds when siting buildings.
Consider wildfire potential when setting clearing
limits around buildings and when selecting
vegetation for planting.
Landscape with native plants to reduce
maintenance while enhancing wildlife habitat.
Minimize the use of irrigation systems.
Where needed, use drip or other point-of-use
irrigation systems and consider temporary
systems to establish plants only.
Where landscape plants must be watered,
grade surface terrain to harvest runoff.
Figures of Energy Cost reduction using Building Features and Vegetation:
Length and placement of a fixed roof
overhang determines amount of
natural light entering a window at different
seasons or times of day.
south side of a building will help
reduce summer solar gain while
allowing solar heating in the winter.