Imperiled Species and Ecological Communities

As recognized in the biological inventory and resource assessment for the site, mule deer utilize habitat in the area. Although, mule deer use the site for movement, browsing, and cover, there is no known direct evidence that deer use the site for migration. The site is heavily impacted by its extensive use of off road motor vehicles. Given this impact, and the proximity to existing residential development, quality deer and wildlife habitat occurs in the extensive areas east of Canyon Springs where deer and wildlife can disperse over greater uninhabited areas east of the Canyon Springs site. According to wildlife assessments conducted in 2008/2009, researchers concluded that it was unlikely that the direct loss of habitat associated with the residential lots of Canyon Springs would be considered a significant impact. It was further recommended that with mitigation measures such as preservation of the drainage corridors as shown on the Canyon Springs map in conjunction with restricted building envelopes, pet control, restrictions on offroad vehicles and habitat enhancement provisions, restrictions on vegetation removal and limitations of fencing, the potential for improving the wildlife habitats in the areas surrounding Glenshire and adjacent properties will be greatly enhanced.

Imperiled Wetland and Water Body Conservation

A variety of natural hydrology and wetland habitat exist on the Canyon Springs site. These areas have been identified, mapped, and the project design has been formulated to avoid these areas. Again, as outlined previously by restricting the use of off-road motor vehicles and providing setbacks from specific drainage areas and establishing a trail system throughout the site, conservation and mitigation of the natural hydrology and water quality of the site will be preserved and enhanced. With these provisions, the current erosion and impacts on existing drainage courses due to the heavy use of off-road vehicles and unmanaged trespassing of the site will be significantly reduced.

Floodplain Avoidance

Floodplains throughout the site have been identified and mapped. These areas will not be disturbed. As evidenced in the open space calculation, more than 60% of the site will remain as open space and will be significantly enhanced by use restrictions implemented by the Canyon Springs property owners association. The effective management of this open space will reduce the erosion that is currently occurring by applying restrictions and the specific identification of hydrologic resource systems throughout the site work together to promote open space and habitat conservation.

Steep Slope Protection

Existing slopes on the Canyon Springs site in excess of 20% have been plotted on the Environmental Constraints Map. All slopes in excess of 30% have been restricted from any site disturbance and are also plotted on the map. These steep slope areas (greater than 30%) will not be disturbed, nor will new types of grasses or landscaping material be introduced. In essence, these areas will remain undisturbed in their natural vegetative state.

Minimizing Site Disturbance

The project by its design will minimize disturbance of natural areas. As indicated on the environmental constraints map, more than 68% of the site will remain undeveloped as open space. Each of the individual lots will have restricted building envelope areas. Development outside these envelope areas will be restricted to maintaining natural vegetation and tree cover.

Site Considerations and Grading

• The long axis of the home and principle building masses should be oriented parallel to existing contours when possible.
• Homes built on sloping sites should utilize stepped foundations and fragmented roof forms to mirror the flow of the natural topography. Building design shall adapt to the existing site topography. Massing or pad grading shall be avoided.
• Existing features such as rock outcroppings and trees should be protected when feasible and integrated into the design of the home.
• All cuts and fills should create smooth transitions at the top and bottom of slopes to appear as extensions of the natural landform. Grading designs should protect and retain as many existing trees and rock outcroppings as possible.
• Slopes should generally not exceed 2:1. Slopes in excess of 2:1 may be considered provided the stabilization treatment and design is consistent with the overall Guidelines of this section.
• Cut/fill slopes shall be re-vegetated with appropriate plantings.

Solar Orientation

The provisions in the design guidelines will require that each individual homeowner will go through a design review concept process that requires the designer to orient the structure to take advantage of passive solar lighting. Homeowners will be encouraged to use photometric solar energy equipment and homes to be designed to take advantage of driveway and sidewalks on the site to allow for southern and western exposure to reduce ice and snow build up, snow plowing and snow removal activities. The use of upfront design restrictions to encourage solar energy conservation measures are the most effective way to incorporate solar and energy efficient designs into the working framework of new residential development.

Skylights and Solar Panels

• Skylights and solar panels are encouraged because they offer energy savings through natural daylight and solar heat gain. Layout, location, size and configuration of skylights and solar panels are to fit with the design and proportions of the building and roof forms. They are to be designed in a manner that avoids random patterns or interrupts the visual continuity of the roof.
• Skylights and solar panels shall be integrated into the design of the residences and be located, detailed and/or screened so that reflections from their surfaces shall not be visible from off-site when possible.