Assess site characteristics, such as general site context and surrounding land uses; geology and soil; topography; climate; ecology; existing vegetation, structures, and road networks; visual features; and past and present use of the site.

Base the design of the development on the site analysis. Locate development to the maximum extent practical to preserve the natural features of the site, to preserve areas of environmental sensitivity, and to minimize negative impacts and alteration of natural features and to create an appropriate design relationship to surrounding uses.

Design and arrange streets, lots, parking areas, buildings, and units to reduce unnecessary impervious cover, and to mitigate adverse effects of shadow, noise, odor, traffic, transportation, drainage, and utilities on neighboring properties.

Consider all existing local and regional plans for the surrounding community.

Design storm drainage facilities as an integral part of the development, and arrange the design to use as much of the natural drainage as possible.

Design lots and sites to reduce cut and fill, and to avoid flooding and adversely affecting groundwater and aquifer recharge; and provide for sewage disposal and adequate access.

Residential developments may be arranged as permitted by the zone district regulations. Consider topography, privacy, building heights, orientation, drainage, and aesthetics in placement of units. Provide units with private outdoor space where appropriate and practical.

Space buildings so that adequate privacy is provided for units.

Design nonresidential and industrial developments according to the same principles governing design of residential developments; locate buildings based on topography; avoid to the maximum extent practical environmentally sensitive areas; consider factors such as drainage, noise, odor and surrounding land uses in citing buildings; buffer where adverse impacts exist.

Design the street system to permit the safe, efficient, and orderly movement of traffic.

In addition, design the street system to meet the following objectives: to meet but not exceed the needs of the present and future population served; to have a simple and logical pattern; to respect natural features and topography; and to present an attractive streetscape.

Design streets in a hierarchical system (see Section 30-9 of this chapter).

Locate pedestrian walkways parallel to the street, but permit exceptions to preserve topographical or natural features, or to provide visual interest or for ease of circulation.

Where separate bicycle paths are required by the master plan, design those for commuters so that they are reasonably direct. Design recreational paths to follow scenic routes, with points of interest highlighted.

Within commercial areas cross connections and cross easements among properties should be provided to allow for ease of vehicular and pedestrian access.

Provide landscaping in public areas, on recreation sites, and adjacent to buildings to screen parking areas, mitigate adverse impacts, and provide windbreaks for winter winds and summer cooling for buildings, streets, and parking.

Select the plant or other landscaping material that will best serve the intended function, and use landscaping materials, appropriate for local soil conditions, water availability, and environment.

Vary the type and amount of landscaping with type of development, and accent site entrance with special landscaping treatment.

Consider massing trees at critical points rather than in a straight line at predetermined intervals along streets.

Consider the impact of any proposed landscaping plan at various time intervals. Shrubs may grow and eventually block sight distances. Foundation plants may block out building windows.

Building design should enhance the visual pattern of the surrounding community by promoting visual harmony and utilizing transitions between new and older buildings.

New buildings should strength particular design features of the area by, for example, framing views, enclosing open space, or continuing particular design features or statements.

The height and bulk of new buildings should be compatible with the planned scale of surrounding development.