"Site Selection and Planning Checklist"

(note..23mar04...this is a sketch outline of subjects for consideration in selection of a home site...text is still awaiting development...many specific subjects are dealt with elsewhere in the resource files and reports)

Regional Selections

counties w/o codes- Delta, Montezuma, Dolores, Saguache

building official friendly places

hotbeds of sustainable building-North Fork, SanLuis Valley, Rico/Dolores

climate

rainfall-varies regionally from 7-36 inches / year

Site Planning/Development

Clustered Development planning- leave the open spaces open

Damaged Land-consider buying and restoring an abused piece of land

"Prostainability" - develope systems which restore or repair the environment

ripairian corridors-80% of wildlife needs that 5% of Colorado along waterways

flood plains-get the maps at your county building dept and pay attention

conservation easements-contact local land conservancies for advice

site drainage

soil stability

underground water

Feng Shui considerations- an ancient Chinese philosophy of design

Geomancy- subtle energy considerations for site planning

EMF considerations-electro magnetic fields..power lines, easements

Site Utilities

elect

water

sewer

communications

Clay/adobe soil- is it good for building?

Growability

Shading

Solar Access-avoid north facing slopes- map your solar tracks

View Corridors- respect what other people see

View impacts- no ridgline or hilltop buildings

Wind Characteristics- they determine a lot of your energy needs

Micro Climates-where are they on your land...only living there will tell

TDR's-transferable development rights...ask your county planner

County/ City zoning regualtions-learn them early in your planning

Setbacks/ development stds

Owners Covenants

Agriculture-

Landscaping-xeriscaping

Habitat Restoration

Ponding-a source of heating/cooling as well as habitat

Site based heating and cooling

Access/ snow maintenance

Live on it for a year...three's even better...before you start to design or build