Sustainable Land Development Today - January 2008 - (Page 53) Natuarl Landscapes at Settlers Ridge Trail & Greenway Corridor viduals often prefer a smaller, low maintenance lawn but appreciate the amenities and views of adjacent open space. Even traditional home-buying families are seeing the benefits of reduced time mowing lawns and greater opportunities for their children to explore nature just beyond their backyards. Making it Happen Despite the obvious cost-efficiency and environmental advantages, conservation development is clearly not the norm for new residential projects in most places. One reason is that conventional “cookie-cutter” designs are still accepted and even preferred in most communities’ subdivision and zoning ordinances. Municipal engineers, planners, zoning boards, and plan commissions have developed a comfort level with the familiar. So, while conservation development can create some unique marketing advantages, most developers may be reluctant to fight city hall. However, there are some emerging policies that are pushing for more conservation development. In Illinois, for instance, progressive countywide stormwater ordinances in DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties are now requiring evaluation of innovative land planning and stormwater designs. A growing number of local governments are giving preference to conservation design and even offering incentives such as density bonuses. Kane County has embraced conservation design principles in its “critical growth area“ and has approved conservation development projects like the 1,600+ unit Mill Creek development. The City of Aurora is promoting conservation development through its award winning Countryside Vision Plan. The Village of Homer Glen and City of Woodstock recently adopted conservation development ordinances that identify requirements for preservation of open space and innovative stormwater best-management practices. Cowhey Gudmundson Leder, Ltd. recently completed engineering, wetlands, and natural resources work for Kimball Hill Homes on Settler’s Ridge, a 1,300-acre lifestyle community in Sugar Grove. This community was featured in the fall 2006 Naturally Landscaped Detention Parade of Homes and was designed with national award-winning conservation land planner Randall Arendt and has been labeled “eco-friendly.” Conservation design elements include preserving more than 40 percent of the site as open space, designing stormwater facilities as naturalized lakes and wetlands, and planting native prairie vegetation in much of the open space. The groundwork is being laid for a new direction in land development in northeastern Illinois and elsewhere in the country. Astute developers willing to take up the challenge are advised to assemble a project team experienced in creative conservation design approaches. Land planners must work in concert with engineers, landscape architects, and ecologists to thoroughly evaluate a site’s natural constraints and opportunities. The end product can not only be profitable but can make a positive contribution to a healthy environment and more livable communities. SLDT About the author: Dennis Dreher is Director of Conservation Design for Cowhey Gudmundson Leder, Ltd. SF-RIMA Permeable Concrete Paving Stone System “ Rain water is precious. Federal law mandates that U.S. States control non-point source water pollution with best management practices through the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System. 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