Environmentally Sensitive Area

This guide summarizes conservation design and reviews case examples of conservation subdivision design projects. It introduces special features and conventional subdivision design, then it reviews the context for conservation design projects, including protecting networks and enacting ordinances that preserve open space. Then it outlines a four-step process to design for conservation, including identifying conservation areas, locating house sites, aligning streets and trails, and finally drawing in lot lines. Part two of the document looks at conservation design examples in Virginia and Maryland, featuring site plans and images of sensitive areas.