The general intent of these guidelines is to illustrate various design elements which should be considered by prospective developers. These guidelines set out the intended character and theme of all development on the lands. They are not intended to be exhaustive; other imaginative design solutions are encouraged provided they meet the general design intent. Each design will be reviewed in the context of surrounding development, and the specific design objectives for the lands.

The following guidelines apply within the Intensive Residential DPA:

SITE PLANNING AND BUILDING DESIGN

• (a) Buildings should use layout, orientation, window placement, vegetation and landscape screening to provide visual privacy between neighbouring buildings and properties.
• (b) Front parcel line dimensions may be varied to permit subdivisions resulting in the creation of at least one employee-restricted parcel.
• (c) Setback requirements may be varied in response to site conditions, for example to preserve vegetation, grades and views, or to optimize solar access.
• (d) Any variances to front parcel width and setbacks should consider potential impacts on adjacent properties including views and solar access.
• (e) Buildings and landscaping should be sensitively located and designed to minimize disturbance to natural topography, hydrology and existing vegetation. For example, on steeper sites, the building mass can be modulated and stepped down natural slopes to minimize grading and excavation.
• (f) Site design should include adequate snow storage areas.
• (g) Surface parking areas, driveways and garages should be designed to minimize their visual impact on the streetscape. Shared driveways are encouraged for adjacent parcels to reduce driveway width at street.
• (h) Roof designs which incorporate evolving technology and best practices for stormwater management and energy systems are encouraged.

LANDSCAPING

• (a) Wherever possible, mature trees and significant specimens should be preserved and integrated with new landscaping for disturbed areas.
• (b) Landscape designs should preserve existing native vegetation where appropriate, or use plants suited to the local climate, to minimize irrigation requirements.