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Development Areas
The purpose of the Development Areas map, like ridges/shoulders. Development is not recommended
the Slope Analysis map, is to identify the areas that within significant arroyos or on the tops of large hills,
are best suited for development. The Development except for hilltops suitable for special uses with views
Areas map guides the selection of land uses that are such as a restaurant. These natural features are
most appropriate for the different slope zones of the retained as visual and physical amenities that enhance
site, and also guides the placement of roads. It also the character and appeal of the project. However, there
determines the best natural areas for preservation, is flexibility to develop within these areas, and therefore
such as significant hills and arroyos. This information is the development area boundaries are not fixed. The
shown on the Master Plan, and also guides detailed site following are exceptions that can allow for development
planning later in the process. in these areas.

The development areas map is a simplification of the Small areas (islands) of >30%, which include smaller
slope analysis. It creates one category for development drainage courses and hills. These areas have less
called “development areas” (yellow areas), with one resource value and can be easily graded and altered to
generalized slope range of 0-30%. These areas are best accommodate development.
suited for development because they are the flattest
and easiest to construct using graded pads and retaining Transition areas at the top edges of arroyos, and at the
walls, and acceptable road grades, compared with base of hills and ridges/shoulders.
slopes 30% and greater. Within the areas of 0-30%, Expansion into preservation areas if it enhances or
the slope pitch (angle) varies and is shown on the map. improves the development program.
This variation is used to guide the types of land uses
proposed. Another important consideration is the direction of the
slope, which is shown on the Development Areas map.
Some land uses are best suited for flatter slopes of This affects the design of gravity infrastructure systems
0-15% (gentle), with minimal changes in the elevation such as sewers and storm drains, and also the quality
of the site. These uses include retail and service of views. For example, land that slopes toward the
commercial, restaurants, entertainment, hotels, ocean or significant arroyos can accommodate terraced
churches, medical buildings, offices, industrial, and housing with high-quality views.
large residential lots that require large flat pads. The
following features limit the ability of these uses to
adapt to steeper slopes: larger building floor areas,
parking lots and structures, large plazas and courtyards,
pedestrian walkways and access, service and delivery
areas and driveways, connections between buildings,
and heavier and more complex foundations. There
is some ability for these uses to incorporate grade-
adaptive techniques, however functionality and building
costs must be evaluated.
Other land uses are flexible and are suited for both
flatter slopes and slopes of 15-30% (moderate to
steep). These uses are mostly residential, and specific
types include custom and hillside residential lots such
as split-level and uphill and downhill homes, small
residential lots, villas, and attached homes such as
townhomes and cascading apartments. These uses are
able to incorporate grade-adaptive techniques. Also,
slopes of 15-30% can be altered to create large flat
pads. However, this requires more grading with higher
manufactured slopes and/or higher retaining walls. The
cost of this type of construction program may not be
feasible and must be evaluated.
Slope areas of 30% and greater (very steep) include the
steep sides of arroyos, small drainage courses, hills, and

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