LEED v4
Neighborhood Development Plan
Smart location & linkages
Steep slope protection

ND-Plan-v4 SLLc6: Steep slope protection

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Credit language

USGBC logo

© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.

Requirements

The following requirements apply to projects sites that have slopes greater than 15%. Ensure that the share of the development footprint on existing slopes less than 15% is greater than the share of the project site with existing slopes greater than 15%. On any existing, previously developed slopes steeper than 15%, restore the slope area with native plants or noninvasive adapted plants, according to Table 1. In addition, on any existing, undeveloped slopes steeper than 15%, limit the development area according to Table 1.

Table 1. Required restoration and protection areas of slope

Slope

Previously developed slopes:
% of area to be restored

Undeveloped slopes:
% of area permitted for development

> 40%

100%

No development permitted

26% to 40%

60%

40%

>15% to 25%

40%

60%

For undeveloped slopes steeper than 40%, do not disturb portions of the project site within 50 feet (15 meters) horizontally of the top of the slope and 75 feet (23 meters) horizontally from the toe of the slope. Develop covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs), development agreements, or other binding documents that will protect all steep slopes in perpetuity. See all forum discussions about this credit »

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Credit language

USGBC logo

© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.

Requirements

The following requirements apply to projects sites that have slopes greater than 15%. Ensure that the share of the development footprint on existing slopes less than 15% is greater than the share of the project site with existing slopes greater than 15%. On any existing, previously developed slopes steeper than 15%, restore the slope area with native plants or noninvasive adapted plants, according to Table 1. In addition, on any existing, undeveloped slopes steeper than 15%, limit the development area according to Table 1.

Table 1. Required restoration and protection areas of slope

Slope

Previously developed slopes:
% of area to be restored

Undeveloped slopes:
% of area permitted for development

> 40%

100%

No development permitted

26% to 40%

60%

40%

>15% to 25%

40%

60%

For undeveloped slopes steeper than 40%, do not disturb portions of the project site within 50 feet (15 meters) horizontally of the top of the slope and 75 feet (23 meters) horizontally from the toe of the slope. Develop covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs), development agreements, or other binding documents that will protect all steep slopes in perpetuity. See all forum discussions about this credit »