By responding to the larger contexts of neighborhood, topography, natural features, circulation, existing structures, view corridors, water elements, skylines, and open spaces, the possibilities inherent in the site become visible. The act of creating "place" begins with affirming what is already good and special about a site and introducing nothing onto the site that destroys that quality.
1. 
The site plan, building design and landscaping of new development should achieve high quality and appearance that will enhance, and be compatible with, the character of the surrounding area.
2. 
Significant site features such as natural ground forms, large rock outcroppings, vegetation, water and significant view corridors should be identified and incorporated into new development.
3. 
The design of outdoor spaces should recognize and incorporate views, climate, solar angles, and the nature of outdoor activities that could occur in conjunction with the project.
4. 
Where identified as appropriate, new and existing development should include public plazas, courtyards, landscaping and similar amenities or public assembly areas that are accessible and visible from the street. Such amenities should be provided in scale appropriate to the size and location of the project.
5. 
Phased projects should be designed to the greatest degree possible so that each phase, in and of itself, is complete in functional, visual, traffic, parking, drainage and landscape aspects.
1. 
Site planning and design of projects proposed adjacent to dissimilar land uses should carefully address any potential undesirable impacts on existing uses.
2. 
Project sites that are impacted by excess noise from the surrounding area or that would create an excessive noise impact on adjacent properties should use both site planning and architectural solutions to minimize impacts.
3. 
Where adjacent uses are determined to be incompatible, it is strongly recommended that a significant buffer zone be established which includes well-designed, large-scale, densely planted landscape elements, which diminish the impact on the neighborhood. Commercial developments should be screened from residential zones. (See also Article IX in the Zoning Ordinance.[1])
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 405, Zoning.
1. 
Abrupt or unnatural appearing grading [changes of grade of over fifty percent (50%) from top to bottom] is strongly discouraged. Grading on new project sites should blend, as possible, with the contours of adjacent properties.
2. 
The height and length of retaining walls should be minimized and should be screened with appropriate landscaping. Retaining walls should incorporate design elements of other architectural or natural features of the project.
3. 
Wood retaining walls and smooth faced concrete retaining walls are generally discouraged regardless of height.
4. 
Terracing should be considered as an alternative to the use of tall or prominent retaining walls, particularly in highly visible areas on hillsides.
5. 
Grading under a drip line of protected trees is strongly discouraged, in order to prevent soil compaction and significant root damage.
Drainage issues are primarily reviewed by the Planning Board according to principles laid out in the Subdivision Regulations, which primarily regulate this subject.[1] The following are additional guidelines:
1. 
Drainage from rooftops or other impermeable surfaces should not be conveyed into planter areas that are surrounded by hard surfaces without a drain inlet.
2. 
Drainage should not be conveyed within the drip line of any tree on the site that will be retained.
3. 
Drainage from landscape areas should be properly conveyed and contained and should not drain freely across sidewalks, landscape and building faces.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 236, Land Development and Subdivision Regulations.
Reference is made to the Zoning Ordinance, Articles III, VII, and IX, which primarily regulate this subject.[1] The following are additional guidelines:
1. 
Circulation patterns should be as obvious and simple as possible. All likely pedestrian routes should be considered in the design phase to eliminate "short cuts" which may damage the landscape areas.
2. 
Every effort should be made to provide pedestrian routes and bike paths to adjacent neighborhoods.
3. 
Circulation systems should be designed to avoid conflicts between vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Pedestrian circulation should take precedence over vehicular circulation, especially near buildings.
4. 
Redundant circulation that unnecessarily reduces the amount of site available for landscaped areas should be minimized.
5. 
New driveways and parking facilities should be sited either immediately opposite street intersections or well away from them. The number of driveways should be minimized, but should always meet the requirements of emergency service vehicles.
6. 
The number and width of curb cuts must be minimized, consistent with the Traffic Sensitive District regulations in the Zoning Ordinance.[2] A wider curb cut may be appropriate on a higher speed street.
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 405, Zoning, Art. III, Sec. G, Traffic Sensitive Overlay District.
7. 
Where pedestrian circulation crosses vehicular routes, a change in grade, materials, textures or colors is encouraged to emphasize the conflict point and improve its visibility and safety.
8. 
Circulation routes should focus upon main entries and exits and also identify secondary access points.
9. 
All elements of the site design must accommodate access requirements of emergency vehicles and delivery vehicles. The Fire Department stipulates space requirements between buildings and other immovable objects.
10. 
Service functions should be integrated into the circulation pattern in a manner that minimizes conflicts with vehicles and pedestrians.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 405, Zoning.