The concepts illustrated in the proposed designs of the five site areas derive from an investigation at the scale of the decisions of individual stakeholders. The resulting design guidelines aim to accommodate urbanization while protecting the natural landscape and its critical functions. They are described in the guidelines matrix, seen in Figure 51, which is organized by a number of general principles related to terrain, stormwater runoff, fire, vegetation and species habitat, visual quality, roads, streams and floodplains, agriculture, and development. Each guideline corresponds to one or more of four levels of conservation priority. Some promote good practice–and others aim to prevent bad practice.

In the terrain category, development is prohibited on slopes greater than 25 percent where severe erosion is likely to occur.

The proposed runoff measures include retention systems that reduce downstream flooding and damage to riparian vegetation. On-site retention systems slow the rate of stormwater runoff, consequently slowing the rate of downstream flooding.

The guidelines for fire show potential fire management strategies in areas likely to be developed. The guidelines stress the importance of maintaining larger areas of contiguous vegetation in a fire-managed landscape that can accommodate the processes of prescribed burning.

The visual quality guidelines set development back from roads and restrict development from ridgetops to preserve significant scenic vistas and scenic routes.

The guidelines encourage preservation of the landscape ecological pattern, much of which can be protected through private conservation methods. Residential access roads should run along the edges of natural areas, rather than through their interiors. The ecologically guided placement of roads lessens fragmentation and helps maintain the integrity of the landscape ecological pattern.

Vegetated corridors along streams and rivers should be protected to allow for species movement, erosion control, and other ecological benefits. The guidelines propose, at a minimum, a continuous 30-meter setback along stream corridors to protect the stream from impacts of development such as water pollution, nutrient uptake, and erosion. The buffer also lessens the need for channelization; consequently, seasonal patterns, biological cycles, and wildlife connectivity are maintained.

Generally the stream buffer lies within the floodplain; more often, however, the floodplain is more extensive than the buffer distance. For greater protection of human safety and property, and to enhance the benefits of the riparian corridor, future urban development is restricted in the floodplain. Rather, some kinds of agriculture, institutional settings, and recreational facilities are more compatible uses of the floodplain area.

Existing agricultural areas on prime soils are protected from development for economic, cultural, and ecological reasons.

By reshaping the pattern and quality of development, the design and its guidelines can accommodate the anticipated population in a high-quality environment.