Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
In Figure 3.6-B the circled areas A, B,
and C represent three slope categories, with
area A being the more level terrain and
area C the steeper terrain. Just consider-
ing terrain slope suitability, area A would
accommodate uses such as sports playing
fields or parking with minimum grading, as
compared with areas B and C. Considerable
grading, moving of earth, would be required
in areas B and C to create a gently sloping
area for sports fields or parking lots. Vehic-
ular access to areas A and B would require
less grading than area C. Cluster-type hous-
ing is a suitable use in areas A and B, with
area B providing the opportunity for views,
perhaps very desirable views that would
increase the value of the property and eco-
nomic return to the developer. Low-density use could be selectively
accommodated in area C, but development would be minimal in order to
retain the physical character of the terrain. Depending on the program
requirements of a proposed development, utilization of areas A and B
could accommodate a desirable site design offering diverse terrain to
work with. Area C might be left undisturbed, perhaps serving as a water-
shed reserve or location for foot trails and low-impact activities needing
only minimal grading, such as outdoor recreation uses.
The concept is to distribute land uses on the terrain where the least
amount of grading (cut and fill) is required, thereby reducing construc-
tion costs. A football field or parking lot that normally would be sited
on terrain of 3 to 5 percent could be placed on terrain that is steeper, for
instance terrain that is 15 percent, 20 percent, and even steeper. How-
ever, considerably more grading would be required to create a level area
to accommodate the field or parking lot than if the field and lot were
located on existing terrain that was 5 percent or less.
Figure 3.8
USGS topographic map with engineer's scale
showing a distance of 1100 feet as the distance between
300' and 400' contours. The scale of this map is 1 inch
equals 2000 feet.
