6. Landscape Design and Site Layout

6.1 General Landscape Design

Lot landscaping layouts will reflect the regional natural patterns and maintain this character through hardy planting materials. While fire prevention is of utmost importance, existing trees and natural vegetation should be preserved wherever possible and large areas of turf are to be minimised. The experience of the community should provide the impression of a natural landscape that has been retained and enhanced, rather than created.

The visual quality of the lot from all sides should be carefully considered. Landscape planting is used to frame and enhance views of the Columbia Valley and surrounding mountains. Plantings should consider the plant in its mature state. Site grading shall be minimised with respect to the existing slopes and drainage conditions. Where possible, existing vegetation is to be retained and protected from damage during the building process. Lot layout and landscape plans must consider drainage for snowmelt and storm water.

Plants, shrubs, trees, and grasses or species native to the region should be used where possible. Golden is in an area that experiences four distinct seasons and tends to be on the drier side with soils that have a naturally high pH level. The use of trees in natural groupings, rather than formal layout, is encouraged. Vegetation should be placed in natural groupings and should be used to soften structures, such as fencing and other site furnishings.

Landscape mulch is discouraged for reasons of fire control. Decorative rock is a safe alternative and many colours and sizes are available.

6.2 Wildfire Control

The site is fully serviced by a fire protection network, notwithstanding owners should consider the wildfire risk when developing and maintaining their landscape plan. Combustible debris, deadfall and dry brush shall be removed from the lot at least annually. Trees should not be planted less than 3m from the house. Brush and long grass minimised while adhering to the principles set out in Section 3.1.

6.3 Tree Removal

The Developer intends that Canyon Ridge will maintain its forested charm and aims to preserve as many trees as possible within the development. Trees outside of the building envelope may only be removed after design approval has been obtained from the Developer; this includes trees removed for fire prevention purposes as described in Section 3.2. A fine of $500 per tree will be payable to the Developer for any trees cut without permission. This levy will be used to plant compensating growth back into the particular site.

6.4 Protect existing Vegetation

A snow fence must be erected during construction to protect existing vegetation as identified in the landscape plan. An erosion control fence will be required to be installed at lot clearing, where soils may wash off the property prior to landscaping.

6.5 Lot Grading

Final grading to be engineered and shown on site plan. Lot grading is to follow the natural slope of the landform where possible, and is to be consistent with the subdivision-grading plan. Drywells will be required in most cases for rainwater leaders.

In situations where natural vegetation will remain in side yards, swales and general grading will fall inside of the natural vegetation. No site grading shall be completed that causes water from one lot to drain into neighboring lots. Where natural undeveloped side yards exist, some drainage across lot lines is anticipated and acceptable.

All cutting and filling must be stabilized by the appropriate slope and /or retaining wall, as approved by the owner’s geotechnical engineer.

Retaining walls shall have an exposed aggregate or approved finish, or be faced with stone. Large natural rock retaining walls are preferred. Retaining walls must minimize visual impact and compliment the landscaping plan.