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1. One (1) of the greatest challenges facing small towns is the successful integration of new development with the original town pattern. Suburban development patterns which have included numerous cul-de-sacs and limited street connections have often separated communities and created enclaves of the original towns. In order to maintain the Town’s unique, small-town character and clearly describe the Town’s vision, the following design elements have been set forth within this Article.

2. Compact urban growth. As the community grows from the original Town limits, it is important to maintain a continuity of density, diversity and interconnectedness. Urban development should occur adjacent to the Town’s core so that the community’s prime agricultural land and natural areas are preserved and public infrastructure and utilities are used as efficiently as possible.

3. Neighborhood design. New developments should help create neighborhoods, rather than residential subdivisions adjacent to one another. Neighborhoods should be organized around a strong center which may include elements such as common open space, civic and commercial or mixed uses. Strong consideration should be given to pedestrian movement, the character of streets and sidewalks as inviting public space, and the interconnectedness of the streets within the neighborhood and as they connect to the rest of the community. In addition, new neighborhoods should have a variety of housing sizes and types that help to create a distinct identity rather than a monotonous replication of styles

4. Lots and blocks, streets and sidewalks. The layout of lots and blocks should be designed to continue the Town’s existing block pattern to form a grid or modified grid pattern that is adapted to the topography, natural features and environmental considerations. The streets should be tree-lined and interconnected in order to create a comprehensive transportation network that facilitates the movement of pedestrians, cars, and bicycles.

5. Parks and open space. New developments shall use natural open spaces and developed public space (such as parks and plazas) to organize and focus lots, blocks, and circulation patterns, protect natural areas and quality agricultural land, and to create an identity for each neighborhood.

6. Site design, architecture and landscaping. One (1) of the fundamental intentions of this Code is to encourage innovative, quality site design, architecture, and landscaping in order to create new places that can be integrated with the existing community and reflect the traditional patterns of the region. Illustrations throughout this Code, are intended to provide a visual description of the Town’s design intentions.

7. Environment. New developments should be designed to fit within the environment. To the greatest extent feasible, sites should be designed to preserve natural areas and the plants and wildlife inhabiting those areas. In addition, new developments are encouraged to consider the environmental consideration in Section 2.20.2.b and to conserve all natural resources.

8. Water conservation. As the State grows, increasing pressure will be placed on the limited supply of water resources. Town residents have emphasized the importance of preserving the quality and quantity of water. All new development is encouraged to use raw water for irrigation and to incorporate water-saving measures in building design and landscaping. Developments are required to use storm water management techniques that address water quality as well as quantity.