A Conservation Development is a development technique that allows design and layout of an entire development parcel, to conserve resources while allowing development to occur at the same density as the underlying zoning.
Conservation developments can be designed to meet a range of goals including:
• Conserving Open Space - by concentrating development on a portion of parcel with remaining area (40% of total at min.) being used for open space/conservation
• Conserving Natural & Cultural Resources - by linking open space between developments and limiting impacts to agriculture
• Creating amenities attractive to buyers - potentially trails, open space, woodlands
In many cases, concentrating development on just a portion of a development tract can minimize the cost of providing and maintaining public services and utilities. Examples of a conventional subdivision and conservation development are illustrated below.