Managing mountainside settlement growth toward existing communities and away from hazard-prone and environmentally sensitive areas protects residents and natural habitats.

Issues facing mountainside communities — sudden landslides, storm-water drainage, heavy rainfall, and unstable soils — are exacerbated by climate change.

Sustainable and resilient mountainside settlement patterns include:

  • Preventing unnecessary grading or stripping of vegetation;
  • Preserving natural drainage patterns;
  • Guiding development toward existing communities;
  • Protecting the public from the hazards of storm water runoff and soil erosion; and
  • Requiring re-vegetation to maintain the natural landscape environment.