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.