HPC of South Bend and St. Joseph County - Standards Update Draft

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City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 119 For More Information: Sustainability and Historic Preservation General Sustainability Guidelines for All Projects This section appliesy to all types of projects that might incorporate improvements that enhance the sustainability of the building or site . Landscape Improvements for Sustainability Landscape improvements can have a very significant impact on sustainability. For example, a landscape design can moderate the temperature of a home by providing shade in summer and solar warming in winter . Landscape improvements can contribute to water efficiency, clean air and minimize urban heat island effects. In all cases, designing improvements to enhance the sustainability of a building, its site and neighborhood is a goal . Landscape designs, including plantings and site structures, can take advantage of microcli- matic conditions for energy conservation . Consider managing solar and wind exposure in all seasons in making landscape decisions . • Select plant species that support sustainability. Use native and drought-tolerant species in a landscape design where feasible. • Locate plants to maximize sustainability benefits while retaining the character of the traditional context. • Locate deciduous trees and other vegetation to provide for summer shading and allow winter solar access . • Locate vegetation to provide wind protection in wintertime while maintaining the predominant summer breezes . • Design landscape improvements to maximize the efficiency of water use on and within a site. • Plan to minimize or eliminate watering. For example, place drought-tolerant plants along the contours of a sloped site to help slow runoff and increase percolation into the soil, thereby reducing or eliminating the need to water those plants . • Where use of a watering system is necessary, use one which minimizes water loss, such as a drip irrigation system . • Place more water intensive species in areas which receive shade, as this reduces evaporative water loss . • Provide natural stormwater drainage, storage, and usage systems on site . For example, a rain garden or similar small swale can be utilized to minimize water demand . Environmental Impacts of Neighbors • A design should consider the potential effect on an adjoining property and the neighborhood setting, in terms of its sustainability and solar access . • Maintain solar access opportunities for neighboring properties. For example, limit shading of south-facing facades, outdoor dining areas, plazas, and garden areas . • Incorporate sustainable practices and green infrastructure which increases energy efficiency and beautifies buildings and spaces. Paving Materials for Sustainability Permeable paving maintains moisture in the soil, reduces demand on storm sewer systems and allows for ground water recharge . Permeable paving materials should be incorporated into site designs including courtyards, plazas, and walkways . They also should be considered in the design of service and parking areas . • Design a permeable paving system to convey a character like traditional paving materials in residential neighborhoods . • The application of permeable paving materials should be like traditional paving methods in a historic context . • Using paving strips and paving stones or bricks for walks and drives in traditional residential settings is encouraged . • Providing permeable parking systems is encouraged in residential and commercial areas. They reduce stormwater runoff and enhance water filtration and storage. These types of systems can also help to reduce heat island effects.DRAFT