Summary | 15
Community and Neighborhood Gardens:
Provide community and neighborhood gardens so the residents and employees have a
place to grow food in a community based atmosphere. Ensure that the spaces are owned
and managed by an entity that includes occupants of the project in its decision-making,
such as a community group, homeowners association, or public body.
RESPONSIBLE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Stormwater Management
Storm water management systems should use current low impact development (LID)
principles and provide connectivity of natural and man-made existing and proposed
systems, keeping and enhancing the canal system where appropriate.
Heat Island Reduction
Provide shade from open structures. Use paving materials with a Solar Reflectance Index
(SRI) of 29 or greater. Install open grid pavement systems. Provide shade from tree canopy
within 10 years of landscape installation.
Reduce Landscaping Water Consumption
Reduce water consumption for outdoor landscaping by 50% from calculated midsummer
baseline case by using of captured rainwater, recycled wastewater, use of water treated by
public agency specifically for non potable use (purple pipes), and use of other non potable
sources (air conditioning condensate, stormwater, foundation drain water)
Preserve Heritage Trees
While the City of Chesapeake does not currently have an adopted tree conservation
ordinance as allowed under the Code of Virginia, Section 10.1-1127.1, the preservation of
“heritage trees” (those that may be individually designated by the local governing body
to have notable historic or cultural interest) should be considered when appropriate.
As development occurs, preservation of non-invasive trees should be a goal, given the
Area’s proximity to the Great Dismal Swamp Wildlife Refuge, to the extent feasible within
the requirements of Section 15.2-961 of the Code of Virginia for achieving tree canopy
requirements during the development process.
Solid Waste Management
Provide space for the placement of recycling stations and compost stations within each
Area.
Light Pollution Reduction
Use night sky protection specifications such as those found in the standards articulated in
the International Dark Sky Association Standards.
Street Trees
Provide street trees at 40 feet on center average in an adequately sized tree lawn or tree pit
on all streets to shade the street in Focal or Secondary development areas.
Native Plant Materials
Use native, low maintenance landscape materials that are appropriate for the region.
