Single Family
1. Location and Neighborhood Fabric
2.1b Smart Site Location: Protecting Environmental Resources, New Construction
Mandatory except for infill or rehab
Do not locate new development on wetlands, steep slopes, prime farmland, or parkland.
Green Communities Recommended Resources
U.S. Dept of Agriculture definition of "prime farmland" in U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 7, Vol. 6, Parts 400-699, Section 657.5.
- Download PDF definition.
"Critical Habitat" definition, Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C 1523(5)
- Download the Endangered Species Act.
- View abridged database of critical habitat designated areas from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
"Wetlands" definition from U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR, parts 230-33 and part 22.
Green Communities and the Green Communities Criteria are a national initiative of Enterprise Community Partners to transform the affordable housing sector. For more information go to www.greencommunitiesonline.org
Minnesota Overlay
In addition to the definitions detailed under this item in the national Green Communities Criteria, see the following sources for additional information on environmental protection:
- Wetlands protection information via the National Wetlands Inventory
- Farmland protection can be verified by finding a map or other documentation that shows that the parcel is not designated as prime agricultural land, eg: websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx
- Minnesota Endangered Species habitat information
- Federal Endangered Species habitat information
