Denver resident Spencer Schar takes a keen interest in the culture of Colorado’s lands compared to that of his home state of Florida. This article will look at land development in Colorado and the challenges presented by building on hilly terrain.
In metros across the United States, a scarcity of buildable, flat land has driven developers to innovate new ways of working with site characteristics, including gradients. While hills were traditionally bypassed due to the significant costs involved, they have grown to become prime residential areas for builders and developers, the American Planning Association suggests, unlocking the potential of undeveloped areas located close to metro centers. The attached infographic contains some interesting US construction statistics for 2024.
In addition to the flatness of a potential development site, other aspects that affect its desirability include water tables, drainage, and soil type, all of which can potentially delay and complicate construction significantly, driving up development costs. Site assessment, grading, landscaping, and drainage planning are all important techniques and tools employed by developers on every project, be it a small, single-family dwelling or a multipurpose development. The attached PDF contains an overview of some of the most prominent property development trends.
A slight slope can be beneficial in terms of both aesthetics and site drainage. However, steep slopes with an incline of 20% or more substantially increase development expense due to the need for more extensive earthmoving, soil stabilization, and retaining walls. For developers, topography is therefore a key consideration. However, not all inclines are created equal, with each type presenting its own unique challenges and complications.
Clearly defined as a topographic feature, thereby eliminating a great deal of guesswork, cliffs require assessment of the substrate to determine their appropriateness for building. For example, a basalt rock cliff is likely to be relatively stable, while one composed of a mix of soil and rock bound by clay may be stable in dry conditions but unstable following heavy rainfall, creating the risk of shedding debris and landslides.
Hillside areas are characterized by bluffs, ridgelines, rock outcroppings, slopes, and natural drainage ways, not only contributing to the attractiveness of the community but requiring special management to be conserved. Take for example Colorado’s Front Range, a region that was recently the subject of a report by The Nature Conservancy outlining guidelines for restoring mixed conifer and ponderosa pine forests and protecting the region against an ever-increasing risk of wildfires due to climate change.
In Florida, Spencer Schar’s home state, many properties are built on rolling terrain, with the variances in elevation culminating in some impressive views if the developer considers maximizing the potential of every aspect in the design process. The attached video contains an overview of key considerations for developers in 2024.