Delineate and limit the construction footprint (building, hardscape, and staging), and coordinate construction with a landscape professional to minimize grading and retain native soils and vegetation.

Where grading is necessary, store native topsoil during construction in areas to be paved. When construction is complete, redistribute with compost amendments.

Help preserve existing trees by keeping potential sources of compaction (such as vehicles) away from the rooting zone (the area under the tree canopy.)

Manage stormwater responsibly -

• Keep sediments out of the storm drainage system by protecting drain inlets, such as with biodegradeable filter fabrics.
• Protect hazardous materials from the weather, and dispose of containers properly.
• Consider using pervious materials such as sand-bedded brick pavers, grass pavers, and pervious concrete or asphalt for paved areas.

Consider salvaged and recycled-content materials, such as used brick, post-consumer glass beads, and plastic lumber for walkways, patios, small garden walls, and edging.

Dirt, rock, and fines, primarily from grading, makes up 11% of Santa Cruz County's construction and demolition waste stream, and is one of the largest single sources of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste in California. Prior to construction, building sites are generally cleared of vegetation and the topsoil is removed. When construction is complete, areas to be landscaped frequently receive sod laid on amended subsoil. Subsoil lacks the nutrients and biota to maintain soil health, initiating a cycle of chemical and water dependency. Soil underlying areas to be paved is compacted, covered with engineered fill as necessary, and concrete or asphalt is installed. Potential groundwater recharge and soil permeability are lost, and the flow of water to stormwater infrastructure increases. The potential for flooding in vulnerable areas is increased, as is stormwater flow, water pollution, and negative impacts to riparian species.

Each of these impacts can be mitigated or even eliminated with thoughtful planning and material selection. Successful, reduced-maintenance landscaping is facilitated by storing topsoil from areas that must be graded on sites to be paved, and re-spreading the soil when construction is complete. This retains soil nutrients and biota on-site, while keeping the skin of the earth (a living resource,) out of the landfill. The practical benefits of such care include reduced: stormwater runoff, fertilizer needs, pest problems, and irrigation requirements.

The use of pervious paving material (which allows water to pass through into the ground below) similarly reduces runoff, contributes to stormwater quality, facilitates groundwater recharge if underlying soils are not overly compacted, and can help reduce irrigation requirements if carefully designed. In addition to familiar options such as grass pavers and sand-grouted brick, pervious concrete and asphalt have been proven effective and equally durable to traditional materials through decades of use in demanding environments. Pervious pavements have open void structures (15-25% by volume) that reduce heat capacity and allow air and heat exchange with underlying soil, keeping paved surfaces (and surrounding air temperatures) cooler and more comfortable in hot weather. The surface area of the voids acts as a filter, helping to catch and degrade oils and chemical pollutants, reducing contamination of local waters.