So … what is this thing called “SALDO”?? (Part Two)

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When we fulfill the criteria of the East Pikeland Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) and then move toward construction of our community, Altair will be setting a precedent. We’ll be the first project within the township to come to fruition guided by an exemplary special ordinance, one that we helped to formulate. We can be proud of our input into the process that resulted in what’s called the KLID, the Kimberton Low-Impact Development district. It’s an ordinance that overlays the usual zoning regulations with the goal of fostering low-impact developments. One way that’s accomplished is by adhering to the ecologically and socially responsible “Sustainable SITES” criteria.

KLID constitutes East Pikeland Township’s zoning code chapter 28, having sections 2800 through 2806. Section 2805 is labeled: “Design And Performance Standards For Low Impact Development Housing Communities.” It begins by saying: “All development under this Article shall attain at least the minimum scores and percentages recited in this Ordinance as to the sustainable land development assessment method SITES v2 Rating System; the dwelling unit energy assessment system HERS [Home Energy Rating System]; and other renewable energy requirements. Development shall incorporate the following standards within its design and function to facilitate social interaction, low-impact site design, energy conservation, and renewable energy.”

Toward that end it proceeds to stipulate things like:

  • Parking standards

  • Reduction of water usage

  • Use of native plants

  • Support of human physical activity by providing for recreation facilities

  • Promotion of on-site food production

  • Reduction of light pollution

  • Encouragement of fuel efficient and multi-modal transportation

  • Exterior building design that harmonizes with that of Historic Kimberton

The ordinance requires that the low-impact implementation be documented per specifications of the Sustainable SITES V2 initiative rating system. The Sites website says: “SITES provides a comprehensive framework for designing, developing and managing sustainable and resilient landscapes and other outdoor spaces. SITES is the ideal tool to support nature-positive design. By providing performance measures SITES supports the unique conditions of each site, encouraging project teams to be flexible and creative as they develop beautiful, functional and regenerative landscapes.” Out of 200 potential points a project can conceivably earn under the SITES rating system Altair needs to document to the township our potential to get 85 points.


There are 10 sections of the SITES rating system. They cover a wide range of environmental and health impacts of landscapes, outdoor spaces, and social interaction; things like:

  • Site selection

  • Using an integrative and collaborative development process

  • Water, soils, and vegetation

  • Materials selection

  • Human health and well-being

  • Construction issues

  • Maintenance of the site and community through the years

  • Innovating and modeling best practices and educating the public about them

The program’s Reference Guide says: “The Sustainable SITES System is a cost-benefit approach to adopting forward-thinking ecological practices in order to substantially protect and improve a community’s resiliency and quality of life.”

That gives a good sense of what Altair is endeavoring to accomplish. It’s exemplary work, and it will demonstrate East Pikeland Township’s commitment to fostering green living.