Scottsdale Green Home Buying Guide -- Site Selection

Green Home Buyer's Guide: Site and Location
(Courtesy of City of Scottsdale Green Building Program)

The right location for your home improves your quality of life. A site with smart design is important to making your home comfortable, affordable and attractive. For example:

• Home is designed with minimum impact on site topography and natural drainage ways.
• All exterior entrances are protected from direct summer sun by means of recessed or covered design elements
• Home is designed with protected outdoor living areas (semi or fully covered patio, porch, trellis, shade trees, courtyard).
• Shade trees are planted on the east and west sides of house
• Water-efficient landscaping (xeriscape).
• Plants, shurbs and trees selected for the Sonoran Desert.
• Gutters and downspouts are located to direct water away from the house and to vegetated areas.
• Zoned irrigation system designed with multiple control valves (to accommodate specific water needs of different types of plants), rain sensor shutoff and a timer with multiple start times.
• Located in an existing community on previously developed land
• Farmers' markets in the area.
• City offers a recycling program.
• Neighborhood is conducive for walking and biking.
• House is located in close proximity to services and activities. Consider the distance to work, school, shopping, entertainment, trails or parks, and public transportation.