Document: Scenic Resource Overlay Section

Skyline Standards for Development on Buttes and Hillsides

Context: This section outlines standards for construction and development on the skyline of hills and buttes visible from specific roads.

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1. General Skyline Development Restriction

Development should not disrupt the visible skyline on buttes and hillsides from certain roads unless there's no alternative for an existing lot, ensuring the land use regulations are met.

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2. Rules When Skyline Disruption is Unavoidable

If no alternative exists for a plot of land and it's required to disrupt the skyline, the following guidelines must be observed:

• Regulation Variation: First, look for variances in other regulations, like setbacks, that might prevent skyline disruption.

• Height Limit: Any constructed building shouldn't be more than 20 feet above the original ground level.

• Building Mass: The structure should have a fragmented design to blend in with the landscape. If possible, position buildings lower on the hill or embed them in the slope to lessen their skyline impact.

• Structural Form: The building's design, especially its roof, should mimic the natural contours of the hill or butte. If the natural skyline is flat, then a flat roof is preferable; if it's jagged or rounded, a hipped or similar roof should be used.

• Exterior Appearance: Use earthy tones and materials for the structure's exterior.

• Roofing Material: Roofs should match the color of the surrounding environment and should not be reflective unless treated to eliminate such reflection.

• Earthwork: Minimize disturbances to the land. Do not flatten slopes for construction. Any disturbed areas should be restored with native plants found in the immediate vicinity. Preserve the topsoil by storing and reapplying it to disturbed sites. If needed, make provisions for irrigation to support the re-established native plants.

• Landscaping: Retain as much of the existing vegetation as possible to naturally hide the structure. Supplement with additional native plants to ensure at least 50% of the building is concealed within three years of its completion during the summer months. A list of appropriate native plants can be obtained from the Planning Department.

Context: These regulations are designed to minimize the visual impact of buildings and developments on natural skylines, ensuring they blend in seamlessly with their surroundings.

Foreground Standards for Scenic Areas

Context: This section lays out the standards for physical development within the Foreground of designated Scenic Areas to ensure the maintenance of the area's natural beauty and scenic views.

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1. Preferred Locations for Structures in the Foreground:

• Structures and developments should be placed in specific parts of the Foreground:
• At the rear edge, typically at the end of an open meadow or pasture.
• At the side edges of open meadows or pastures.
• Behind existing vegetation.
• Built into or behind natural topographical changes.
• Within a pasture or meadow, designed as a ranch compound or integrated into an existing ranch compound.

Specific standards for each location include:

• Rear Edge:
• Maximum distance from major roads, preferably near existing development.
• Along the rear edge where a meadow or pasture meets the hillside.
• Separation between development and natural areas.
• Planting of native vegetation especially if near scenic roads.
• Side Edges:
• Separate developments from natural areas to conserve open space.
• Plant native vegetation if near scenic roads.
• Behind Vegetation:
• The development should not disrupt the view of the existing vegetation.
• Enhance with native vegetation if the natural cover is insufficient.

• Preserve existing vegetation as much as possible.

• Natural Topographic Breaks:

• The design should complement the natural terrain.

• Limited earth moving is allowed, but no creation of new landforms.

• Ranch Compound:

• Must not obstruct views from public roads.
• Should have a clustered design.
• Use native vegetation for planting.

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2. Exceptions for Structure Locations:

• If a site already maximizes its development as per the above standards, the remaining development can be placed elsewhere with conditions:
• Preferably along the front edge of meadows or pastures.
• Maintain as much open space as possible in relation to the scenic view.
• Use native vegetation for screening.

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3. Exterior of Structures:

• Structures should be built or painted with indigenous earth-tone materials.
• Ranch compounds can use traditional ranch colors, including shades of red or brown, and weathered barn wood simulations.

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4. Roofing Standards:

• Roof colors should match the surrounding natural environment.
• No reflective roofing materials unless treated to remove reflection.

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5. Earth Moving and Berms:

• Creating man-made landforms in the Foreground is prohibited, except for specific designs along hillsides that blend with natural topography.
• Berms can be used for screening, but must appear natural and be planted with native vegetation.
• Disturbed lands from earth moving or berms should be replanted with native species.

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6. Roads and Driveways:

• They should avoid cutting through meadows and pastures, preferably bordering their edges.
• Utilize the natural screening of topography and existing vegetation.
• Existing roads and driveways should be used when feasible.
• Roads in meadows should have soft, curving edges, avoiding straight unnatural lines.

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Visual Resource Analysis for Proposed Developments in Scenic Areas

Context: This section offers guidelines for analyzing the visual impact of new developments within designated scenic areas.

When a new development or land use is proposed within the Scenic Resource Overlay (SRO), it must undergo a thorough visual analysis. The application for this development must include:

• A narrative detailing the visual implications.
• Simulated photos or other visual representations showcasing the potential look of the development.
• A clear demarcation of the SRO boundaries.
• A comparison of potential visual impacts based on different design possibilities.
• A clear plan showcasing how the design aligns with the established standards of this segment.

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Understanding the Visual Impact on Scenic Corridors and Viewpoints

Context: This section emphasizes the need to evaluate how the proposed development might affect the surrounding scenic vistas.

The visual resource analysis should make clear the visual effects of the new development on the neighboring scenic paths and viewpoints. Specifically, it should:

• Use accurate perspective illustrations to show which parts of the development will be visible from various locations on the scenic route or from vital viewing spots.
• If needed, provide multiple perspective visuals to portray how the development appears as one moves along the scenic path.

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Blending Development with Natural Settings

Context: This segment provides guidelines for ensuring that visible developments are harmoniously integrated into their natural surroundings.

If the proposed development is visible from any designated path or viewpoint, the analysis must:

• Present, in the right perspective, the steps being taken to integrate the development seamlessly into its environment.
• Focus on the entire visual frame when viewing the structure from a specific vantage point. This encompasses the natural landscape, current vegetation, and nearby buildings.
• Ensure that certain features of the development, such as the building's size and shape, architectural details, materials used, colors, and proposed greenery for concealment, are in harmony with the surroundings.

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Impact on Scenic Resources Overlay (SRO) - Contextual Overview: This section discusses the stipulations and priorities related to the Scenic Resources Overlay (SRO) in Teton County's land development regulations.

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Maintaining Base Site Area in SRO: If a part of a property (lot of record) lies within the Scenic Resources Overlay (SRO) boundaries, it doesn't mean that the overall area of the property (base site area) will be reduced.

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Priority in Case of Conflicts between NRO and SRO: When there are conflicts between the Natural Resources Overlay (NRO) and the Scenic Resources Overlay (SRO), the rules mentioned in Section 5.2.1 take precedence. They should be applied to the fullest extent possible. After those, the requirements of the Scenic Resources Overlay (SRO) come into play.

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The Scenic Resources Overlay (SRO) is established to preserve scenic resources and the County's ranching heritage, often viewed from specific highways and roads. The SRO covers:

1. Foregrounds: The visible areas next to public roads extending to distinct topographical changes or dense vegetation, framing views of distant mountains and valleys.

2. Skylines: The perceived line where earth or vegetation meets the sky, typically seen as the top of ridges, hillsides, or buttes from designated roads.

Applicability Summary:

1. Foreground Standards: Any development or use within the Foreground of the Scenic Areas must follow the standards of 5.3.2.G.
2. Skyline Development: Activities within the Skyline of the SRO should adhere to the skyline standards of 5.3.2.H.

Exemptions:

a. Developments in NC-TC, NR-1, and R-3 zones are exempt from the foreground standards, except for new subdivisions. b. Structures existing before May 9, 1994, undergoing remodeling or expansion, are exempt from 5.3.2.G. c. Agricultural operations that fit the criteria in Section 6.1.3.B. are free from these standards. d. Lands under conservation easement with specific density and size conditions are exempt from the foreground standards of 5.3.2.G.