- Minimize building footprint by reducing size of house.
- Minimize site disturbance by siting buildings to fit topography of site. Avoid building on steep slopes.
- Avoid building on top of a hill. Build on worst portion of site, preserving the best natural areas of site.
- Arrange geologic survey to evaluate existing soil conditions for building site suitability.
- Catch water runoff for irrigation use.
- Slow water runoff with catchment systems or terraces to minimize soil erosion.