The planning committee for the Sonoran Preserve in north Phoenix adopted Edge Guidelines to assure compatible land use adjacent to the mountain preserve. These excellent guidelines should be adopted for the entire Mountain Preserve system and village planning committees made aware of the provisions. The Sonoran Preserve Edge Treatment Guidelines received the 2007 Valley Forward Crescordia Environmental Award for Livable Communities. Here is the current summary of the guidelines as published by the City of Phoenix

The City Council approved Sonoran Preserve Master Plan provides public amenities that contain large areas of scenic and sensitive lands. The preservation of significant hillsides, addressing the relationship to desert washes and the native vegetation, creates a unique setting for surrounding development, an attractive identity, and an amenity for all Phoenix citizens.

1. Where rezoning occurs adjacent to the Sonoran Preserve, encourage development on the lower slopes below the ten percent slope line, consistent with the general plan, to maintain the preserve as a visual amenity for all citizens and to maintain connectivity between mountains within the same range.

2. Maintain physical access to public preserve lands and a sense of public ownership.

3. Prohibit gated communities adjacent to the Sonoran Preserve that preclude public access to the preserve, except that gated subdivisions will be allowed after assurance that the sixty percent open edge treatment is provided and connectivity in accordance with the Sonoran Preserve Master Trail Plan is maintained.

5. Minimize damage in the Sonoran Preserve by providing controlled access points including trails, parking areas and recreation amenities.