Mountain Residence Driveway – Tabernash, CO

The Challenge

The site’s steep, mountainous terrain posed challenges for driveway access, including excessive grades, limited alignment options, and environmental constraints. The original layout exceeded slope limits and required significant grading and wall construction. The client and architect wanted a driveway that offered both functionality and aesthetic harmony with the home and viewshed. The project also had to meet Grand County and fire department requirements.

Land Pro Civil’s Integrated Solutions

• Grade-Conscious Road Design: We designed a driveway alignment that stayed within maximum allowable slopes, improving safety, comfort, and compliance with Grand County and fire department access codes.

• Fire Department Coordination: We worked directly with the fire department to ensure emergency vehicle access and turning requirements were met from the start, preventing approval delays.

• Architect and Homeowner Collaboration: We engaged in multiple design iterations with the architect and homeowner to balance views, minimize wall heights, and fine-tune the alignment. This collaborative process ensured the driveway felt like a natural extension of the site and the home.

• Optimized Elevation Coordination: Final driveway grades and finish elevations were aligned precisely with the architectural entry point, improving access while supporting the design vision.

• Strategic Retaining Wall Placement: Walls were placed to reduce visual clutter and minimize tree clearing, preserving key views and integrating with the natural landscape.

• Reduced Environmental Impact: The revised design eliminated unnecessary cuts and fills, retained mature vegetation where possible, and used natural contours to guide the alignment.

• Drainage and Erosion Control: Proper culvert placement and slope transitions addressed runoff and reduced the risk of future erosion or maintenance issues.

The Outcome

• Permitting Success: Code-compliant design approved by Grand County and the fire department.

• Construction Efficiency: Lower grading volumes, smaller walls, and reduced tree removal saved time and money.

• Cohesive Project Delivery: Through close coordination with the architect, homeowner, Grand County, and the fire department, the final design met regulatory, aesthetic, and functional goals while respecting the integrity of the site.