Each of these sectors is characterized by steep slopes that overlook the valley floor. Toward the edge of the City, flatter hilltop sites, such as at Hubbard Park and Murray Hill, offer commanding views across the City. Many of the steeper slopes provide a strong visual benefit and physical edge to the City's downtown area, and are an important feature which defines Montpelier's central business district. Vistas along several downtown streets, such as State and Main Streets, are terminated by the steeper wooded slopes that occur at the base of the surrounding hills. These slopes serve to outline the compact nature of the City and restrict large-scale spread development.
Steep slopes occupy major areas, including some areas where historic development has occurred.
The ridgelines and wooded hillsides of Montpelier are important assets which remain largely undeveloped. Typically these areas have had limited development potential due to their rugged character, shallow soils and the availability of other areas for development. In recent years the City has experienced several developments which have had a significant impact on these features and raised citizen concern for their protection. Construction along ridgelines and hillsides prominently alters the nature of the City and should be strongly discouraged. The approximate location of principal ridgelines is shown on Figure 5.