East Clayton neighborhood plan considers both the urban and natural requirements to make a livable community. Seven planning principles are applied throughout the development. The East Clayton Neighbourhood Concept Plan establishes standards and guidelines that balance urban living with environmental protection. Storm water management is one key factor in the design.
 

East Clayton is based on seven Sustainable Planning Principles that maximize and focus on the positive aspects of development, with respect for the environment and community. These principles are:

1. Conserve land and energy by designing compact walkable neighbourhoods
2. Provide different dwelling types in the same neighbourhood and even on the same street
3. Communities are designed for people; therefore, all dwellings should present a friendly face to the street in order to promote social interaction
4. Ensure that car storage and services are handled at the rear of dwellings
5. Provide an interconnected street network, in a grid or a modified grid pattern
6. Provide narrow streets shaded by rows of trees in order to save costs and to provide a greener, friendlier environment
7. Preserve the natural environment and promote natural drainage systems