Low Impact Development Resources for Cities
A growing number of communities are finding success using low impact development (LID) strategies to reduce storm water pollution. As a result, there are many resources available to help municipal staff and officials understand what LID is and how it can be implemented in their communities. San Francisco Baykeeper has collected a selection of LID resources for city staff and officials.
General Overview of LID
- The United States Environmental Protection Agency Nonpoint Source Pollution Program has a wide range of LID related information.
- The Low Impact Development Center provides general and technical information for cities, planners, and developers. The San Luis Obispo SloGreen Build Organization has compiled a document outlining some of the technical and economic aspects of LID, including its application in the context of the San Lois Obispo watershed.
State Level Guidance and Information on LID
- The California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) Handbook for New Development and Redevelopment reflects the current practices, standards, and knowledge about the effectiveness of LID best management practices.
LID Resources from Some Bay Area Counties Storm Water Programs
- Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program
- Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program
- Contra Costa Clean Water Program
Examples of LID Design Guidelines and Manuals from Bay Area Cities
- San Francisco Stormwater Design Guidelines created by the Port of San Francisco and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission outline a design process for incorporating LID BMPs into site design.
The City of San Francisco’s Better Streets Plan incorporates LID principles into the City’s long term planning for its streets.
- The City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County Sustainable Green Streets and Parking Lots Design Guidebook provides state-of-the-art information on creating low-impact development roadways and parking lots within San Mateo County.The Bay Area Stormwater Management Agencies design guidance manual, Start at the Source, provides guidance on how to incorporate LID into site design.
Overcoming Process Barriers to Code Reform
- The State of California’s Review of Low Impact Development Policies: Removing Institutional Barriers to Adoption.
- The Ahwanee Water Principle has crafted a model ordinance for incorporating sustainable water strategies as a core principle in all municipal planning.
