STORM WATER PROGRAM
Low Impact Development (LID)
What is LID?
Low Impact Development (LID) is an innovative approach to managing storm water and urban runoff that mitigates the negative effects of development and urbanization by controlling runoff at the source instead of expensive end-of-line treatment facilities.
LID techniques can be applied to all types and sizes of projects including residential homes, commercial and industrial lots, parking lots, sidewalks, and medians. Design techniques can be used to infiltrate, filter, store, evaporate, and detain runoff reducing storm water runoff from a site which improves water quality and also recharges the groundwater. LID includes a wide variety of techniques which include disconnecting rain gutters, reducing the amount of impervious surface, permeable paving, and infiltration swales.
Techniques are based on the premise that storm water management should not be seen as storm water disposal. Instead of conveying and managing/treating storm water in large, costly end-of-pipe facilities located at the bottom of drainage areas, LID addresses storm water through small, cost-effective landscape features located at the lot level.
These landscape features, known as Integrated Management Practices (IMPs), are the building blocks of LID. Almost all components of the urban environment have the potential to serve as an IMP. This includes not only open space, but also rooftops, streetscapes, parking lots, sidewalks, and medians. LID is a versatile approach that can be applied equally well to new development, urban retrofits, and redevelopment/revitalization projects.
LID Examples
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Small multi-functional detention area at
Dove Creek (Atascadero, CA). Source Wallace
Group.
Costco Bio-swale (San Luis Obispo). Source
Wallace Group.
Porous concrete was used in lieu of traditional
asphalt to protect the oak tree adjacent to the
parking lot. Source Wallace Group.
A curb cut to allow storm water to run off into
a landscaped area to be absorbed.Links for more information on LID
EPA Conceptual Guide to Green Streets
A Green Street is a street that uses natural processes to manage storm water runoff at its source. This guide provides an overview of different strategies that can be used in residential or commercial areas. Download PDF.
LID Best Management Practices
The City recommends that following LID Best Management Practices Manuals be used for determining the type of LID techniques to be used.
The California Storm Water Quality Association’s Storm Water Best Management Practice Handbook for New Development and Redevelopment: Download PDF.
The Contra Costa Clean Water Program Storm Water C.3. Guidebook: Download PDF.
The City of Santa Barbara Post-Construction Best Management Practice Manual: Download PDF.
LID Informational Brochure
www.coastal.ca.gov/nps/lid-factsheet.pdf
Low Impact Development Center
The Low Impact Development Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of Low Impact Development technology. Low Impact Development is a new, comprehensive land planning and engineering design approach with a goal of maintaining and enhancing the pre-development hydrologic regime of urban and developing watersheds. Visit: www.lowimpactdevelopment.org
Low Impact Development Urban Design Tools
This web site provides watershed managers with a
new set of tools and techniques that can be used to
meet regulatory and receiving water protection program
goals for urban retrofits, re-development projects,
and new development sites.
Visit:
www.lid-stormwater.net.
