Low Impact Development

Be a part of the solution to storm water pollution!

What is low impact development (LID)?

Low impact development (LID) is a method of land development and use that aims to minimize the impact of development on the local watershed by maintaining the natural hydrologic character of the site.  The natural hydrology, or movement of water through a watershed, is shaped over centuries under location specific conditions to form a balanced and efficient ecosystem.  When our natural areas are replaced by hard surfaces such as driveways, rooftops, and parking lots the movement of water is altered; particularly, runoff increases and infiltration decreases.  This may result in increased downstream flooding, stream bank erosion, and nonpoint source pollution.  

LID designs with nature in mind by working with the natural landscape and existing hydrology to retain water where it falls rather than using traditional methods of funneling water via pipes and ditches directly into local waterways.

LID Practices - Click on each of the practices below for more information

Rain Barrels - Rain from rooftop areas or paved areas can be diverted into a rain barrel rather than into a storm water system or into your yard. The collected rainwater can later be used to water lawns and gardens.   

Permeable Pavement - Traditional concrete and asphalt don’t allow water to soak into the ground rather, they repel it.  Permeable pavement systems allow rain and snowmelt to infiltrate unto the underlying soils which promotes recharge and treatment of pollution while decreasing storm water  runoff.

Rain Gardens - Specially designed areas planted with native plants can provide natural places for rainwater to collect and soak into the ground.  Rain from rooftop areas or paved areas can be diverted into these areas rather than into storm drains, which drain directly to a ditch or a stream. 

Green Roofs - Are roof top gardens. They reduce energy costs, lower the heat island effect, enhance air quality, and conserve valuable land that would otherwise be required for storm water runoff controls.

Conservation Development - Houses are carefully arranged and grouped  within a development to maintain overall density requirements, to conserve a large area of open space which preserves the existing natural resources.  This open spaced is often placed in an easement which is held by a third party in order to protect it in perpetuity.

Riparian Setbacks - Riparian setbacks are a zoning and planning tool that communities may use to maintain flood and erosion control, in addition to protecting water quality and property.  They are similar to front and side yard setbacks as they control the location of construction and related soil disturbing activities.