(A) (1) Low impact development (LID) is a comprehensive approach rather than a technique.
(2) The idea behind LID is to develop a site so that post-development runoff conditions mimic or imitate pre-settlement runoff.
(3) The premise of LID is that storm water is an asset and necessary element in the natural environment and it should not be managed for “disposal”.
(4) The approach emphasizes the integration of site design and planning techniques in order to design the built environment so that it remains a functioning part of an ecosystem, rather than existing apart from it.
(5) Specifically, LID aims to:
(a) Preserve open space and minimize land disturbance;
(b) Protect natural systems and processes (drainage ways, vegetation, soils and sensitive areas);
(c) Reexamine the use and sizing of traditional site infrastructure (lots, streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks) and customize site design to each site;
(d) Incorporate natural site elements (wetlands, stream corridors, mature forests) as design elements; and
(e) Decentralize and micromanage storm water at its source.
(B) (1) Each establishment larger than 80,000 square feet shall contribute to the enhancement of the community, environment and public spaces by infiltrating storm water onsite to the greatest possible extent.
(2) Low impact development strategies to be considered, but are not limited to:
(a) Reduced street width;
(b) Use of pervious pavements;
(c) Use of bio-retention/rainwater gardens and/or infiltration swales along roads and parking lots and within parking lots;
(d) Amending/restoring soils to increase infiltration;
(e) Preserve existing vegetation;
(f) Constructing wetlands for storm water treatment;
(g) Disconnecting impervious surfaces; and
(h) Installing green roofs.
(Ord. passed 3-20-2002, § 24, Art. I, 9)