(a) Low Impact Development is an ecologically friendly approach to site Development and Storm Water management that aims to mitigate Development impacts to land, water, and air. The approach emphasizes the integration of site design and planning techniques that conserve natural systems and hydrologic functions on a site. Impact Development site design and strategies may provide the means by which Storm Water management objectives may be achieved. The goals of low impact Development include:
(1) Incorporating natural topographic features (wetlands, stream corridors, mature forests) and constraints in site design;
(2) Maintaining site hydrologic functions and mitigate impacts to such functions;
(3) Providing alternative layout and sizing of traditional site;
(4) Maintaining the total number of buildable lots within a Development (lot yield);
(5) Customizing infrastructure (lots, streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks) to each site;
(6) Decentralizing and micro-managing Storm Water at its source; and
(7) Providing of aesthetically pleasing Storm Water management controls
(b) Maintaining natural function and mitigating impact to the hydrologic cycle of a site allows for greater protection of the water resources of the site. This benefits the health, safety, and welfare of local stakeholders by controlling Storm Water at its source and minimizing the non-Point Source pollution that results in water resource degradation.
(Ord. 2013-29. Passed 3-20-13.)