LocalLID Implementation

Making the Most of Opportunities & Using Tools at Hand

Local LID Implementation

First it was PUD’s, then TOD’s… Now

it’s LID… When will

they make up their minds?!?

We are nowpromotingLow Impact

Development, or LID …

Local LID Implementation

Seeing opportunities at hand

Using existing tools at our disposal

Incorporating LID in a wide range of development types

Local LID Implementation

Specific plan developments

Individual sites

Local policies

Ordinances, new and updated General Plan update

Creek Master Plan

LocalLID Implementation

Setting the Stage

Using the Tools

Setting the stage for LID

Rohnert Park General Plan update 2000

Council Goal of Sustainability

Setting the stage for LID

Adoption of the Ahwahnee Water Principles for Resource-Efficient Land Use(Jan. 2006)

Tools at our disposal

1. Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan (SUSMP)

2. Specific Plans & Development Agreements

3. Site development review

4. Green Building Ordinance

5. Sustainability Ordinance

Tools at our disposal #1: SUSMP

SUSMP: Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan – Best Management Practices for New Development & Redevelopment

Developed by Phase 1 communities

Goal of consistent regional standards

Tools at our disposal #1: SUSMP

RP’s Storm Water Management Plan scheduled implementation of post-construction standards in 3rd year of permit (2008)

Instead, City incorporated SUSMP into updated Construction Standards in (2006)

Used existing regional standards to implement LID techniques sooner, not later

Tools at our disposal #2: Development Agreement & Specific Plan

University District Specific Plan (UDSP)

Tools at our disposal #2: Development Agreement & Specific Plan

University District Specific Plan (UDSP)

Setting the bar high for other SP’s

Reduction in impervious surface:High density, short street lengths

Increased open space: In addition to required parkland acreage, UDSP provides 58 acres of on-site open space (creek buffers, scenic corridors and structural buffers)

Tools at our disposal #2: Development Agreement & Specific Plan

On-site facilities: Water quality detention basins, 100’ creek setback, scenic wetlands corridor

Off-site facilities:Detention ponds on Copeland Creek, constructed wetlands east of Petaluma Hill Road

Tools at our disposal #3: Site Development Review

LID opportunities at individual sites

Ideally, at pre-application stage

Conditions of approval

Tools at our disposal #3: Site Development Review

Ashley Furniture, Rohnert Park

Tools at our disposal #3: Site Development Review

Ashley Furniture, Rohnert Park

Tools at our disposal #3: Site Development Review

Ashley Furniture parking lot features

Tools at our disposal #3: Site Development Review

Ashley Furniture parking lot features

Tools at our disposal #4: Green Building Ordinance

Adopted this year by Rohnert Park to:

Encourage water and resource conservation;

Reduce waste generated by construction projects;

Increase energy efficiency in buildings;

Provide durable buildings that are efficient and economical to own and operate; and

Promote the health and productivity of residents, workers, and visitors to the city.

Tools at our disposal #4: Green Building Ordinance

Green building ratings systems consider stormwater source-control techniques

Tools at our disposal #4: Green Building Ordinance

Green building ratings systems consider stormwater source-control techniques

Tools at our disposal #4: Green Building Ordinance

US Green Building Council’s LEED Rating System

Build It Green’s Rating System

Tools at our disposal #5: Sustainability Ordinance

Wider scope of concerns, better and coordination and integration of policies

Green building, energy-efficiency, water resources

Greenhouse gas reduction: Sonoma County Climate Protection Campaign working with Rohnert Park on City Implementation Plan

LocalLID Implementation

Going Forward

Going forwardWhat local agencies need for success

1. Spread the word about LID and educate developers, designers, engineers, contractors

LID becomes the norm. LID as what is acceptable to local agencies and regulators

Technology-transfer

Going forwardWhat local agencies need for success

2. Evaluate and ground-truth LID, both physical toolsets and policies

In order for LID to be most effective, the most effective aspects of LID need to be proven, science-based

Going forwardWhat local agencies need for success

Evaluate and ground-truth LID, both physical toolsets and policies

What techniques are working? What level of effectiveness?

What techniques are NOT working as designed now? How can we adjust those?

Going forwardWhat local agencies need for success

3. Encourage research and development of more information about LID

Pollutant removal effectiveness of the most common LID practices.

Models of resolving conflicting planning and land-use policies

Models of financing and ownership structures, maintenance

LocalLID Implementation

Thank you!