ANNOUCEMENT

We hope we have made our website easy for users to find frequently requested items. One useful item is the site summary found on our home page. We also have a project summary page that illustrates the current programs in progress in the stormwater section. One of the interesting features on that page is our Drainage Improvement Program (DrIP). Also, if you have a general question, look into the FAQ's page or the Contact Us page, we will be glad to help.

Low Impact Development (LID)

City of Flagstaff, Stormwater Management Section

On February 17, 2009, the Flagstaff City Council approved Ordinance No. 2009-07, which requires Low Impact Development integrated management practices (IMPs) be used to retain/infiltrate the first one inch of runoff from all impervious area on sites that also are required to provide stormwater detention.  Implementation of the LID Standards will be phased.  During the first year, beginning March 17, 2009, the program will be voluntary. During this phase, developers will be encouraged to use LID measures.  During the second phase, developers will be required to retain/infiltrate the first ½ inch of runoff from all additional impervious areas.  Developers will be required to retain/infiltrate the first one inch of runoff from all additional impervious areas beginning on March 17, 2011.

What is LID?

LID is an ecologically friendly approach to site development and storm water management that aims to mitigate development impacts to land, water, and air.  This approach emphasizes stormwater management at the source, using small, cost-effective landscape features located at the lot level.  The goal is to conserve natural systems and hydrologic functions on a site through the integration of site design and planning techniques.

Specifically, LID aims to:

• Preserve Open Space and Minimize Land Disturbance
• Protect Natural Systems and Processes (drainage ways, vegetation, soils, sensitive areas)
• Reexamine the Use and Sizing of Traditional Site Infrastructure (lots, streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks) and Customize Site Design to Each Site
• Incorporate Natural Site Elements (wetlands, stream corridors, mature forests) as Design Elements; and
• Decentralize and Micromanage Storm Water at its Source.

Benefits of LID:

• Use runoff for landscape irrigation
• Reduces non-point source pollution
• Groundwater recharge
• Reduces the volume of runoff (less flooding)
• Water conservation
• Credit toward LEED Accreditation

Examples of LID

• Bio-Retention/Rain Gardens
• Rainwater Harvesting
• Permeable Pavements
• Green Roofs
• Vegetated Swales
• Curb Cuts
• Green Streets