Development Options

We're offered many options in many activities in our daily lives. New options in development that include an emphasis on the improvement and protection of water and soil resources is Low Impact Development, Conservation Design and some of the options under Smart Growth concepts.

Low Impact Development or Environmental Site Design

Low Impact Development or (LID) is the incorporation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) that try to mimic historic hydrology. LID practices can be used in all developments and include such practices as detention, retention, construction wetlands, and infiltration-based practices such as bioretention, infiltration trenches, filters and other practices. The focus is on reducing the impacts on local streams and lakes by managing stormwater quality and quantity (flood).

Resources:
The Low Impact Development Center, Inc.
Urban Design Tools: low impact development
Center for Watershed Protection

Conservation Design

Conservation Design is a development method that reduces the impact on the site by minimizing site disturbance through grading, preserving some of the natural features of the landscape, clustering homes and providing open space for recreation that can also be used for storm water best management practices. Often, all storm water can be managed on-site using a combination of best management practices.
Enhancements to the site can also include native prairie and wetland restoration. This method is also used to blend the development into its undeveloped natural surroundings.

Resources:
Conservation Living

Smart Growth

Smart Growth is a method of development that focuses on the “big picture” of development within a city or region. It addresses transportation, multi-use housing, commercial, and industrial development along with water resource protection.

Resources:
Environmental Protection Agency

Smart Growth Online