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Soliciting Input on the Draft and Proposed Work in ProgressStormwater pollution, water shortages, flood control, climate change, and the availability of natural green space have all become pressing environmental issues for cities around the nation including the City of Los Angeles. Many of these environmental concerns can be addressed by Low Impact Development (LID). LID can be described as the use of practices that encourage site sustainability and smart growth in a manner that respects and preserves the characteristics of the City’s watersheds, drainage paths, water supplies, and natural resources. Or in simpler wording: bringing nature back to our City to help with urban runoff management, water conservation, and improving the quality of the City’s waters. LID reduces the impact from urban development and provides the benefits of:
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| Section II: LID Resources | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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There are many ways we can increase groundwater supplies and prevent stormwater from flowing to our storm drains and polluting our rivers and oceans. The key to effective LID is to capture urban runoff and use it on the site for infiltration, irrigation and other beneficial uses before it enters the storm drain system. We can do this in and around our homes, as well as in our streets, alleys, parks and other open spaces throughout the City. The information provided here contains links to design standards, guidelines suggestions and additional reading about incorporating LID use in Los Angeles. This information is to assist home-owners, developers, planners, engineers, landscape designers, and anyone else that is interested or professionally involved with the development and redevelopment of Los Angeles. With this information, we hope to encourage everyone to make a difference and embrace LID as a way to improve the quality of life in Los Angeles. LID is a relatively new concept, but is gaining acceptance rapidly throughout the nation. This website will be frequently updated as new information becomes available. For any questions, please feel free to email staff and use the Subject Title "LID Info." |
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Low Impact Development (LID) Ordinance WorkshopsThe City of Los Angeles will be hosting a series of workshops in October to present information on the Low Impact Development (LID) Ordinance. You are invited to attend one of the following community workshops to learn more about this proposed ordinance. |
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| 1. | Water Quality Compliance Master Plan for Urban Runoff (April 2009)
This master plan outlines the City’s strategies for compliance with water quality regulations and was adopted by the Board of Public Works in April 2009. LID is one of the proposed strategies to improve the quality of the City’s waters. |
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| 2. | Green Infrastructure for Los Angeles: Addressing Urban Runoff and Water Supply through Low Impact Development (April 2009)
This report examines LID for the City of Los Angeles and potential steps for instituting city-wide LID programs or projects to address many of the environmental concerns, especially those related to water management. It’s a great starting point to get more familiar with LID and what it could mean for Los Angeles. |
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| 3. | City of Los Angeles Green Design Standards (in development)
This document will provide the details and standard plans for designing LID applications in streets, alleys, residential properties, and open spaces such as parks. This document is a work in progress: it was started in July 2009 and revisions will be made available on a biweekly basis. Standard plans are pending the final approval of several City departments and may be subject to change.
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| 4. | SUSMP Brochure (July 2009)
The final draft of this brochure has been completed and will be made available soon. |
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| 5. | Development Best Management Practices Handbook; Part B Planning Activities (June 2004)
This document provides guidance to comply with the requirements of the Development Planning Program regulations of the City’s Watershed Protection Program, including SUSMP. While this handbook primarily targets developers, Appendix G provides examples, fact sheets, and design standards of Best Management Practices for source control and treatment of stormwater. Some of these BMPs can be used at home. |
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| 6. | L.A. Rainwater Harvesting Program
A typical Los Angeles home directs about 14,000 gallons of rainwater through its downspouts into the storm drain system every year. While collecting pollutants on the way, this water ultimately gets to Santa Monica Bay and pollutes our beaches. The L.A. Rainwater Harvesting Program is a pilot program that provides free rainwater harvesting installation for 600 property owners in the targeted neighborhoods by Fall of 2009. By capturing the roof rainwater and using it for lawn and garden irrigation, pollution will be reduced and water will be conserved. Ultimately, it is the goal that the pilot program will be expanded throughout the City. |
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| 7. | Green Streets Info (in development) | |
| 8. | Other resources:
Several cities and agencies have developed manuals and other informational resources for urban runoff management including LID, landscaping tips and other tips for in and around the house. The following links are some good examples:
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