"Daddy, where did the water go?"

Low Impact Development (LID)

The low impact development approach to developing land and managing stormwater is to imitate the natural movement of water through a site. Before development came to Redmond, almost all rainfall was dispersed along the forest floor, where it infiltrated into the ground, was taken up by the roots of plants and trees, or evaporated. Where forests and natural open spaces have been cleared, and buildings, roads, parking areas and lawns dominate the landscape, rainfall now becomes stormwater runoff, carrying pollutants to nearby waters.

Is LID allowed in Redmond?
Yes!  The City is working on many fronts to encourage and support builders and developers who want to use low impact development techniques. 

• To encourage use of compost amended soils, Redmond developed landscaping guidelines in 1998.
• To protect the unique character and environment in North Redmond, many LID techniques are required as part of the North Redmond Neighborhood Plan, adopted in 2006.
• The City's 2006 Regional Facilities Plan describes the City's plan to incorporate low impact development as part of an overall approach to managing stormwater.
• The 2007 Stormwater Technical Notebook provides stormwater management requirements for development projects.  That January 1, 2007 update encourages low impact development.  Use of LID can lead to smaller stormwater ponds, thereby reducing costs for developers.
• The Residential Green Building Program is a voluntary program that offers priority review for all residential applicants that build green.
• The City recently adopted new residential development regulations to encourage sustainable development and natural stormwater management techniques in new residential developments.
• The City is in the process of updating the Stormwater Technical Notebook to make LID even easier to incorporate into site design.

• The City is working to implement LID within capital improvement projects like the Overlake Regional Stormwater Facility, road improvements within the Downtown East West Corridor Study, 116th Avenue NE improvements.

How can residents and businesses implement LID?
Low Impact development is not just for developers.  Residents and business can implement many LID techniques on existing sites.

• Use Natural Yard Care techniques in your landscaping.  Replace your lawn with native plants.
• Use Rain Barrels to capture roof runoff and use it in your landscaping.  Ecology is updating its rules on rain barrels.
• Drainage problems around your property may be addressed using some LID techniques.

Where can I see examples of LID in Redmond?
The City is building many projects in Redmond that demonstrate low impact development in practice.  Visit some of our project sites to see how low impact development can work and what it looks like.

• Grass Lawn Park LID Demonstration Project
• City Hall Bioinfiltration Swale
• Old Redmond Road Bioretention Swale
• Bear Creek Trail Permeable Asphalt
• WSDOT SR520 Flyover Bike Trail Permeable Asphalt
• Leary Way Stormwater Treatment Wetland
  

Who else is doing LID? 
Low Impact Development is cropping up everywhere. Visit some other local jurisdiction websites to learn more:

• City of Seattle - Natural Drainage Systems
• King County - Green Building and LID
• City of Portland - Green Building Program
• City of Issaquah - Rainier Blvd Pervious Pavement

• City of Kirkland - Sustainable Development

Where can I learn more about LID?
There are numerous resources available to get more information about LID.  

• LID Technical Guidance Manual
• Puget Sound Partnership 
• Urban Design Tools Website  
• Low Impact Development Center
• Maintenance of LID Facilities