Low-Impact Development (LID)

Rain GardenThe low impact development approach to developing land and managing stormwater is to imitate the natural movement of water through a site. 

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. 

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 Stormwater Technical Notebook provides stormwater management requirements for development projects.  It encourages low impact development. Use of LID can lead to smaller stormwater ponds, thereby reducing costs for developers.

How Redmond has implemented LID around the City

Bear Creek Trail

2006
  • New trail along Bear Creek between Redmond Way and Avondale Way NE
  • South end and part of North end is permeable

SR 520 Ramp Bike Trail

2008
  • Permeable asphalt

Grass Lawn Park

Re-opened end Summer 2008
  • Permeable Asphalt
  • Rain Garden
  • Compost Amended Soil
  • Green Roof
  • Tree Preservation

172nd Ave NE

Summer 2010
  • The City's first rain garden in the 172nd Avenue right-of-way
  • Transforming a grass curb bulb into a rain garden

161st Ave NE

Summer 2011
  • 4 rain gardens constructed at 161st Avenue between Redmond Way and Cleveland

185th Ave NE

Fall 2011
  • Rain garden
  • Porous sidewalk
  • Swales

NE 85th Street

November 2012
  • Porous Concrete