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.

LID in Redmond

LID

Year Built

Features
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 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 sidewalk