Title
Low Impact Development Code Revisions
Recommended Action/UAC Deliverable:
Provide recommendations for Olympia Planning Commission and City Council in December.
Staff Contact:
Eric Christensen, Engineering and Planning Supervisor, 360.570.3741
Laura Keehan, Senior Planner, 360.753.8321
Previous LID Work Items Before the UAC:
LID Code Revisions Briefings: January 7th, September 3rd and October 1st 2015.
Background and Analysis:
The Utility Advisory Committee discussed LID during their September and October meetings. Low impact development is scheduled for additional UAC consideration in December, culminating in technical and policy recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council. The Planning Commission will review specific regulatory language, host a public hearing, and forward additional recommendations to City Council in early spring, 2016.
Olympia’s Public Works and Community Planning and Development Departments completed detailed evaluations of 22 LID elements (See Attachment 1). The evaluations form the basis for our recommendations for further LID implementation.
The evaluations led staff through the challenging process of how to “make LID the preferred and commonly used approach to site development”, as required by the Department of Ecology. They document the technical, regulatory, and on-the-ground aspects of using LID in Olympia.
UAC members agreed to read Elements #11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19 and 20 in preparation for discussion at the November meeting (see below). Attachment 2 provides further detail about the staff recommended options for Elements. Staff will review these at the November meeting. Questions related to the Elements can be emailed to staff (Laura Keehan, lkeehan@ci.olympia.wa.us) prior to the meeting in order to better facilitate discussion.
November
Group 4: Increased Infiltration
Elements
• 11: Bioretention
• 12: Stormwater Use of Landscaping
• 13: Downspout Infiltration
• 15: Impervious Surface with Underdrains
Group 5: Procedures, Process, Codes
Elements
• 17: Adopt a New DDECM
• 19: Pre & During Construction Inspections
• 20: Maintenance Standards
Financial Impact:
Public Works and the Community Planning and Development Departments are providing the in-house planning and technical resources for the project. Additionally, the Storm and Surface Water Utility is funding outside consultant support.