Title
Update on the Low Impact Development Code Revision Project
Recommended Action
City Manager Recommendation:
Not applicable; briefing only.
Report
Issue:
The Public Works and Community Planning and Development Departments started work on State-mandated low impact development code revisions in early 2104. Staff proposed and City Council supported regular Land Use and Environment Committee updates on the topic during a June 3, 2014 study session.
Staff Contact:
Andy Haub, Water Resources Director, Public Works, 360.753.8475
Todd Stamm, Associate Line of Business Director, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8597
Presenter(s):
Same
Background and Analysis:
Washington State defines low impact development (LID) as a stormwater and land use management strategy that promotes infiltration and evaporation of rainfall rather than stormwater runoff. The strategy emphasizes conservation, site planning, and small-scale stormwater management practices that are integrated into project designs. Low impact techniques include environmentally sensitive site design and innovative stormwater management approaches, such as porous pavements.
The City of Olympia is required by the State to evaluate our various codes and regulations in order to "make LID the preferred and commonly used approach to site development." In response to this requirement, the Public Works and Community
Planning and Development Departments assembled a LID Code Revision Work Group in February, 2014. The work group is on schedule to complete the ambitious work effort including Council-approved code revisions by the end of 2015.
The LID work group has made steady progress on the project since the June 3, 2014 study session with the City Council. Staff is implementing the public involvement strategy and overall schedule which was shared with Council (attached).
Key tasks that are underway or completed include:
· Identifying specific City code and standards that need to be evaluated for potential revisions.
· Developing 25 draft issue papers that evaluate and provide options for potential implementation of low impact development. Work on the issue papers will continue over the winter and support the development of specific code revisions.
· Assembling a 16-member ad hoc technical advisory committee that will critique issue papers and draft code revisions. The committee is comprised of members of the local development and consulting community. The first meeting of the committee was held on October 30th.
· Communicating with the public through the City's utility bill insert and webpage. An e-newsletter template has been prepared for future use.
· Meeting with the other three local jurisdictions to discuss coordinating work efforts on common issues.
· Updating the Olympia Planning Commission and Utility Advisory Committee.
Though challenging, the project remains on schedule. More information sharing with the public is anticipated for early spring 2015.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The LID code revisions build upon neighborhood, development and community interests in environmental protection and sustainable development. The outcomes will help guide development practices in Olympia for years to come. The City anticipates considerable community interest in the work effort.
Options:
Not applicable; briefing only.
Financial Impact:
Public Works and the Community Planning and Development Departments are providing the in-house planning and technical resources for this project. Additionally, the Storm and Surface Water Utility has funding within its budget for outside consultant support.
Attachment:
Low Impact Development Project Schedule and Outreach table