Title
Low Impact Development (LID) Code Revisions - Recommendation
Recommended Action
Move to draft a letter to City Council regarding the proposed LID stormwater amendments to Olympia’s development codes.
Report
Issue:
Develop a recommendation to Council on the proposed LID-related revisions to Olympia’s development codes.
Staff Contact:
Laura Keehan, Senior Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8321
Nicole Floyd, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.3768
Background and Analysis:
During early 2016, Planning Commission reviewed and discussed proposed low impact development stormwater updates to Olympia’s development codes. Specifically this includes the Olympia Drainage Design and Erosion Control Manual (DDECM), and portions of the Engineering Design and Development Standards (EDDS) and Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) (see hyperlink to the City’s LID website).
Staff anticipates City Council adoption of LID code revisions in July 2016, six months prior to the State mandated deadline of December 31, 2016 to make LID the preferred and commonly-used approach to site development.
Information about the proposed LID code updates is contained in the Planning Commission staff reports from January 4, January 25, February 1, February 22, and March 7, 2016.
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.
A written public comment period occurred from January 4, 2016 through February 12, 2016. Written comments received were attached to the Commission’s February 1st staff report.
Options:
1. Recommend that City Council adopt the code amendments as proposed.
2. Recommend that City Council adopt the code amendments as modified by the Planning Commission.
3. Recommend that the development codes are not amended for LID.
Financial Impact:
Public Works and the Community Planning and Development departments provided the in-house planning and technical resources for the project. Additionally, the Storm and Surface Water Utility funded outside consultant support.