Better site design

Schematic showing better site design priciples

Schematic showing better site design practices to minimize stormwater runoff and mitigate stormwater runoff

This chapter provides guidance to designers on how to plan and apply better site design practices at new development sites. Better site design includes a series of techniques that reduce impervious cover, conserve natural areas, and use pervious areas to more effectively treat stormwater runoff (Center for Watershed Protection, 1998a) and promote the treatment train approach to runoff management. The goal of better site design is to reduce runoff volume and mitigate site impacts when decisions are being made about proposed layout of a development site. These techniques are known by many different names, such as low impact development (LID), design with nature, sustainable development, sustainable site design (for LEED certification) and conservation design (see the subsection, Which Term Do I Use? below). Better site design techniques have been promoted in earlier state and regional stormwater manuals (MPCA, 2002 and Metropolitan Council 2001). As always, state and local regulations and design standards should be checked to assure that all requirements have been met.

When applied early in the design and layout process, better site design techniques can sharply reduce stormwater runoff and pollutants generated at a development site, and also reduce the size and cost of both the stormwater conveyance system and stormwater management practices (Center for Watershed Protection, 1998b).

More than a dozen different better site design techniques can be applied early in the design process at development sites. While not all of the better site design techniques will apply to every development site, the goal is to apply as many of them as possible to maximize stormwater reduction benefits

• Preserving natural areas
• Natural Area Conservation*
• Site Reforestation*
• Stream and Shoreline Buffers*
• Open space design
• Disconnecting and Distributing Runoff
• Soil Compost Amendments
• Disconnection of Surface Impervious Cover*
• Rooftop Disconnection*
• Grass Channels*
• Stormwater Landscaping
• Narrower streets
• Reducing Impervious Cover in Site Design
• Narrower Streets
• Slimmer Sidewalks
• Smaller Cul-de-sacs
• Shorter Driveways
• Smaller Parking Lots

Green Infrastructure: Better site design techniques denoted by an asterisk above may be worked into a program for stormwater credit which reduces the water quality volume that must be treated at a site

Photo of a residential subdivision illustrating preservation of undisturbed natural areas

Preserving natural areas

From a stormwater standpoint, it is desirable to maintain as much natural vegetative cover such as forest, prairie or wetland as possible. Natural areas generate the least amount of stormwater runoff and pollutant loads and establish and maintain the desired pre-development hydrology for the site. One of the first steps in the site planning involves identifying, conserving and restoring natural areas present at the development site. The overall strategy is to maximize natural area conservation beyond what is required under local or state resource requirements. Normally, an inventory of natural areas is conducted at the site, along with an assessment of potential areas for reforestation or restoration. Next, designers modify the layout of the development project to take advantage of natural features, preserve the most sensitive areas, and mitigate any stormwater impacts. Open space design is one of the most effective better site design techniques for preserving natural areas at residential sites without losing developable lots.

Natural area conservation

Natural area conservation protects natural resources and environmental features that help maintain the pre-development hydrology of a site by reducing runoff and promoting infiltration (Figure 4.1). Examples include any undisturbed vegetation preserved at the development site, such as forests, prairies, and riparian areas, ridge tops and steep slopes, and stream, wetland and shoreline buffers. Designers should also place a particular priority on preserving natural drainage pathways, intermittent and perennial streams, and floodplains and their associated wetlands. Buildings and roads should be located around the natural topography and drainage so as to avoid unnecessary disturbance of vegetation, soils and natural drainage ways. The undisturbed soils and vegetation of natural areas promote infiltration, runoff filtering and direct uptake of pollutants. Forested areas intercept rainfall in their canopy, reducing the amount of rain that reaches the ground. Vegetation also pumps soil water back into the atmosphere which increases storage available in the soil. Native vegetation also prevents erosion by stabilizing soil, filtering sediment and pollutants from runoff, and nutrient uptake. Preserving natural areas creates many economic benefits including decreased heating and cooling costs, higher property values and improved habitat (Cappiella, 2005). Generally a natural grassland area would have to be five acres or larger to approach full ecological function, and a forested site would have to be in the range of 20-40 acres (DNR written correspondence, 2005). Two resource tools for identifying natural forest or prairie areas include native plant community and biodiversity site polygons form the DNR Data Deli and natural element occurrences from the Natural Heritage Information System. Native plant communities can also be identified using the DNR plant community keys: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 2003; Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 2005; Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 2006. These guides also provide information on plant species to include in restoration efforts.

Schematic showing potential planting areas at a development site

Site Reforestation or Restoration

Site reforestation involves planting trees on existing turf or barren ground at a development site with the goal of establishing a mature forest canopy that can intercept rainfall, maximize infiltration and increase evapotranspiration (Figure 4.2). In some parts of the state, prairie is the desired vegetative community, and prairie restoration can provide similar hydrological benefits. Reforestation is accomplished through active replanting or natural regeneration of forest cover. Cappiella (2005) reviewed a range of research that demonstrated the runoff reduction benefits associated with forest cover compared to turf cover. The benefits include reduced annual runoff volumes, higher rates of infiltration, reduced soil erosion, and greater uptake removal of stormwater pollutants. Forest soils actively promote greater infiltration rates due to surface organic matter and macro pores created by tree roots. Forests also intercept rainfall in their canopy, reducing the amount of rain that reaches the ground and increasing potential water storage in forest environments.

Schematic showing a three-zone buffer system

Stream and Shoreline Buffers

Many communities require buffers at development sites to provide a vegetative setback between development and streams, lakes or wetlands. The portions of a site reserved for buffers can present an excellent opportunity to practice better site design. The primary function of buffers is to physically protect a stream, lake or wetland from future disturbance or encroachment; however, with careful design they can also be used to capture and filter stormwater runoff from upland areas of the site. To optimize stormwater treatment, the outer boundary of the buffer (Figure 4.3) should have a stormwater depression area and a grass filter strip. Runoff captured within the stormwater depression is spread across a grass filter designed for sheet flow conditions, and discharges to a wider forest or shrub buffer in the middle or streamside zones that can fully infiltrate and/or further treat stormflows.

• Buffers can provide many different environmental and economic benefits, including:
• Reduced small drainage problems and complaints
• Reduced risk of flood damage
• Reduced stream bank erosion
• Increased adjacent property values
• Enhanced pollutant removal
• Location for greenways and trails
• Sustained integrity of stream ecosystems and habitat
• Protection of wetlands associated with the stream corridor
• Prevention of disturbance of steep slopes
• Mitigation of stream warming
• Protection of important stream corridor habitat for wildlife

Schematic showing a conventional subdivision (left) with 72 lots, an alternative layout (center) using open space design with the same number of lots, and another alternative layout (right0 using open space design with 66 lots

Schematic illustrating traditional and conservation design development

Open space design

Open space design is a form of residential development that concentrates lots in a compact area of the site to allow for greater conservation of natural areas (Figure 4.4). Minimum lot sizes, setbacks and frontage distances are relaxed so as to maintain the same number of dwelling units at the site. This form of development may also be called cluster design or conservation design. If open space design is available as an option under local zoning codes, it can be an excellent tool to conserve more natural areas beyond the minimum required under local and state water resource protection ordinances. Open space design can also be used to reduce or disconnect impervious cover and provide for greater on-site stormwater treatment. The natural areas conserved are protected by easement and managed by a community or homeowners association.

Research has shown that open space designs can reduce overall site impervious cover compared to conventional subdivisions, and command higher prices and more rapid sales, as well (Zielinski, 2001). Other benefits include lower costs for grading, erosion control, stormwater and site infrastructure, as well as greater land conservation without the loss of developable lots.

Disconnecting and distributing stormwater

A better site design strategy seeks to maximize the use of pervious areas at the site to help filter and infiltrate runoff generated from impervious areas and to spread excess runoff from these surfaces over pervious areas. Most development sites have extensive areas of grass or landscaping where runoff can be treated close to the source where it is generated. Designers should carefully look at the site for pervious areas that might be used to disconnect or distribute runoff.

Compost and amended soils

Compost amended soils are used to recover soil porosity lost due to compaction as a result of past construction, soil disturbance and ongoing human traffic. The amendment process seeks to recover the porosity and bulk density of soils by incorporating soil amendments or conditioners into the lawn, such as compost, top soil, lime and gypsum (McDonald, 1999).

Soils can also be amended through the addition of fibers for structural support to prevent compaction, as well as the simple addition of sand to improve permeability or organic material other than compost (e.g. peat).

Soils are the foundation for successful planting, and the water holding capacity of soils can significantly reduce the volume of runoff from a site. What constitutes a “good” soil depends on the purpose it is to serve. For example, if you are planting prairie plants a high organic content in the soil is required. However, if you are planting Kentucky bluegrass a lower organic content soil can be used.

In addition to successful plant growth, soils can be engineered to improve water holding capacity. The humus materials or compost created from the compost process has a water holding capacity of up to 80 percent by weight. This quality is very significant when trying to decrease runoff and increase filtration. On-site soils can be amended by incorporating compost into the soils or by laying a one to three inch “blanket” of compost on top of the soils. Fiber amendments can assist in maintaining soil structure even with heavy surface loads. The method chosen depends on site characteristics and the purpose it is intended to serve, such as promoting infiltration or reducing nutrient and sediment loading to surface waters. Additional discussion of compost amended soils occurs in Chapter 12-FACT under Runoff Volume Minimization techniques.

Disconnection of surface impervious cover

Surface disconnection spreads runoff from small parking lots, courtyards, driveways and sidewalks into adjacent pervious areas where it is filtered or infiltrated into the soil. Designers look for areas of the site where flow can be diverted into turf, lawns or a vegetated filter strip. When many small areas of impervious cover are disconnected from the storm drain system, the total volume and rate of stormwater runoff can be sharply reduced. Disconnections may be restricted based on the length, slope, and soil infiltration rate of the pervious area in order to prevent any reconnection of runoff with the storm drain system. In some cases, minor grading of the site may be needed to promote overland flow and vegetative filtering.

Rooftop disconnection

Disconnection of rooftops offers an excellent opportunity to spread runoff over lawns and other pervious areas where it can be filtered and infiltrated. Downspout disconnection can infiltrate runoff, reduce runoff velocity, and remove pollutants. Alternately, downspouts can be directed to a dry well, rain garden or surface depression. The stormwater benefits associated with rooftop disconnection can be significant, particularly when residential lot size is large and soils are relatively permeable. Note that building sub-drains generally intercept water from entering a building and do not lend themselves to the impervious disconnection category.

Grass channels

Curbs, gutters and storm drains are all designed to be hydraulically efficient in removing stormwater from a site. However, they also increase peak runoff discharge, flow velocity, and pollutant delivery to downstream waters. From a better site design perspective, grass channels are preferable to curb and gutters as a conveyance system, where development density, topography, soils and slopes permit their use. Grass channels provide on-site runoff storage, lower peak flows, reduce runoff velocities, and filter or infiltrate some portion of storm flows. While research has indicated that grass channels cannot remove pollutants reliably enough to qualify as a BMP (Winer, 2000), they have been shown to reduce runoff volumes during smaller storms when compared to curbs and gutters.

Stormwater landscaping

Traditionally, landscaping and stormwater management have been treated separately in site planning. In recent years, engineers and landscape architects have discovered that integrating stormwater into landscaping features can improve the function and quality of both. The basic concept is to adjust the planting area to accept stormwater runoff from adjacent impervious areas and utilize plant species adapted to the modified runoff regime (Table 4.1). Excellent guidance on how to match plant species to stormwater conditions can be found in the MPCA publication Plants for Stormwater Design: Species Selection for the Upper Midwest (Shaw and Schmidt, 2003) and in Cappiella et al. (2005).

A landscaping area may provide full or partial stormwater treatment, depending on site conditions. An excellent example of the use of landscaping for full stormwater treatment is bioretention (Figure 4.5). In other cases, landscaping can provide supplemental treatment such as green rooftops and stormwater planters. Even small areas of impervious cover should be directed into landscaping areas since stormwater or melt water help to reduce irrigation needs. More specific recommendations on the use of landscaping in BMP design can be found in Chapter 12 and Appendix E.

Photos illustrating examples of landscaped islands for stormwater treatment in a suburban parking lot (left), the parking lot of a government office building (top right) and a highly urban parking lot (lower right)

Reducing impervious cover

This strategy relies on several techniques to reduce the total area of rooftops, parking lots, streets, sidewalks and other types of impervious cover created at a development site. The basic approach is to reduce each type of impervious cover by downsizing the required minimum geometry specified in current local codes, keeping in mind that there are minimum requirements that must be met for fire, snowplow and school bus operation. Less impervious cover directly translates into less stormwater runoff and pollutant loads generated at the site. In most communities, local codes must be changed to allow the use of this group of better site design techniques.

Schematic of a traditional road (left) and a road that was narrowed through the use of "queuing" lanes (right)

Narrower streets

Many communities require residential streets that are much wider than needed to support travel lanes, on-street parking, and emergency access. Some communities currently require residential streets as wide as 32 to 40 feet and which provide two parking lanes and two moving lanes (Figure 4.6). Local experience has shown that residential streets can have pavement widths as narrow as 22 to 26 feet, and still accommodate all access and parking needs (ITE, 1997). Even narrower access streets or shared driveways can be used when only a handful of homes are served. Narrower streets help reduce impervious cover and associated runoff and pollutant generation. Significant cost savings occur in both road construction and maintenance. Narrower streets also help reduce traffic speeds in residential neighborhoods which, in turn, improve pedestrian safety. Snow stockpiles on narrow streets can be accommodated if parking is restricted to one side of the street or alternated between the sides. Alternatively, the right-of-way may be used for snow storage. Narrow snowplows are available. Snowplows with 8’ width, mounted on a pick-up truck are common. Some companies manufacture alternative plows on small Bobcat®-type machines.

Photo illustrating a sidewalk that drains to adjacent vegetation and provides common walkways linking pedestrian areas

Slimmer sidewalks

Many communities require sidewalks that are excessively wide or are located adjacent to the street where the pedestrians are at risk from vehicles. A better site design technique modifies the width and location of sidewalks to promote safer pedestrian mobility (Figure 4.7). Impervious cover is reduced when sidewalks are required on only one side of the street, reduced in width and are located away from the street. Sidewalks can also be disconnected so they drain to lawns or landscaping instead of the gutter and storm drain system. Slimmer sidewalks reduce and/or disconnect impervious cover, and thus reduce the generation of runoff. Other benefits include greater pedestrian safety, lower construction and maintenance costs, and reduced individual homeowner responsibility for snow clearance.

Schematic showing turnaround options for residential streets (Source: Adapted from Schueler, 1995)

Photos showing examples of a shorter driveway

Smaller cul-de-sacs

The large cul-de-sacs that enable vehicles to turn around at the end of a residential street provide a great opportunity for better site design. Impervious cover can be reduced by minimizing the diameter of residential street cul-de-sacs and incorporating landscaped areas into them. Many communities require cul-de-sacs that have a greater diameter than needed to allow emergency and large vehicles to adequately turn around. Alternatives to the traditional 80 foot diameter cul-de-sac include 60 foot diameter cul-de-sacs, hammerhead turnarounds and loop roads (Figure 4.8). In addition, the inside of the turnaround can be landscaped as a bioretention area to further reduce impervious cover and improve stormwater treatment. Trees and vegetation planted in landscaped islands can be used to intercept rain water and treat stormwater runoff from surrounding pavement (Figure 4.9). Each of these alternative turnaround options produces a more attractive and safe environment for residents.

Photo showing an example of a shorter driveway (left) and a shared driveway (right)

Shorter driveways

Driveways present another opportunity to practice better site design. Most local codes contain front yard setback requirements that dictate driveway length. In many communities, front yard setbacks for certain residential zoning categories may extend 50 or 100 feet or even longer, which increases driveway length well beyond what is needed for adequate parking and access to the garage. Shorter setbacks reduce the length and impervious cover for individual driveways. In addition, driveway width can be reduced, and more permeable driveway surfaces allowed. Another way to reduce impervious cover is to allow shared driveways that provide street access for up to six homes (Figure 4.10). Shorter driveways help reduce infrastructure costs for developers since they reduce the amount of paving or concrete needed.

Smaller parking lots

The parking lot is an excellent place to apply better site design. In many communities, parking lots are over-sized and under-designed. Local parking and landscaping codes can be modified to allow the following better site design techniques to be applied within parking lots:

• Minimize standard stall dimensions for regular spaces
• Provide compact car spaces
• Use of pervious pavement (asphalt, concrete, blocks, sand amendments)
• Incorporate efficient parking lanes
• Reduce minimum parking demand ratios for certain land use
• Treat the parking demand ratio as a maximum limit
• Create stormwater “islands” in traffic islands or landscaping areas to treat runoff using bioretention, filter strips or other practices
• Encourage shared parking arrangements

Smaller parking lots can sharply reduce impervious cover and provide more effective treatment of stormwater pollutants. In addition, smaller parking lots reduce both up front construction costs and long term operation and maintenance costs, as well as the size and cost of stormwater practices. Parking lot landscaping makes the lot more attractive to customers, and promotes safety for both vehicles and pedestrians. In addition, trees and other landscaping help screen adjacent land uses, shade people and cars, reduce summertime temperatures and improve air quality and bird habitat. Example wetlands to incorporate into large-scale commercial/institutional parking lots are shown in Section VII.

Schematic illustrating comparative analysis of Stonehill Estates in the pre-development condition (top), the conventional design (middle) and the open space design (bottom).

The benefits of Better Site Design

Several researchers have employed redesign comparisons to demonstrate the benefits of better site design over a wide range of residential lot sizes and commercial applications. For example, Center for Watershed Protection (1998b) demonstrated that better site design techniques could reduce impervious cover and stormwater runoff by 7- to 70 percent, depending on site conditions. A redesign analysis for a medium density residential subdivision (shown if the figure to the right) suggested that better site design techniques could reduce impervious cover and annual runoff volume by 24%, cut phosphorus loadings by half, and increase site infiltration by 55%, compared to a traditional subdivision.

Each better site design technique provides environmental and economic benefits to both the developer and the community at large. When techniques are applied together at a development site, they can result in tangible savings for the developer in the form of:

• Reduced infrastructure costs (e.g., paving and piping)
• Reduced clearing and grading costs during construction
• Smaller and less costly structural stormwater BMPs
• Faster sales and lease rates
• Easier compliance with wetland and other resource protection regulations
• More land available for building since fewer structural BMPs are needed

Cost savings really start to add up when many better site design techniques are applied together. Research indicates that infrastructure savings alone can range from 5 to 65%, depending on site conditions, lot size and the extent that better site design techniques are applied (Cappiella et al, 2005; Center for Watershed Protection, 1998b; Liptan and Brown, 1996; Dreher and Price, 1994; and Maurer, 1996).

• Better site design techniques continue to provide benefits to the community long after the developer has sold the lots. Some examples of these benefits include:
• Reduced operation and maintenance costs for roads and stormwater system
• Increased property values for homes and businesses
• Increased open space available for recreation
• More pedestrian friendly neighborhoods
• Reduced annual cost for mowing
• More pleasing and attractive landscaping
• Improved air quality (more forest cover)
• Less temperature fluctuation from paved surfaces

Table 4.2 compares the economic and environmental benefits that can be expected for individual better site design techniques.

Overcoming barriers to Better Site Design

Despite the clear benefits of better site design techniques, it may be difficult to apply some of them in many communities across the state at the present time. The primary reason is that the geometry, location, and design of development projects is largely dictated by local subdivision codes and zoning ordinances. In some cases, these codes discourage or even prohibit better site design techniques. In other cases, development review authorities are hesitant to approve innovative better site design techniques because of fears they may create real or perceived problems. While potential barriers differ in every community, some frequently cited problems are that better site design techniques may:

• Restrict access for fire trucks and emergency vehicles
• Increase future municipal maintenance costs
• Drive up construction costs
• Make it more difficult to plow snow
• Generate future problems or complaints (e.g. inadequate parking, wet basements, etc.)
• Interfere with existing utilities

These real or perceived local problems must be directly addressed in order to gain widespread adoption of better site design techniques. Communities may also need to carefully reevaluate their local codes and ordinances to overcome barriers to better site design. At the end of the chapter there is an example of how better site design principles can be applied, in this case for “big box” commercial design. This example shows how such features as bioretention, reduced impervious area, and pervious pavement can be used.

An effective method for promoting code change is a local site planning roundtable (www.cwp.org/site_planning.htm). Roundtables involve key stakeholders from the local government, development, and environmental communities that influence the development process.

The roundtable approach is but one of many different approaches that can be used for public participation in the development of improved local ordinances. The development of a good comprehensive plan that involves a local water or watershed component that includes an inventory of natural amenities and a stormwater management plan is another. The roundtable discussion is included here as an option that might not be as familiar as the comprehensive planning approach. The roundtable is a consensus process to negotiate new development guidance in the context of local conditions. A site planning roundtable is normally conducted in five steps, as shown below.

Step 1. Conduct research on local development codes and ordinances

In the first step in a local roundtable, existing development codes and ordinances are assessed and then compared with the principles of better site design to identify which ones may need changing. Communities may use the codes and ordinances worksheet to facilitate this assessment (Center for Watershed Protection (1998a). The worksheet helps communities systematically compare their existing development rules to the better site design techniques by asking specific questions on how development actually happens in the community. To use the worksheet, communities assemble all of the local, watershed, state, and federal codes and regulations that collectively govern how development occurs in the community, including documents such as:

• Zoning ordinances
• Subdivision codes
• Street standards and road design manuals
• Building and fire codes
• Septic and sewer regulations
• Environmental regulations
• Stormwater drainage criteria
• Tree protection/landscaping ordinances
• Erosion and sediment control and grading requirements
• Public safety and access requirements
• Other documents that influence how development occurs

In some cases, information on a particular development rule may not be explicitly articulated in local code or may be hidden in supporting design manuals, review checklists, or as an unwritten review policy. Once current development rules and regulations are identified, the codes and ordinances worksheet can be completed. The worksheet consists of 66 questions that compare local development rules against 22 national better site design benchmarks, as outlined in Center for Watershed Protection (1998a). Each question focuses on a specific site design practice, such as the minimum diameter of cul-de-sacs, the minimum width of streets, or the minimum parking ratio for a certain land use. Points are awarded if local development rules agree with the benchmark for a particular site design practice. In some instances, local codes and ordinances might not explicitly address a particular practice. In these cases, roundtable members should use appropriate judgment based on standard community practices.

Step 2. Identify stakeholders that will participate in the roundtable process

The next step involves assembling the stakeholders that will participate in the roundtable process, which should include representatives from all sectors that influence development in a community. The diversity of potential members to invite to a local site planning roundtable is shown in Table 4.3. For example, every local agency with development review authority should participate in the roundtable. Elected officials should also be invited since they must ultimately vote to adopt the proposed changes. The development industry including developers, realtors, homebuilders, design engineers and others who will be responsible for implementing better site design techniques, should also be actively involved. Finally, community input from environmental organizations and homeowners associations should be solicited, since they contribute an important perspective on what local residents would like to see in future development.

Step 3. Introduce stakeholders to the roundtable process

The first meeting of a roundtable focuses on educating stakeholders to ensure they have a firm grasp of its purpose and goals. The initial meeting introduces stakeholders to three key topics:

1. Education on better site design techniques. Stakeholders initially may have different levels of understanding about better site design techniques, stormwater impacts or the development process. Stakeholders need to be educated on each topic so everyone starts off on a level playing field.
2. Introduce them to the roundtable process. Roundtables are a structured process that consists of numerous facilitated meetings. Since participation entails a significant time commitment, stakeholders should clearly understand how the roundtable process works and the expectations for their participation.
3. Review of the codes and ordinance analysis. Stakeholders should get a chance to review the codes and ordinances worksheet and help identify the real and perceived barriers that impede adoption of better site design techniques.

Step 4. Conduct the roundtable and facilitate consensus

The roundtable process may extend over an entire year. Subcommittee meetings are often used to focus the efforts of a smaller group of stakeholders on a limited number of topics, such as road and parking lot design. Several subcommittees work on their topics concurrently, and then report their recommendations during full roundtable meetings. An independent third party is often needed to manage stakeholders through the process and guide them toward consensus.

Step 5. Implement code and ordinances changes

The product of a roundtable is a list of specific recommendations on local code change that promote adoption of better site design techniques in new development projects. In addition, the roundtable may also recommend incentives, training, education or other measures to encourage greater use of better site design techniques. The full package of consensus recommendations is then presented to local elected officials and the larger community as well. In most cases, additional education of elected officials is needed to ensure that changes to local code and ordinance change are adopted or enacted.

Thinking outside of the big box - An Example of Parking Lot Surplus and Retrofit Opportunities

Excess parking lot stalls add a tremendous amount of impervious surface that is unnecessary for almost every day of the year except the day after Thanksgiving. This is just one of many situations where Minnesota stormwater managers can make a difference. The following figures provide examples for one of many land uses that substantially increase the amount of impervious area within a watershed. It provides some example alternatives that are possible to those who want to “think outside of the big box” and create resource oriented solutions.

Photo illustrating the typical metro area shopping center on almost any day of the year.

Photo illustrating the excess at several places that experience more frequent filling, but still remain unfilled for large portions of the year.

photo showing some alternative designs for commercial parking lots that introduce either pervious elements or tree cover that provides some canopy interception of rainfall.

Photo illustrating some pervious pavement alternatives that can be used for overflow or seldom used parking areas.

The use of some simple solutions can reduce the amount of runoff and the pollution it carries. If every city in Minnesota approached stormwater with these ideas in mind, just think of the runoff we could reduce! For every ten acres of impervious parking lot replaced with a pervious surface, runoff is reduced by about eight million gallons of water.

Photo showing some low impact parking lot BMPs that can minimize the impact of impervious surface runoff through filtration and infiltration.

Checklists

Checklist to use as a tool to better site design (early on and throughout the design process) for development, redevelopment and retrofits. Place a check in the appropriate boxes if you think this approach will work in your site.
Link to this table

Check box	Checklist item
	Create a variable width, naturally vegetated buffer system along all perennial streams and other water features that encompasses critical environmental features such as the 100-year floodplain, steep slopes and freshwater wetlands.
	Preserve or restore riparian stream buffers with native vegetation. Maintain the buffer system through the plan review delineation, construction, and post-development stages.
	Limit clearing and grading of forests and native vegetation at a site to the minimum area needed to build lots, allow access, and provide fire protection. Manage a fixed portion of any community open space as protected green space in a consolidated manner.
	Conserve trees and other vegetation at each site by planting additional vegetation, clustering tree areas, and promoting the use of native plants. Wherever practical, manage community open space, street rights-of-way, parking lot islands, and other landscaped areas.
	Encourage incentives and flexibility in the form of density compensation, buffer averaging,property tax reduction, stormwater credits, and open space development to promote conservation of stream buffers, forests, meadows, and other areas of environmental value. In addition, encourage off-site mitigation consistent with locally adopted watershed plans.
	Prevent the discharge of unmanaged stormwater from new stormwater outfalls into wetlands, sole-source aquifers, or ecologically sensitive areas.

References

• Arendt, R. 1997. Designing Open Space Subdivisions. Natural Lands Trust. Media, PA
• Cappiella, K. 2005a. Urban Watershed Forestry Manual Part 1: Conserving Trees at the Watershed Scale. Prepared for: USDA Forest Service. Center for Watershed Protection. Ellicott City, MD.
• Cappiella, K., T. Schueler, and T. Wright. 2005b. Urban Watershed Forestry Manual Part 2: Conserving and Planting Trees at Development Sites. Prepared for: USDA Forest Service. Center for Watershed Protection. Ellicott City, MD.
• Center for Watershed Protection (CWP). 1998a. Better Site Design: A Handbook for Changing Development Rules in Your Community. Center for Watershed Protection. Ellicott City, MD.
• Center for Watershed Protection (CWP). 1998b. Nutrient Loading From Conventional and Innovative Site Development. Prepared for: Chesapeake Research Consortium. Center for Watershed Protection. Ellicott City, MD.
• Chicago Wilderness and Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission, 2003. Conservation Design Resource Manual. Available at www.chicagowilderness.org
• Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (DE DNREC). 1997. Conservation Design for Stormwater Management. Dover, DE.
• Dreher, D, and T. Price. 1994. Reducing the Impact of Urban Runoff: The Advantages of Alternative Site Design Approaches. Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission. Chicago, IL.
• Illinois Conservation Foundation and Chicago Wilderness, 2005. Changing Cost Perceptions: An Analysis of Conservation Development. Prepared by the Conservation Research Institute. www.nipc.org/environment/sustainable/conservationdesign/cost_analysis
• Institute of Transportation Engineers Transportation Planning Council Committee 5P-8 (ITE). 1997. Traditional Neighborhood Development Street Design Guidelines. Institute of Transportation Engineers. Washington, DC.
• Liptan, T. and C. Brown. 1996. A Cost Comparison of Conventional and Water Quality-based Stormwater Designs. City of Portland. Portland OR.
• Maurer, G. 1996. A Better Way to Grow: For More Livable Communities and a Healthier Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Annapolis, MD.
• McDonald, F. 1999. Ecologically Sound Lawn Care for the Pacific Northwest: Findings from the Scientific Literature and Recommendations from Turf Professionals. City of Seattle Public Works. Seattle, WA.
• Metropolitan Council. 2001. Urban Small Sites Best Management Practice Manual. St. Paul, MN.
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2003. Field Guide to the Native Plant Communities of Minnesota: The Laurentian Mixed Forest Province. Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota County Biological Survey, and Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program, MNDNR St. Paul, MN.
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2005. Field Guide to the Native Plant Communities of Minnesota: The Eastern Broadleaf Forest Province. Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota County Biological Survey, and Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program, MNDNR St. Paul, MN.
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2006. Field Guide to the Native Plant Communities of Minnesota: The Prairie Parkland and Tallgrass Aspen Parklands Province. Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota County Biological Survey, and Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program, MNDNR St. Paul, MN.
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. 2000. Protecting Water Quality in Urban Areas: Best Management Practices for Dealing with Storm Water Runoff from Urban, Suburban, and Developing Areas of Minnesota. St. Paul, MN.
• Schueler, T. 1995. Site Planning for Urban Stream Protection. Center for Watershed Protection. Ellicott City, MD
• Shaw, D. and R. Schmidt, 2003. Plants for Stormwater Design - Species Selection for the Upper Midwest. Edited by S. Brungardt, Designed by R. Harrison, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, St. Paul, MN.
• Winer, R. 2000. National Pollutant Removal Performance Database for Stormwater Treatment Practices, 2nd Edition. Prepared for: U.S. EPA Office of Science and Technology. Center for Watershed Protection. Ellicott City, MD.
• Zielinski, J., 2001. The Benefits of Better Site Design in Residential Subdivisions. Watershed Protection Techniques, 3(2):633-646. Center for Watershed Protection. Ellicott City, MD.