Low-Impact Development Practices - Examples

RainGardens
PerviousPavement2
Rain Gardens: Rain gardens are non-engineered, shallow, landscaped depressions with compost-amended soils and adapted plants. The depression ponds temporarily store stormwater runoff from adjacent areas. A portion of the influent stormwater passes through the amended soil profile and into the native soil beneath. See more »
Pervious or Porous Pavement: Parking lots, sidewalks, and streets can be constructed using flexible hot asphalt mixes or rigid Portland cement structures where sand and finer material is reduced or eliminated. As a result, voids form between the aggregate in the pavement surface and allow water to infiltrate. Interlocking concrete pavers can function similarly. See more »
Dispersion
Cisterns
Dispersion: Dispersion of concentrated flows from driveways or other pavement through a vegetated pervious area reduces peak flows by slowing entry of the runoff into the conveyance system, allowing for some infiltration, and providing some water-quality benefits. See more »
Cisterns or Rainwater Harvesting: Rainwater harvesting is the capture and storage of rainwater for beneficial use. Roof runoff may be routed to cisterns for storage and nonpotable uses such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and cold water laundry. Rainwater harvesting can help reduce peak stormwater flows, durations, and volumes. See more »
Vegetated
Foundations
Vegetated Roofs: Vegetated roofs are thin layers of engineered soil and vegetation constructed on top of conventional flat or sloped roofs. Vegetated roofs can provide multiple benefits, including stormwater volume reduction and flow control. See more »
Minimal Excavation Foundations: Minimal excavation foundations, such as pin foundations, minimally disturb the natural soil profile within the footprint of a structure. This preserves most of the hydrologic properties of the native soil. See more »