INDUSTRY BULLETIN: City of Los Angeles Low Impact Development Ordinance
April 25th, 2012 by Fiedler Group
For those in Los Angeles, the new LID Ordinance goes into effect on May 12, 2012.
All development and redevelopment projects that create, add or replace 500 square feet or more of impervious area need to comply with this ordinance.
The main purpose of this law is to ensure that development and redevelopment projects mitigate runoff in a manner that captures rainwater at its source, while utilizing natural resources.
What is LID?
Low Impact Development (LID) is a leading stormwater management strategy that seeks to mitigate the impacts of runoff and stormwater pollution as close to its source as possible. It will amend and expand on the City’s existing standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan (SUSMP) requirements.
LID consists of site design approaches and Best Management Practices (BMPs) that are designed to address runoff and pollution at the source. These LID practices can effectively remove nutrients, bacteria,and metals while reducing the volume andintensity of stormwater flows.
The Ordinance was developed by LA Sanitation in collaboration and coordination with community members, environmental organizations, business groups and thebuilding industry.
How does the LID ordinance affect you?
The LID ordinance requires rainwater from a three-quarter inch rainstorm to be captured, infiltrated and/or used onsite at most developments and redevelopments where more than 500 square feet of hardscape is added. This is generally achieved by implementing onsite infiltration, capture and use, and bio-filtration / bio treatment Best Management Practices (BMP’s). Most single family residences can comply in even simpler ways by installing adequate Best Management Practices (BMPs) such as rain barrels, permeable pavement, rainwater storage tanks, or infiltration swales to contain the water.
How is LID different from the Standard Urban Mitigation Plan [SUSMP]?
The LID Ordinance requires stormwater mitigation for a larger number of development and redevelopment categories than was previously required under SUSMP. All development and redevelopment projects that create, add, or replace 500 square feet or more of impervious area need to comply with the LID Ordinance.
What is the plan approval process?
The City of LA will review all plans for new development and redevelopment projects to ensure that the appropriate BMPs are incorporated to address stormwater pollution prevention goals. Depending on the scale and the type of the project, Los Angeles has indicated that the review and approval process can take between 2-6 weeks.
To learn more about LID, visit www.LAStormWater.org or download the brochure.
SOURCE: www.LAStormWater.org
