What is Low Impact Development (LID)?
Low Impact Development (LID) is a category of green infrastructure that works with nature to manage stormwater and decrease the impact of development on surface and groundwater. The EPA defines LID as “an approach to land development (or re-development) that works with nature to manage stormwater as close to its source as possible. LID employs principles such as preserving and recreating natural landscape features, minimizing effective imperviousness to create functional and appealing site drainage that treat stormwater as a resource rather than a waste product.”
Low impact techniques are used nationwide, with an established set of design and performance standards that can be applied to achieve compliance with state and local codes. Increasing interest in low impact strategies has created a growing demand for LID-proficient designers for both new construction and retrofit efforts.
Our Services
CMRPC regularly carries out Low-Impact Development Bylaw Reviews on behalf of our 40 municipalities using Mass Audubon’s Bylaw Review Tool for Low Impact Development (LID) and Climate-Smart, Nature-Based Solutions.
Technical Assistance
Our review process focuses on finding areas of local Stormwater, Site Plan Review, Zoning, and Subdivision Regulations where Low-Impact Development principles can be strengthened to reduce overall risk from the impacts of climate change-related events. Incorporating the Low-Impact Development language into local regulations can help our municipalities support the protection of natural resources and open space, promote efficient compact development patterns and infill, encourage smart designs that reduce groundwater pollution, encourage the siting of green stormwater infrastructure, and improve parking solutions.
