By Sarah Hippensteel Hall, Ph.D., manager of watershed partnerships
Could your land use plan be holding back your community? It could if you’re not focusing on balancing water protection with land development. This region is averaging about 4 more inches of precipitation per year than it did 30 years ago. Stronger storms, heavier rainfalls and destructive erosion are becoming more common. Just a few weeks ago, the region experienced a new record for rainfall for June 14, from 1.29 inches that day to 2.68 inches, according to a Dayton Daily News story. This region now averages about 4 more inches of precipitation per year than it did 30 years ago. Businesses looking to grow or relocate want to be sure flooding isn’t an issue. Communities now more than ever need to focus on protecting their water, and mitigating flooding and peak flows.
Studies show green development practices can save money
According to a 2010 study by the American Society of Landscape Architects, governments are wasting billions of dollars a year by not going green. The report looked at 479 case studies of green development projects around the U.S. and found that in more than 73 percent of the cases, the environmentally friendly solution cost the same or less than traditional development. According to the study, green development practices:
Seattle Public Utilities found that using grassed channels;combined with narrowing the roadway, eliminating traditional curb and gutter, and placing sidewalks on only one side of the street garnered a cost savings for the city of 15–25 percent, or $100,000 – $235,000 per block, as compared to conventional stormwater control design (Center for Neighborhood Technology, 2010). One study found that using green development practices saved 15 to 20 percent in stormwater control costs.
Land Use Planning to protect water and maximize economic opportunity
MCD can help communities that want to integrate water protection into their land use plans, zoning code, and subdivision regulations. Amending local codes and ordinances is an important first step to achieving a balance between protecting water and promoting economic development. Communities often find that their existing development policies conflict with the goal of water protection. For instance, current design calls for
Massive parking lots are impenetrable, creating a barrier to groundwater recharge.
All of these create excessive impervious cover, increase flood risk in low lying areas, and provide little room for green space and a natural environment. Incentives for developers to conserve natural areas and consider water protection are generally few and far between.
So what’s the answer?
Better Site Design is an approach to both residential and commercial development that is intended to:
All of the above can save your community money and create a more marketable product.
Pervious pavers like this driveway in Brookville reduce stormwater runoff and last years longer than concrete.
How MCD can help
Using a Site Planning Roundtable, MCD staff can guide a community through a consensus process, bringing together local leaders from government, development, and natural resources. Together, we’ll create development policies that balance water protection and economic development for your community. The local roundtable will:
Let’s get started!
MCD, in partnership with local sponsors, can assist communities during all phases of the Site Planning Roundtable. contact us and let’s get started!
