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Coastal Smart Growth - Low Impact Development

Low Impact Development (LID) techniques use an integrated approach to site design, stormwater management, and water conservation to protect the natural terrain and hydrology. The CZM Coastal Smart Growth Program promotes LID through:

  • LID Working Group - CZM chairs and actively participates in this public-private partnership of local, state, and federal agencies; environmental organizations; regional planning agencies; and representatives from planning, engineering, law, and development firms. The group is collaborating to develop technical manuals and fact sheets, regulatory models, and associated outreach materials to promote the use of LID principles.
  • Site Design Guidance - The key to successful LID is to begin with effective site design. The Practice of Low Impact Development provides important details about this LID practice. (PDF, 2 MB)
  • Case Studies - These case studies of LID initiatives and progress in Massachusetts cities and towns. Case studies have been completed for the following communities:
  • Project Review - While CZM is not a permitting agency, it does have the authority to review federal activities in the Massachusetts coastal zone to ensure that they are consistent with CZM enforceable policies. In addition, CZM reviews proposed projects that may have an impact to the coastal zone, when a proponent files with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Unit or if the proponent submits an application to a state agency, such as the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), for a state permit or license. Working with the appropriate state agency, CZM provides comments on the project, promoting the use of LID in site design, to ensure consistency with water quality and growth management policies.
  • Smart Growth Technical Assistance Grant Program - This Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) grant program provides funding to implement the state's Sustainable Development Principles and Community Development Plans, and to improve local scores when completing or updating the Commonwealth Capital Application.
  • Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Smart Growth/Smart Energy Toolkit - CZM assisted EEA in the development of the state's first Smart Growth Toolkit, specifically the LID technique section. To provide technical and outreach assistance for LID implementation, the Toolkit's LID section provides: