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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:
- Green Neighborhoods Alliance - CZM is a founding partner of the Green Neighborhood Alliance, a mix of developers, realtors, engineers, conservation organizations, and regional and state agencies that promote Open Space Residential Design (OSRD). OSRD is a creative partnership between the developer and the community to design a subdivision that protects open space, existing conservation values, and community character, while providing flexible incentives for economic viability, promoting mixed housing types for affordability, and incorporating LID practices and principles.
- 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.
- Coastal Nonpoint Source Grant Program - Administered by CZM and financed through EEA's Smart Growth Technical Assistance Grant Program, the Coastal Nonpoint Source Grant Program funds the development of model bylaws and land use planning strategies that address stormwater management (including Low Impact Development), as well as demonstration projects for stormwater best management practices. These grants to municipalities, as well as other public and non-profit groups, are used for the following types of LID projects: assessment, identification, and characterization of nonpoint sources; the development of transferable tools (nonstructural best management practices), such as guidance documents, model by-laws, and land use planning strategies to improve nonpoint source control and management; and the implementation of innovative and unique demonstration projects.
- Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Smart Growth 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:
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Boston, MA 02114