Environment Virginia Conference April 6, Integrating Stormwater, Urban Design, and Growth Policies

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1 Environment Virginia Conference April 6, 2011 Integrating Stormwater, Urban Design, and Growth Policies

2 Integrating Stormwater, Urban Design, and Growth Policies Sara Hollberg, AICP, Valley Conservation Council (Moderator) Stormwater in the context of growth policies George Staber, P.E., City of Staunton Stormwater Utility Program in a small city Doug Beisch, P.E., Williamsburg Environmental Group Tools in the toolbox for future programs

3 Examples from Better Models for Development 2010 available from Valley Conservation Council (

4 Planning Context Next Cycle of Development: Environment, Urban Design Managing stormwater will be key. How can we design for both greater water quality and greater density?

5 Sustainability and Stormwater Management Fiscally (paying for infrastructure) Environmentally (protecting water resources, meeting regulations) Community design (encouraging efficient, desired development)

6 Last cycle: 8% growth in population, 41% in impervious

7 Development Strategies (that also serve Stormwater Management) Grow in, not out (reduce sprawl) Use environmental site design Use good urban design Fold stormwater into other objectives *potentially more effective, more support

8 Pattern of development unsustainable

9 Reducing Sprawl courtesy of Chester County, PA Same population growth, less land conversion

10 Value, future options in undeveloped land Botetourt Tourism Department Natural landscapes (tourism and drinking water)

11 Farm and forest products (economic activity)

12 Compact growth takes a lot of encouragement (Albemarle)

13 How do we build compact communities? (while addressing stormwater)

14 Watershed view Density can be compatible with water quality (for the same population, when combined with conservation) 1 house per acre 4 houses per acre Smaller Footprint, Smaller Impact EPA, Protecting Water Resources with Higher-Density Development, 2006

15 Site View Dense development has less runoff per household More dwellings per site yields less runoff per dwelling unit

16 Fitting development on smaller footprint

17 Dense, varied infill housing next to regional park

18 Transitioning to Environmental Site Design Conventional Pipe & Pond Drains into storm sewer

19 Future Runoff Reduction Quantity and Quality Riverton, Warren County Bioretention basin filters and slows runoff, Staunton

20 The best way to preserve natural habitat is through the excellent design of human habitat. Smart Growth America

21 Retrofits (greater interest ahead) Infiltration and Beautification Lexington LID Retrofits

22 Conservation Design Seeing opportunities beyond individual sites Parcel by parcel - Uncoordinated Coordinated watershed approach Graphics by Green Infrastructure Center

23 Greenway as community amenity Hawksbill Trail, Luray

24 Flood protection and park Bridgewater

25 Conservation subdivision design elements called for in Comprehensive Plan open space, path along creek, new urbanism (Stephens Landing)

26 Wrap Up Stormwater and Planning Development policies affect stormwater loads (comp plan, zoning, landscaping, more) Start early prevent future problems Look for shared objectives Beyond stormwater as a separate function Complementary projects Multiple benefits Wider public (to support, fund)

27 - good examples City of Staunton Land protection (owner initiative) Projects on city property City policies and ordinances Stormwater Utility Fee

28 Staunton - Landowner Initiatives City s most prominent peak protected (covenant)

29 Extensive Open Space (conservation easements and extensive agricultural districts)

30 Stream Enhancements (Poague Run)

31 Daylighting of stream downtown

32 Staunton Policies and Ordinances Stormwater Ordinance requires use of LID 50-foot buffer Entrance Corridor Overlay District grading landscaping

33 Staunton - City Projects

34 LID designs at schools City Projects

35 Development Projects Staunton Y - before

36 Y after runoff reduction (pervious pavers)

37 Massaki (retrofit) rain gardens Take updated photo

38 Old Lee High School (redevelopment) rain garden and pervious pavers

39 Lewis Creek Watershed Advisory Committee Representatives from city and county Educational efforts Awards program Grants and projects

40 Staunton Stormwater Utility Fee program George Staber

41 What future programs might encompass Doug Beisch

42 Discussion

43 Thank you for attending For more information: George Staber, City of Staunton Doug Beisch, Williamsburg Environmental Group Sara Hollberg, Valley Conservation Council

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