Stormwater Quality Design Manual (May 2007) - City of Sacramento ...

2 An Integrated Approach toEffective Stormwater ManagementIntegrated Planning and Design ApproachIn order for site designs to reflect the best stormwater management strategies, it isessential that stormwater be considered early in the site design process—before thesite layout is established. Otherwise, the choice/location of stormwater controls willbe constrained by prior site design decisions (e.g., predetermined grading contours),and may be limited to more expensive, higher-maintenance, and less aestheticallypleasing options.When stormwater controls are considered early, they can be effectively integratedinto site design and planning. There are often opportunities to use existing orproposed site features for stormwater controls and/or repeat small-scale stormwatercontrols over an entire site. Small-scale controls are typically low-cost andcumulatively very effective.In some cases, site design necessitates trade-offs among competing goals; however,especially when considered early in the process, often stormwater goals cancomplement other goals and agency requirements, including those related tovegetation preservation, landscaping, aesthetics, open space, recreational areas,and/or habitat.Benefits of the Integrated ApproachBenefits to the Property Owner/DeveloperStormwater quality features that are integrated into the fabric of a community anddesigned to be aesthetically pleasing and provide recreational opportunities and/orhabitat may increase property values. Property values at a subdivision built in the1970s in Davis, California (Village Homes) have been reported to be higher thanthose of comparable homes in nearby conventionally-designed subdivisions (Start atthe Source). This community was designed with seasonal vegetated swales in place ofstorm drain pipes, community open space, a downstream constructed wetland (theWest Davis Pond) and other environmental features.Environmental benefitsThere are various environmental benefits that can be achieved by protecting naturalfeatures, maintaining pre-developed drainage patterns, and/or integratingstormwater quality features into site design:Stormwater Quality Design Manual for the Sacramento and South Placer RegionsMay 2007 2-1