In July, 2013 the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) Central Coast Region adopted Resolution No. R3-2013-0032 Post Construction Storm Water Management Requirements for Development Projects in the Central Coast Region, collectively referred to as the PCRs. Resolution No. R3-2013-0032 may be found at: http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/rwqcb3/water_issues/programs/stormwater/docs/lid/lid_hydromod_charette_index.shtml

Projects that receive their first discretionary approval for design elements after March 6, 2014 or, if no discretionary approval is required, receive their first ministerial permit after that date, are subject to the PCRs if they create or replace 2,500 square feet or more of impervious area.

Applicants for development approvals in jurisdictions within the Monterey Regional Stormwater Management Program (MRSWMP) should use the Stormwater Technical Guide when preparing Stormwater Control Plans. However, local requirements vary. Check with staff in the jurisdiction where your project is located to identify differences that may apply. A pre-application meeting is recommended for all projects subject to the PCRs. Refer to http://www.montereysea.org/resources_developers.php for the following:

• Stormwater Control Plan Template
• Stormwater Control Plan Template – Small (Tier 1) Projects
• Appendix A: Source Control
• Appendix B: Bioretention Construction Checklist
• Stormwater Control Measures Sizing Calculator
• Sizing Calculator Instructions

What is Low Impact Development (LID)?

LID is an ecosystem-based approach to land development that keeps the built environment as a functioning part of an ecosystem rather than existing apart from it. In this way, LID is a stormwater and land use management strategy that strives to mimic pre-development hydrologic processes of infiltration, filtration, storage, evaporation, and transpiration by emphasizing conservation, use of on-site natural features, site planning, and distributed stormwater management practices that are integrated into a project design.

Why the need for LID?

The State and Regional Water Quality Control Boards have found urban runoff to be a leading cause of water quality pollution and degradation throughout urbanized areas. Development and urbanization results in the creation of impervious surfaces such as; rooftops, structures, streets, parking lots, and other hardscapes. Development increases pollutant loading and the volume and velocity of storm water discharge to local drainages and watercourses. Pollutant loading stems from vehicle emissions and wastes, pesticides, herbicides, household hazardous waste, chemicals, industrial and commercial processes, pet and animal wastes, trash, and so forth, which can be washed, deposited, or released into the local drainage system. The result is storm water discharges that degrade our watercourses, rivers, lakes, and streams.

Links to online resources for LID

CASQA – California LID Portal

https://www.casqa.org/resources/california-lid-portal

Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board – Low Impact Development

http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/centralcoast/water_issues/programs/stormwater/low_impact.shtml