An important component in implementing effective best management practices for stormwater management is the regulatory context for land development.

Ironically, many traditional development codes and regulations actually prohibit the use of new practices. For example, narrower streets and vegetated swales in residential neighborhoods effectively reduce and control stormwater, yet wider streets and curb/gutter with storm system drain inlets have often been required as the standard for public safety (flood control).

Land Planning Standards are changing, and there are many good examples that have been rewritten to provide a stronger framework for land development that integrates green stormwater management practices. The following list of resources contains additional information and local examples as well as regional examples of recent planning standard updates.

Douglas County, Nebraska Conservation Design Regulations

Douglas County, Nebraska Comprehensive Development Plan, Chapter 7*

City of Lincoln/Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan - Environmental Resources*

Omaha by Design – Green Omaha

Other state and national resources: 

Green Building Codes and Ordinances (Smart Communities Network)

Conservation Subdivision Guidelines* (Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission)

Pennsylvania State-Wide Standards

A Model Ordinance for a Conservation Subdivision*

Model Ordinance – Henry County, Georgia

*Document in pdf format. You may download the required Acrobat Reader free.