Impediments to Environmentally Sensitive and Low Impact Development and Design

The objective of these workshops was to address impediments to what is commonly referred to as ‘environmentally sensitive’ or ‘low impact’ development at the subdivision scale and at the design scale for the features of streets, conservation of vegetation, and site preparation. These items are identified in ‘better site design’ publications published through the auspices of the Chesapeake Bay Program, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and others. The question that was addressed by workshop participants was ‘why are not these principles more evident in actual on-the-ground development practices?’ This subject is addressed in the Chesapeake 2000 commitment 4.2.2 which calls for states and local governments to identify and remove state and local impediments to low impact development designs to encourage the use of such approaches and to minimize water quality impacts. A product of this workshop will be a matrix or summary chart that identifies the impediments associated with the principles; options as to their being overcome within each jurisdiction; and, any identified actions that need to be accommodated. Participants in the workshops included individuals who are familiar with the laws governing structure in PA, MD, and VA who will address the reality of why there is not a broader application of these principles on a daily basis. In addition, the building community was also represented.