Amending Land Use Codes for Natural Infrastructure Planning

Incentivize private property owners to implement green infrastructure (GI) and stormwater best practices through a reduced stormwater fee incentive program, zoning or other mechanisms. Encourage GI installations Identify the locations of water distribution, water treatment and stormwater infrastructure. Monitor their conditions (i.e., age, material integrity). Note that subsidence can negatively affect water Pilot approaches to bring landowners and key agencies together to plan and implement runoff management, erosion management and riparian restoration activities. Identify models and best practices for joint Identify, incorporate and prioritize preferred climate adaptation improvement projects. Focus on projects that pertain to water supply, wastewater systems, stormwater management and flood protection as Work with the sewer district to identify infiltration and inflow issues within sewer lines to reduce sewer entering stormwater systems. Update existing master drainage plan to account for future sea level rise conditions. Establish a fund to maintain or rehabilitate existing flood protection infrastructure such as flood walls, levees and diversions. Evaluate and pilot smart technologies to manage and monitor stormwater and flooding. One example technology is the use of real-time controls in detention systems across the watershed to manage volumes Review the capacity of existing drainage structures to understand their ability to manage increased precipitation projections. Identify the likelihood and consequences of impacts to this infrastructure Identify funding for and routinely clean and repair stormwater drains. Provide outreach, education and technical assistance for best practices in stormwater management and green infrastructure. Design program policies to promote stream and wetland restoration. Ensure adequate retention, drainage and diversion of stormwater. Such policies could also encourage green infrastructure such as grassy Compare natural and built infrastructure improvements to see which would be more cost effective at managing flooding. Create and implement a localized flood management master plan. The plan could identify detailed mitigation options such as storage areas, stream restoration needs and buyout priorities. Maximize the planning and implementation of green infrastructure at the watershed scale and site-specific locations. Green infrastructure helps manage stormwater on site, can improve water quality, can Local flood water management agencies can partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to conduct studies and watershed assessments that help shed light on water-related issues, including flood Upgrade water and wastewater systems to accommodate projected changes in water quality, quantity and availability. Encourage residents to re-establish natural floodplains. Establish or enhance programs to link, manage and expand existing parks and preserves to help manage stormwater. Identify opportunities for installing check valves. Check valves can help prevent sea water from backing up into drainage infrastructure. This strategy can help prevent tidal inundation. Prioritize check Account for projected changes in precipitation and sea level rise in water and water infrastructure planning. Build partnerships with local nonprofits to increase opportunities for implementing green infrastructure. Green infrastructure helps manage stormwater on site, can improve water quality, can help protect Conduct habitat, stream and floodplain restoration on properties purchased through floodplain buyouts. Ensure that any existing or newly permitted public facilities and services are designed to consider current and future flood scenarios when calculating level of service and are required to avoid present Strengthen stormwater management regulations to account for future sea level rise conditions. Coordinate among city, town and county government public works agencies, water utilities and other operators of water infrastructure to develop and maintain local and regional inventories of existing Train and grow a stormwater infrastructure workforce that can support nature-based solutions. Training programs could include planners, engineers, builders and maintenance companies. Urge federal, state, regional and local partners to prioritize climate change considerations in the planning, construction and operation of the regional water management and flood control system. Increase water infrastructure diversion to reduce the likelihood of sanitary sewer overflow. Browse all strategies