Title
Resolution Adopting a Green Streets Statement Consisting of Stormwater Guidelines for Public Street Construction and Reconstruction
Memorandum
On July 2, 2012 City Council passed Resolution R-12-295 directing City Staff (from the Systems Planning, Project Management, and Field Operations units of Public Services; Parks and Recreation, and Planning and Development Services units from Community Services) to work with the Environmental Commission in the development of a Green Streets policy. A copy of Resolution R-12-295 is attached.
The Environmental Commission Water Committee goal in this effort is to create a City Policy Statement to provide guidelines for “Green Streets” as the standard for design of new and reconstructed City streets.
The terms “Green Streets” and “Green Infrastructure” are adaptable terms used to describe an array of products, technologies, and practices that use natural systems - or engineered systems that mimic natural processes - to enhance overall environmental quality and provide utility services. Green Streets treat and/or infiltrate stormwater to improve water quality and reduce the volume and rate at which stormwater leaves the street.
After considering numerous options, the Water Committee and City Staff came to the conclusion that the most common denominator in green infrastructure is infiltration of stormwater on-site where it is generated. As such, a Statement consisting of Stormwater Management Guidelines for Public Street Construction and Reconstruction was developed to set infiltration standards based on the ability of the project site to infiltrate stormwater. A copy of that Statement is attached. At its October 24, 2013 meeting, the Environmental Commission approved a resolution recommending that City Council direct City Staff to implement the Statement consisting of Stormwater Management Guidelines for Public Street Construction and Reconstruction. A copy of the Environmental Commission’s resolution is attache...
Click here for full text