Design

LID facilities may look like conventional landscapes, but they are specially designed to slow, treat, and infiltrate stormwater runoff. Bioretention designs are particularly common due to their ability to provide multiple benefits and support regulatory compliance. Therefore, LIDI has focused on bioretention design and has developed details and specifications; guidance on bioretention soil media; and plant selection and landscape installation.

Using good design details and specifications is a crucial first step toward a successful project. LIDI has focused on bioretention design as this type of LID facility is one of the most commonly used. LIDI worked with state and national LID experts to improve bioretention details and specifications based on years of implementation and lessons learned. This website provides designers with a full set of AutoCAD standard details for bioretention facilities and the associated infrastructure elements such as curb cuts, overflow inlets, and check dams; as well as guidance on bioretention soil media and plants. Use of correct materials is also very important to achieve a successful LID project. Material specifications, guidance for installation and a list of regional vendors are provided on these pages. LIDI has also assisted Central Coast municipalities to develop and obtain grant funding for a number of LID demonstration projects across the region.