In order to better implement Low Impact Development (LID) regulations, applicants must complete a site assessment review before proceeding further with development permits submitted and/or issued, so that existing site conditions inform the proposed development, resulting in a design more sensitive to LID principles.

To that end, a new municipal code, chapter BIMC Chapter 15.19, Site Assessment Review, facilitates application of new LID regulations as required for certain planning, building, clearing, and grading permits. 

The City Council considered the draft ordinance at its meeting on November 22, 2016 (as proposed Ordinance No. 2016-34), and has subsequently considered the proposal at its meetings on March 21, April 11 (including a public hearing on the draft ordinance on April 11), and April 25, 2017.

Additionally, on March 2, 2017, the City held a related public information session at City Hall to provide information and answer questions for the public about the proposed low impact development site assessment review process.

The implementation of this new review process has been delayed pending presentation of the Latimore Study of the development review process to City Council and the public. This review was recently completed. The review endorsed the Site Assessment Review as an enhancement to the development review process.

At this time, one change has been made to the prior documents. The effective date of Ordinance No. 2017-03 has been moved to October 1, 2017, from the Original July 1, 2017, date.