Practice of Low Impact Development

Building professionals and municipal planning officials each have numerous goals and try to satisfy many needs during land development. Private developers are interested in profitable business ventures that also effectively address environmental concerns and meet regulatory requirements. Public sector officials ensure that development projects mesh with applicable zoning ordinances and help improve the surrounding community. This course is intended to assist these groups by

1. providing basic conventional and innovative land development technology information, and
2. encouraging the amendment of existing development codes to facilitate the use of those technologies

Learning Objective:

In an effort to help meet both groups’ needs, the publication provides ways to simultaneously incorporate economic and environmental considerations into the land development process. This approach to land development, called Low Impact Development (LID), uses various land planning and design practices and technologies to simultaneously conserve and protect natural resource systems and reduce infrastructure costs. LID still allows land to be developed, but in a cost-effective manner that helps mitigate potential environmental impacts. LID is best suited for new, suburban development.

Review the quiz before studying the course.

Course Content

Course Author: US Dept. of Housing and Urban development