Permitting Green Infrastructure: A Guide To Improving Municipal Stormwater Permits And Protecting Water Quality

By Jeffrey Odefey

This guide is intended to be a resource for community and watershed advocates that provides clear examples of new developments in municipal stormwater permits that foster on-site management of stormwater by encouraging or requiring that runoff be controlled through the practices commonly referred to as “low impact development” or “green infrastructure.” These permits represent an emerging new generation of regulatory approaches and reflect the emerging expertise of water advocacy organizations, stormwater professionals and permitting agencies. Our goal is to provide up-to-date information about new trends in stormwater permitting and examples of permits that demonstrate leadership toward standards that will build green infrastructure and compliance with water quality standards. With this tool, we hope to inform and inspire continued progress toward stormwater permitting and management that protects our rivers and other shared waters, invigorates healthy communities, and provides cost-effective solutions for stormwater managers.