Low Impact Development (LID) is a site design strategy that maintains or replicates predevelopment hydrology through runoff source control by reducing and disconnecting impervious areas, lengthening flow path and runoff time, and protecting sensitive features including: riparian buffers, wetlands, steep slopes and flood plains.

Examples of these structures include green roofs, porous paving surfaces, grass buffers, porous landscape detention. Urban Drainage and Flood Control District provides details on many LID structures in Volume 3 of the Drainage Criteria Manual under the 4-Step Process. http://www.udfcd.org/downloads/down_critmanual.htm

This photo essay has been compiled to show examples of LID structures in Colorado. 

Use the back and next links at the top and bottom of each page to navigate through database, visit the summary table to find a particular slide, or click on one of the following links to jump directly to a section of interest:

• Porous Concrete - Updated Moratorium Recommendation
• Porous Asphalt
• Modular Block Pavement
• Permeable Paver System
• "Green" Parking Lot
• Porous Landscape Detention
• Grass Buffer
• Bio Swale
• Sand Filter
• Green Roof
• Level Spreader
• Mountain Stormwater
• Extended Detention Basin - Note: an EDB is not a volume-reducing or LID technique

This database is compiled and maintained by the CASFM Stormwater Quality Committee.  Please submit photos and summaries for other structures that may be added to this list. Also send additional information about existing structures in this database to Michelle DeLaria at: mdelaria@udfcd.org