A Watershed-Based Approach to Low Impact Development

This paper explores an expanded definition for watersheds that, in addition to undeveloped and less developed areas outside of cities, includes private and public spaces located in urban areas. Innovative stormwater strategies that improve water use in a range of urban and non-urban environments are discussed, in addition to the techniques and challenges involved in employing a watershed-based approach to low impact development (LID). Through pointed design layout and element recommendations, a watershed-based planning approach empowers regulatory agencies to provide (and communities to demand) versatile, pedestrian-oriented, appropriate open spaces and improved ecological function and performance. San Francisco, in particular, offers a tremendous opportunity to serve as a model in approaching integrated infrastructure and ecology in an urban context. This paper aims to present, through various watershed scales, a critical path for large and small, urban and non-urban communities seeking similar infrastructural and ecologically-restorative solutions.