City of Spokane

Spokane Municipal Code

***Note: Many local criminal codes can now be located under Chapter 10.60 SMC while others are now cited under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), which was incorporated into the municipal code in 2022. (See SMC 10.58.010). Code Enforcement, including Noise Control and Animal Regulations are located in Chapters 10.62 through 10.74.

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Title 17D
Chapter 17D.060
Section 17D.060.300
 

Title 17D City-wide Standards

Chapter 17D.060 Stormwater Facilities

Section 17D.060.300 Low Impact Development
  1. The purpose of this section is to provide additional and optional stormwater management techniques beyond the standard best management practices listed in the Spokane Regional Stormwater Manual. These low impact development techniques strive to mimic pre-disturbance hydrological processes by emphasizing site conservation, use of on-site natural features, site planning, and distributed stormwater management practices.
  1. The Eastern Washington Low Impact Development Guidance Manual is hereby adopted by reference, as hereafter amended. This guidance manual addresses general requirements and may be modified or supplemented in other specific sections. This reference is on file with the director.
  1. Low impact development is encouraged for site development and redevelopment. Compliance with the Basic Requirements of the Spokane Regional Stormwater Manual shall be met regardless of best management practices used. Certain low impact development techniques may be used to fulfill the basic requirements set forth in the Spokane Regional Stormwater Manual, as approved by the director.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

    1. Bioretention areas and infiltration planters may be used to meet Basic Requirement No. 3 – Water Quality Treatment and Basic Requirement No. 4 – Flow Control.
    1. Flow-through planters may be used to meet Basic Requirement No. 3.
    1. Dispersion is generally not appropriate within City limits; however, it may be used to meet Basic Requirement 4.
    1. Rain gardens are non-engineered landscaped depressions designed to capture stormwater from small, adjacent contributing areas such as those found at residences. Rain gardens do not necessarily meet basic requirements and can be used where basic requirements do not apply.
    1. Permeable pavement may be used to meet Basic Requirement 4 only (unless an additional department of ecology-approved treatment mechanism is installed).
    1. Vegetated roofs may be address Basic Requirement 4.
  1. Low impact development is an emerging practice and specific design considerations will be updated over time. A supplemental resource to the Eastern Washington Low Impact Development Guidance Manual is the Washington Stormwater Center.

Date Passed: Monday, August 26, 2013

Effective Date: Tuesday, October 1, 2013

ORD C35021 Section 11