Growing Sustainable Communities Conference

Growing Sustainable Communities Conference M A N A G I N G S T O R M W A T E R W I T H G R E E N I N F R A S T R U C T U R E O C T O B E R 1 2, 2 0 1 1

Creating A Sustainable Development Code L A U R A C A R S T E N S P L A N N I N G S E R V I C E M A N A G E R C I T Y O F D U B U Q U E, I O W A

What will we cover? What is the 2009 Dubuque UDC? Why were the sustainable subdivision scorecard and the sustainable site design standards created? How were the subdivision scorecard and site design standards created & implemented? Where did the ideas come from?

What will we cover? How did Dubuque engage the development community and public? What were the developers reactions? Were there any problems using the UDC scorecard and design standards? Any changes contemplated?

What will we cover? Are there examples of developments using sustainable design? Do these green improvements cost the developer more or less than traditional infrastructure? What is the market for these kinds of lots/developments?

What is the Dubuque UDC? Updated consolidation of zoning, subdivision, sign, site development and historic preservation regulations. Incorporates low impact development (LID). Sustainable design is now the expectation. Traditional development is now the exception.

Why? Our UDC objectives Conform to local, state, and federal laws Be relevant for our community Be user-friendly and streamline the process Incorporate sustainable design

How? The Process 4 years Look for smart growth & sustainability in existing City codes. Look to other sources for sustainable development codes and LID. Incorporate citizen advisory committees, boards & commissions, and technical staff. Seek & respond to input from stakeholders. Maintain a transparent, open process.

Creating the Code How were the UDC sustainable subdivision scorecard and the sustainable site design standards created & implemented?

Resources for Ideas JEO Consulting Group, Inc. American Planning Association: A Planner s Dictionary PAS Reports State & National Conferences Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute: Sustainable Community Development Code

Resources for Ideas AIA Sustainable Design Assessment Team Dubuque Final SDAT Report National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): Model GREEN Home Building Guidelines Applied Ecological Services: Case Studies of 10 Conservation Subdivisions

Resources for Ideas Research on emerging land use regulations Annual Sustainability and LID Conferences Green Initiatives and Codes from other communities: McHenry County, IL Boulder, CO Madison, WI Iowa City, IA

Sustainable Design Input How did Dubuque engage the development community and public? What were the developers reactions?

Stakeholders Developers Roundtable Citizen Advisory Committee Technical Staff Committee Zoning Commission Environmental Stewardship Commission Neighborhood Associations General Public

Developers Roundtable Developers & Subdividers Engineers & Surveyors Architects Homebuilders Association Economic Development Corporation Business Associations Chamber of Commerce Dubuque Main Street

Citizen Advisory Committee 2 Community Members (general public) Dubuque Main Street (downtown rep) Business Owner Developers Roundtable Participant Zoning Commissioner Long Range Planning Commissioner Environmental Stewardship Commissioner

Technical Staff Committee Planning & Zoning Consultant Planning Services Housing and Community Development Building Services Engineering Economic Development City Attorney s Office

Input Process Open Houses Work Sessions Public Hearings Media Releases City Newsletter Website Postings Direct Mail No opposition

Sustainable Design Challenges Were there any problems using the scorecard and design standards? Any changes contemplated?

Adoption Process 12 Month Adoption Process Publicized Development of UDC Provided Opportunities for Input / Feedback Informal Work Sessions* 4 Zoning Commission 2 City Council Formal Public Hearings* 3 Zoning Commission 3 City Council *televised & on web

UDC Opposition 11 th Hour Parkland Dedication Conservation Subdivision Design Final Adoption Overcoming UDC Opposition Park & Open Space Guidelines Provided documentation that sustainable design costs less than traditional design

Implementation Overcoming Developer Resistance: Political will: Sustainable Design was and remains a City Council objective. Annual LID Conference for developers, contractors, engineers, & staff. Working through developments on a case-by-case basis. Demonstrate cost savings of sustainable design BMPs.

UDC Subdivision Scorecard Sustainable Subdivision Development Tools

Sustainable Development Tools Applies to all new major subdivisions, and all previously-approved subdivisions seeking financial incentives. Major Subdivision = subdivide or consolidate any parcel(s) that require public or private improvements (streets, water and/or sewer).

Sustainable Development Tools Must score minimum 40 points with sustainable subdivision development tools (2009). NEW: Must achieve minimum score of 80 points and meet parkland / open space ratio to receive sustainable development incentives for residential subdivisions (2011).

Sustainable Development Points Conservation Subdivision 40 Solar Subdivision 30 Cottage Design Subdivision 30

Sustainable Development Points Walking/bike trails 15 Permeable street pavement throughout the subdivision Complete street design throughout the subdivision 15 15

Sustainable Development Points Rain gardens required by covenant for at least 80% of lots in subdivision Green Building Code compliance for 100% of dwelling units in subdivision Green Building Code compliance for 50% of dwelling units in subdivision 10 10 5

Sustainable Development Points Native and regionally appropriate trees and vegetation preserved or planted; turf grass 30% of landscaped area Planting of trees on private property 5 5 Innovative infiltration or filtration techniques 5

Sustainable Development Points Parkway/Street trees No curb and gutter on streets with appropriate bioswales and sidewalks Light-colored concrete 5 Other best management practices 5 5 5

UDC Sustainable Site Design Sustainable Site Design Standards

Site Design Standards New Development: vacant or substantially cleared site. Redevelopment: partial clearance of 25% or more and/or expansion of 25% or more of building area. Special development areas: PUDs, Historic Districts, Downtown, Port of Dubuque.

Site Design Standards The site, including parking lots, must be developed using two or more LID tools or other BMP approved by the City Planner and/or City Engineer allows for flexibility.

Sustainable Site Design Added: Waiver process Updated and added requirements for: Site Design Landscaping & Screening Parking Lots Big Box Retail Old Town

Cost of Sustainable Design Do these green improvements cost the developer more or less? What is the market for these lots and developments? Are there examples?

Conservation Subdivision Compact lots & common open space, where natural features are maintained Pre-Development Site Conservation Development

Conservation Subdivision Permeable pavement Walking trail Saved existing trees Avoided floodplain

Solar Subdivision At least 70% solar lots : N-S dimension of 75 feet and a front line orientation that is within 30 degrees of the true E-W axis.

Narrower street width Infill Subdivision

Retrofit Subdivision Design Existing Subdivision Second Phase: Met required 40 points for UDC scorecard Met 80 points for sustainable design incentives 30: Solar subdivision 20: Parkland donation 5: Narrower street width 5: 50% Green Building Code 5: Private tree plantings 5: Preserved wetlands 5: Native plantings 5: Innovative infiltration BMP

Sustainable Site Design City Hall Parking Lot

Sustainable Site Design Architects Office

Sustainable Site Design City Parking Ramp: New Downtown Infill 2 LID tools Changed from recycled brick street pavers to native plantings Bioretention cell

2007 Dubuque SDAT Report A sustainable stormwater system has the following advantages over a traditional stormwater system: reduces land development and infrastructure costs, reduces infrastructure and utility maintenance costs, improves property values. Eisenhower School Rain Garden

2007 AES Report Studied 10 conservation developments, their costs, and sales in the Midwest completed since 1997. conservation subdivisions can save money and can make money average savings for these developments = 24% increased property values and sales prices for lots in clustered / open space developments incorporating sustainable design

2007 NAHB Reports NAHB concludes costs of green building, conservation design, and smart growth are offset by value added to the development. Six case studies from the NAHB describe conservation design benefits. NAHB report on Smart Growth describes the benefits of clustered development, or conservation design.

Factors for Success Strong and committed leadership that makes Sustainability a city priority. Without civic leadership, a plan, a program or a new code can t take root. City Council must be in full support. If you don t have the political will to do this, you will be wasting your time. Establishing long-standing, strategic partnerships with many stakeholders.

Factors for Success Community engagement at all stages is necessary for the Code to reflect the desires and views of the citizens. A top-down approach will not educate or empower residents and businesses. Integrated strategies for creating the Code and its implementation require communication, feedback, and knowledge beyond City Hall.

Additional Information Laura Carstens Planning Services Department 50 W. 13 th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 Phone: (563) 589-4210 Fax: (563) 589-4221 Email: planning@cityofdubuque.org Website: www.cityofdubuque.org UDC Online version: www.cityofdubuque.org/udc

Integrating Sustainable Systems A S E L E C T E D R E V I E W O F F O U R M I D W E S T P R O J E C T S W E S T E R N T E C H N I C A L C O L L E G E C E N T R A L C O L L E G E R O E C E N T E R B E L L E P L A I N E S T R E E T S C A P E P O L K C O U N T Y O F F I C E P A R K I N G L O T

Western Technical College - Background

Western Technical College - Background Western Technical College 5,000 FTE Students Urban Downtown Campus Diverse Course Offerings Many Existing Buildings Campus Master Plan American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment

Western Technical College - Background Western Technical College Urban Renewal Project Entire City Block Construction Costs Phase 1: 750,000 Phase 2: 1,000,000

Western Technical College - Background Create a Destination on the Center of Campus Foster Sustainable Design Embrace Urban Campus and Surrounding Environment 21st Century Plaza Legacy Project Living Laboratories Treat the 2 & 10 Year Events No Increase in Runoff Remove 80% of Total Suspended Solids Provide a Safe Overland Flow for the 100 Year Event Regional / Native Materials Native Plants / Local Eco-type Energy Efficient Lighting

Western Technical College - Background Define Identity Strengthen Continuity Create a Greater Sense of Campus Sustainable Focus Better Connect to Downtown Circulation Art / Entertainment Green Infrastructure Growing Campus Wow Factor Life Long Learning Life Cycle Maintenance Living Laboratory Serve the Surrounding Community Provide a Consistent Message

Western Technical College - Background

Systems Approach

Western Technical College Systems Green Infrastructure Approach Watershed / Site Location Existing Site Drainage Areas Soil Infiltration Capabilities Microclimate Influences Natural Systems Connections People Wildlife

Western Technical College Watershed

Western Technical College Natural Systems

Western Technical College Plant Selection Plant Selection Native Plants to Wisconsin Periodic Influx of Stormwater Provide Ecological Integrity Low Maintenance VS No Maintenance Proven Species

Western Technical College Soils Soils Texture Infiltration Rate Ground Water

Site Analysis & Concept Development

Cleary Courtyard> Initial Master Plan

Cleary Courtyard> Circulation

Cleary Courtyard> Impervious Cover

Cleary Courtyard> Green Infrastructure

Western Technical College Site Master Plan

A Closer Look: BMP Design & Installation

Western Technical College Permeable Paving

Western Technical College Porous Asphalt

Western Technical College Green Streets

Western Technical College Soil Quality

Western Technical College Rain Gardens

RESULTS

Western Technical College Phase 1

500,000 + gallons *that will never again enter the storm sewer annually 100 percent *of selected plants are native to the region 233 miles *the maximum distance the majority of materials traveled

78 percent *reduction in total run off 66.5 percent *reduction in particulate solids 6 th Street 31.5 percent *reduction in particulate solids 7 th Street

Case Study Central College Roe Center

Central College 1,700 Students Pastoral Campus Private College Large Campus Finding a greener Way

Roe Center - Background Roe Center New Construction 2 Acres in Size Construction Costs 1,100,000 (Site & Green Roof)

Roe Center - Design Goals Create a Learning Space with outdoor classrooms. Emphasize Sustainable Design Achieve LEED Platinum Leave the site better than we found it. Legacy Project Living Laboratories Integrate Art No Increase in Runoff Remove 80% of Total Suspended Solids Provide a Safe Overland Flow for the 100 Year Event Local Materials Native Plants

Integrated Approach

Roe Center Integrated Approach Grey Water Re-use Water Feature Toilet Flushing Rainwater Cistern Stormwater Treatment Integrated Art Native Turf Green Roof

Roe Center Rainwater Cistern

Rainwater Cistern

Roe Center Rainwater Cistern

Bioretention Cell

Roe Center Bioretention Cells

Green Roof

Roe Center Green Roof

Case Study: Belle Plaine Streetscape

Belle Plaine Streetscape - Background Belle Plaine, IA Population 2,878 Comprehensive Planning Downtown Master Plan Façade Master Pan 2008 Main Street Iowa Community Sustainable Streetscape Plan Historic Downtown Redevelopment Two City Blocks

Belle Plaine Streetscape - Design Goals Clean, Calm and Cool the water within the ROW Infiltrate the first flush Educate Public on Sustainable Principles Model Project For Iowa Communities Change the way we manage our maintenance (snow removal). Reduction of 50% Energy Use

Belle Plaine Streetscape - Design Principles Economic Opportunity Downtown Rehabilitation Cultural Celebration Sustainable Principles Energy Efficient Community Involvement DESTINATION

Concluding Thoughts

Sustainable Stormwater Management: Principles Conclusions: 1. Treat rainwater where it lands... 2. Minimize runoff... 3. Shed less, Infiltrate more... 4. Sheet flow... 5. Mimic the native hydrology 6. Treat stormwater in a series of BMP's...treatment train... 7. Capture, cleanse, filter, infiltrate, release. 8. Manage the first 1.5 inches of each rain event (first flush). 9. Minimize soil disturbance, maximize natural soil strata. 10. Celebrate, revalue, reuse...