Published September 29 2015
As Bellevue continues to grow, the city is exploring changes to its development codes and standards to reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff associated with new development and redevelopment. What changes would you like to see?
The city will hold a series of workshops to solicit community input on what additional tools the city should incorporate into its development codes and standards to reduce stormwater discharges associated with new development and redevelopment by reducing impervious surfaces (surfaces that prevent stormwater from being absorbed by a property, such as parking lots), and reducing vegetation loss. These methods are part of newer stormwater controls called low-impact development (LID).
The public will have three opportunities to attend the same workshop, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., around the city at these dates and locations:
- Wednesday, City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE;
- Oct. 6: Lewis Creek Visitor Center, 5808 Lakemont Blvd. SE; and
- Oct. 15: Cherry Crest Elementary, 12400 NE 32nd St.
Stormwater runoff occurs when rain or snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces, such as driveways, sidewalks, roofs and streets, prevent runoff from naturally soaking into the ground. Loss of vegetation prevents stormwater, which carries debris, chemicals and dirt, from naturally evaporating or being absorbed by the vegetation. Instead, the runoff flows into the city’s storm drainage system or directly into a water body.
Stormwater can pollute our streams and lakes, making it difficult for fish and other aquatic organisms to survive.
Traditional stormwater controls -- detention in ponds or underground vaults and some water quality treatment -- are insufficient to protect our streams and lakes. The city wants to expand its use of new stormwater control tools such as LID, which focuses on conserving natural features on a site and, where feasible, allowing stormwater to soak into the ground.
At the workshops, residents can learn about LID and the challenges, opportunities and tensions related to each desired outcome. After a presentation, participants will have the ability to meet with city representatives, ask questions and provide feedback.