Project Planning & Low Impact Development (LID) Services

Our team here at LS&E understands the importance and value to our clients of starting any project down the most cost effective path right from the moment a project is initiated with our firm. This type of planning work on a project is vital to a projects success with not only reducing overall project costs but timelines as well. Our clients work with planning staff that have years of technical engineering and permitting backgrounds to ensure the design and scope of the project can remain consistent with minimal changes from the beginning concept to the final project closeout.

We continually work with permitting agencies to achieve project goals set by our clients even if a project faces some challenges with agency regulations. We understand and can manage development/construction from a client’s financial perspective as if it was our own project. 

LeRoy Surveyors & Engineers, Inc. (LS&E) is committed to innovative land development practices. We believe Low Impact Development (LID) holds great potential benefits for developers, municipalities and the community. LID can save you money—and create more pleasing site designs. LS&E is one of the leading engineering companies in the Northwest pioneering the research and implementation of LID practices. We have experience with Low Impact Development projects ranging from roads, subdivisions, porous pavement, pervious concrete and asphalt, bioretention, public works projects, native plant restoration, soil preservation and more.

If you have questions about a project or want to see if LID might be beneficial and feasible for your needs, we invite you to contact Damon DeRosa, our Principal Engineer and lead LID staff member. Damon and our civil engineering staff have extensive experience with residential and commercial LID projects, along with municipal regulations regarding LID. Damon can be reached at our office by phone at (253) 848-6608 ext. 102, or by email at DDeRosa@lseinc.com.

WHAT IS LID?

Low Impact Development is an innovative approach to site development and stormwater management.

It combines cost effective practices, ecologically-friendly techniques and design enhancements for better land, water and air quality.

THE LID APPROACH

Low Impact Development is a balanced approach. It focusing on integrated site design and preservation of existing natural systems.

LID works well for many stakeholders: developers, municipalities and consumers.

LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PROVIDED BY LS&E

GENERAL LID SERVICES

  • At LS&E, we understand that conservation of natural resources is of utmost importance and strive to achieve project development with as little impact to the environment as possible. We are commited to providing Low Impact Development Services on projects to the maximum extent possible.
  • LID design for residential and commercial development
  • LID site plans, site analysis and inventory
  • Cost benefit analysis and feasibility studies for LID versus traditional development
  • Structural and non-structural best management practices (BMPs)
  • Porous Pavement design to minimize storm drainage infrastructure and costs. Porous pavement may also increase buildable area, along with achieving maximum lot densities.

WATER & STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SERVICES

  • Water conservation plans using limited clearing, soils management, native vegetation clusters and low water use landscape design
  • Runoff prevention and stormwater management, including dry wells, open swales, bioretention, rain gardens and infiltration galleries
  • Decentralized and On-Site Wastewater System Design
  • Wetlands treatment and other techniques for areas with high groundwater
  • Erosion and sediment control plans
  • Soil analysis, soil infiltration testing and soil amendment plans

SITE & DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

  • Low impact site grading
  • Construction inspection and assessments
  • New development and redevelopment guidelines for developers
  • Regulatory review, suggestions and markup of changes necessary
  • Consulting and advising for municipalities regarding local regulations
  • Landscape design for new and redevelopment projects
  • Plan review and peer review of proposed designs

ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE

  • Design for permeable concrete, porous pavement, pervious pavers, and other low impact practices
  • Parking lot drainage & stormwater management

BENEFITS FOR DEVELOPERS, MUNICIPALITIES AND COMMUNITIES

  • Preserving open space, native plants and undisturbed land.
  • Better stormwater management at the source. Lessening runoff, providing natural areas of absorption and reducing impermeable surfaces.
  • More pleasing neighborhood designs. Higher value for homes and a more livable community.
  • Ability to use wetlands/marginal land for bioretention.
  • Saves money. Less traditional infrastructure (vaults, ponds, etc.) often results in lower development costs.
  • More buildable land. Reduced pond and stormwater treatment areas.
  • Using innovative techniques for infrastructure (streets, curbs, lots, gutters, sidewalks, landscaping).
  • Reduces flooding, stream damage, water quality issues and erosion.