Stormwater Credits
The purpose of establishing a stormwater credit system is to provide incentive to developers, designers, builders and municipal officials to implement better site design and locate new development in a manner that causes less impact to aquatic resources. By taking advantage of the credit system, developers and builders can reduce the stormwater management quantity and/or quality requirements. The credit system directly translates into cost savings to the developer by reducing the size of stormwater storage and conveyance systems.
Stormwater credits are tied directly to the Recharge, Water Quality, Channel Protection, and Flood Control volume requirements. For example, if there is a water quality volume requirement, then credits can be given for site design practices that reduce the volume of runoff generated by a site (e.g., establishing naturally vegetated conservation areas). Site conditions will also determine which credits can be applied. For example, a stream buffer credit may not be implemented on upland sites with no perennial or intermittent streams.
This section presents nine options for stormwater credits that can be applied within a community. Each community needs to select both stormwater sizing criteria and stormwater credits that best meet its economic, social, and resource protection needs. In addition the specific numerical calculation of credits can vary. For each credit, we present example calculations or applications, and provide guidance on the best application for each credit.
This section presents two broad types of credits: Site Design Credits, and Watershed Credits. Site design credits act as incentives to encourage Better Site Design techniques by reducing required quality or quantity storage volumes on site. Watershed credits are reductions or exemptions from stormwater management requirements to support watershed goals such as redevelopment or watershed zoning.
Please use these links to connect to descriptions of stormwater credits: