LID Regulations in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Low Impact Development Site Planning and Design Guidance Manual

The Rhode Island Low Impact Development Site Planning and Design Guidance Manual was developed to provide examples for local planning officials of how their ordinances may be amended to avoid and reduce the impacts from development and encourage the more effective implementation of LID practices.

RI Municipal LID Self-Assessment

The LID Site Planning and Design Techniques: A Municipal Self-Assessment contains a comprehensive menu of low impact design methods along with a primer of specific techniques and principles. It is designed for municipal officials to systematically assess their local zoning and land development regulations so that they can compare local standards with current LID standards. It is meant to give local officials a tool to help them consider how and where they can amend local regulations in order to incorporate LID strategies. For more information, see URI NEMO LID/GI Resources.

Rhode Island Stormwater Design and Installation Standards Manual

LID is the new industry standard! Under the revised Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) and Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) stormwater regulations enacted in 2011, LID techniques are thoroughly incorporated into the Rhode Island Stormwater Design and Installation Standards Manual.

Rhode Island Stormwater Management Guidance for Individual Single-Family Residential Lot Development

Any new development or redevelopment projects are expected to utilize LID techniques to manage stormwater. Residential projects on single-family lots should refer to the guidance document Rhode Island Stormwater Management Guidance for Individual Single-Family Residential Lot Development for assistance in meeting LID requirements on any new rooftop 600 square feet or greater and for all new driveways and parking areas.

Use of the residential guidance is required for any application to RIDEM or CRMC for activities within freshwater wetland or coastal jurisdictional areas. In addition, municipalities may require use of the residential guidance in other areas.

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Stormwater Program

For more information about managing stormwater at new development projects, visit the RIDEM’s Stormwater Program