City of Tacoma
Design Manual
Update
Public Meeting
April 10, 2014
Jim Parvey, P.E., LEED AP
City of Tacoma
Senior Principal Engineer
Need For Update
 Manual last updated in 2004.
 Changes in Surface Water
Regulation require manual to be
reviewed and updated as needed.
 Opportunity to update other
sections of manual.
NPDES LID Code
Revision
Public Meeting
April 10, 2014
Merita Trohimovich, P.E.
City of Tacoma
Surface Water Engineer
S5.C.5 b LID Code-related
Requirements
The intent of the code revisions shall be to make
LID the preferred and commonly-used approach
to site development.
Revisions shall be designed to:
 minimize impervious surfaces,
 minimize native vegetation loss, and
 minimize stormwater runoff
in all types of development situations.
LID Code Updates Approach
Direct Approach:
All projects shall complete LID feasibility analysis and
implement to maximum extent feasible.
Tacoma’s Proposed Approach:
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Remove barriers;
Make equivalent guidance;
Add incentives;
Provide equivalent manual; and
Lead by example.
Code Update Process Guidance
Tacoma’s Process
 Reviewing all development codes, regulatory and
guidance documents
 Partnering with planning department using existing
process for code adoption
 Using Standards Committee existing process to update
Public Works Design Manual
 Creating internal work groups
 Public outreach
Work to Date
 Process and schedule developed
 Staff, manager, supervisor education
 Team on board
 Team educated
 Beginning public education
 Beginning actual work of
code review and revision
LID Design Needs
What is needed to implement LID?
 Additional training and technical support
 Additional details and pre-engineered sizing
 Site assessment and design guidance
 Guidance for minimizing impervious surfaces
 Tree retention and protection specifications
 Methods for retaining native vegetation
 Soil testing assistance
 Training workshops
Choosing LID
What would help you choose LID over traditional
stormwater options?
 Faster permit review
 Reduction of permit fees
 Allowance to modify design elements (additional
height, ability to decrease setbacks, lower parking
requirements, less landscaping)
 Reduction in surface water fees
 Training and Education
 Other?
Contact Information
Merita Trohimovich
City of Tacoma Surface Water Group
253-502-2103
mtrohimo@cityoftacoma.org
Contact me for suggestions, questions and to get involved.