The City of Northville initiated a review of its codes, policies, and procedures that may affect the implementation of green stormwater infrastructure.
Project Scope
Working as a subcontractor to Birchline Planning LLC, CIS is providing research and review support to audit Northville ordinances to help identify (and, ultimately, remove) barriers to the adoption of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI). In addition to assessing relevant local policies and governance structure, the project will include stakeholder engagement to contextualize policy hurdles with the on-the-ground challenges that internal and external stakeholders face in land development, stormwater management, and landscaping.
CIS and Birchline will make recommendations for revisions to codes and other written standards to enable the use of GSI in Northville. These recommendations will be grounded in the feedback received from stakeholders, and separate recommendations on addressing “soft barriers” will also be presented to aid in the adoption of GSI.
Anticipated Results
The green ordinance audit will provide recommendations to the City of Northville to encourage use of GSI. Birchline and CIS will work with the City of Northville to identify opportunities to implement recommendations, including considering how to prioritize different solutions based on impact, resource needs, and community feedback.
The outcomes from the ordinance audit will facilitate reduction of impervious surfaces, disconnection of impervious areas, restoration of green space, establishment of land use standards, and use of GSI for stormwater management.
Partners
Birchline Planning LLC
The City of Northville, MI
Timeline
2024