What is the primary goal of Low Impact Development (LID)?

The primary goal of Low Impact Development (LID) is to enhance stormwater management in urban areas. LID is a land development approach that seeks to manage rainfall and runoff at the source by mimicking natural hydrological processes. This is achieved through various practices such as the use of permeable pavements, green roofs, rain gardens, and other green infrastructure techniques designed to absorb and filter stormwater.

By reducing the volume and improving the quality of stormwater runoff, LID helps to protect water resources, reduce flooding, and minimize the negative impacts of urban development on the environment. This approach emphasizes sustainability and ecological balance in urban planning, which is essential for managing the challenges posed by increasing impervious surfaces in cities.

In contrast to this, increasing urban population density, promoting commercial development over residential, or limiting green spaces does not align with the principles of LID, as these options could lead to greater environmental impacts rather than mitigating them.