Item 9: Ordinance Concerning Stormwater Development Standards

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each other. Given the in-depth analysis and comparison of options for addressing runoff from new development that was done in the earlier basin planning process, the consistent outcome for all of the other six basins, and the benefits of applying consistent stormwater quality development standards city- wide, additional analysis on that point is not a part of the current work plan. The draft River Road - Santa Clara Basin Plan reflects that implementing on-site Stormwater Development Standards city-wide is the most appropriate strategy for addressing the water quality impacts associated with future development and it is not expected that the River Road - Santa Clara Basin Plan will result in any changes to the Stormwater Development Standards ordinance. Delaying adoption of the Stormwater Development Standards ordinance pending completion of the River Road - Santa Clara Basin Plan is not warranted given the independence of the two efforts. Delaying ordinance adoption would also be counterproductive because the delay would result in lost opportunities to address the water quality of runoff from sites proposed for development over the next six months, including those in the River Road - Santa Clara area. All of the information set forth above is provided in more detail in Attachment C to this AIS (the May 22, 2006 Memorandum from Therese Walch to the Mayor and Council). 5.Preserve natural drainage systems. Staff Response: A number of citizens that testified at the public hearing expressed concern that the proposed Stormwater Development Standards would compromise the existing natural drainage systems that are prevalent throughout the River Road/Santa Clara area. Concern was expressed that, upon development, roadside swales and open waterways are being replaced with engineered (piped) systems for conveying stormwater. Residents stated that, given their multiple benefits, roadside ditches, swales and open waterways should be preserved and utilized rather than replaced by piped systems. The citizens urged Council to take steps to preserve these natural drainage systems. This issue will not be addressed by the Stormwater Development Standards ordinance. As described in Attachment C, the type of system used to convey stormwater is not dictated by the proposed ordinance, existing City Code, or administratively adopted design standards, but rather is decided based upon feasibility, cost, and preference. There is also nothing in the proposed ordinance, existing City Code or in the proposed design standards manual that prohibits the use of natural drainage systems for stormwater.