Barriers to better development patterns are often rooted in stormwater permits and related codes and regulations.
"For stormwater control, many smart growth techniques can be considered to be BMPs [best management practices] because they control or prevent stormwater-related problems. For example, redevelopment, vacant property initiatives and 'Main Street' programs can be regarded as highly effective policies for stormwater control when they absorb development demand that would locate in undeveloped reaches of a watershed. In fact, language in EPAs model permit and guidance documents, which were adopted in many state and local permitting authorities, lists infill as a stormwater strategy.
...The stormwater management plan provides the roadmap for how controls will be set at the site, neighborhood, and occasionally, the watershed level. You should read these plans to see where there may be barriers or opportunities for smart growth."
Thanks to Ashwani Vasishth
FULL STORY: New Stormwater Laws: What Smart Growth Advocates Need to Know

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