The current Stormwater Ordinance in DuPage County uses a very inclusive definition of “Development”, and has few distinctions between what is actually required based on the type of project that is being considered.  “Types of development” can draw distinctions between land uses, such as single family residential, multi- family residential, mixed use commercial, commercial, industrial, institutional, or office/research.  Another way might classify development based on what the no-build or current condition of the land is, such as redevelopment, development, or restoration.  We believe that for efficiency of resources, and to focus requirements appropriately,  distinctions between projects should be made.  For discussion purposes these distinctions might be Development (land is currently in agriculture or natural), Redevelopment (land is currently devoted to human use with impervious areas), Restoration (project goal returns area to a condition reflecting a naturalized state) or public open space development (parks and areas of Forest Preserve District holdings developed for passive and active recreation),  and Public Transportation right-of way development (roads, trails).  What do you think of making such distinctions, and what categories would you suggest?

Welcome to the first “official” post on the Stormwater Update blog.  “We” are a team of Consultants, The County Staff, and representatives of the Municipalities within DuPage County.   We are beginning a process, in which we will be looking at and potentially modifying stormwater regulation in DuPage County.    The objective is to retool the Countywide Stormwater and Floodplain Ordinance so that it better reflects DuPage County in 2009 and going forward.  The County places a very high value on the quality of life in the county,  and the current Ordinance reflects this in its’ “Purposes”.   Stormwater Quantity, Quality, and valuable environmental resources fall under the current regulation.  

We want to look at “what we do now”, and “what we should be doing”  from as many perspectives as we can.  Above all,  the commitment to the health, safety and welfare of those who live, work, find recreation, own property, and own and operate businesses in DuPage County cannot be compromised.   That statement though is too broad,  and to be effective the Stormwater Regulations must ask:  What is the “right” level of regulation?   How can the timelines for the processes of permitting be made reflective of and appropriate to the differing levels of complexity that Stormwater regulation implies?  What about new state/Federal mandates?  These are some of the questions that will drive the next 15-months of work. 

We highly value your input and feedback as we move forward.  You will see that each of the posts will be available for comment by representatives of every community that has a role in implementing these regulations.  Just as importantly, all who view this website are invited to comment by clicking on “Provide Us Your Comments” located on this webpage just to the left of this box.   All of the documents that are in their final form will be made available to read through this website, and our goal is to be open and transparent about where this process is headed and what it is intended to achieve. 

We will be reaching out to many stakeholder groups, soliciting comment, and anticipate a lively discussion on many issues.  That is why such a long period has been set aside for this effort.  Like any process,  we have to make sure that the right people are fully engaged at the right time. 

Please follow along with us as we take the first real steps toward shaping Stormwater Management in DuPage County for the future.