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A Case Study of Form-Based Solutions for Watershed Protection

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Abstract

Despite an array of policies at the federal and state level aimed at regulating stormwater discharges, engineered solutions enforced by local governments often fall short of meeting water quality standards. Although the implications of land use planning and development regulations are important for stormwater management, they are often overlooked as critical initial steps to improving water quality. This study explores the role of ‘form-based’ regulations as tools for achieving urban planning and water quality objectives. Form-based codes are a new generation of development codes aimed at regulating urban development based on urban form and density, rather than land use. We present an exploratory case study of the feasibility of form-based codes in the Jordan Lake Watershed in North Carolina, a rapidly growing region where fragmented local governments face stringent nutrient reduction standards under new state regulations. Through program analysis and interviews, we explore the viability of form-based codes for reducing development impacts on Jordan Lake’s water quality. We consider the legal feasibility of code enforcement, regional and local barriers and opportunities, and implementation given existing regulatory frameworks. Our findings suggest that high quality information and data modeling are foundational to gaining support for a consensus agreement on the sources and degree of water quality impairment. Furthermore, implementing form-based solutions for water quality is greatly aided by (1) experienced regional planning bodies that have regulatory authority, and (2) local governments whose staff are experienced in implementing complex development ordinances, reviewing architectural renderings, and communicating development requirements with the public and developers.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank our interviewees for their assistance with this project. Funding for this project was partially provided by the UNC Institute for the Environment. This project was approved under UNC IRB #09-0132.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of City and Regional Planning, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Box 3140, New East Building, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3140, USA

    Hannah E. Berg & Todd K. BenDor

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  1. Hannah E. Berg
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  2. Todd K. BenDor
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Correspondence to Todd K. BenDor.

Appendix 1: List of Interviewees

Appendix 1: List of Interviewees

  1. 1.

    Environmental Supervisor, North Carolina Division of Water Quality. Interviewed on February 11, 2009.

  2. 2.

    Water Resources Program Manager, Triangle J Council of Governments. Interviewed on February 12, 2009.

  3. 3.

    Executive Director, Piedmont Triad Council of Governments. Interviewed on February 17, 2009.

  4. 4.

    Storm Water Services employee, City of Durham. Interviewed on July 20, 2009.

  5. 5.

    Water Resources Department employee, City of Burlington. Interviewed on July 20, 2009.

  6. 6.

    Environmental Programs Manager, Town of Apex. Interviewed on July 20, 2009.

  7. 7.

    Planning Director, Town of Apex. Interviewed on July 20, 2009.

  8. 8.

    Director of Engineering Department, Town of Cary. Interviewed on July 20, 2009.

  9. 9.

    Director of Stormwater Management Division, City of Greensboro. Interviewed on July 20, 2009.

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Berg, H.E., BenDor, T.K. A Case Study of Form-Based Solutions for Watershed Protection. Environmental Management 46, 436–451 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-010-9516-0

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