DAPHNE, Alabama (GCN)— Low-impact design will now be an option for developers with the City Council’s decision to pass an amendment to the Land Use and Development ordinance on Monday.

Low-impact design (LID) is an approach to development that works with nature to preserve green space and manage stormwater as close to its source as possible, according to the Environmental Protection Agency website. Water is managed in a way that reduces the impact of developed areas and promotes the natural movement of water.

The ordinance specifies a new section be added to the current Land Use and Development ordinance that will provide guidelines for LID development.

“This section will provide a guide for development wherein the ecological impacts to the environment are minimized through appropriate design, landscaping, erosion control, stormwater management and proper planning,” the ordinance reads. “In order to preserve the integrity, stability and value of the land, the city encourages the use of innovative, LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and/or other “green” practices in developmental design.”

Public Works Director Richard Johnson explained at a recent work session that adding LID specifications to the land use ordinance would not change current specifications.

“Adding this to this land use ordinance won’t change anything,” Johnson said. “All it will do is give a developer that option if they wish and give the city guidelines to follow in judging those designs.”

Johnson also said that adding LID specifications would not require any additional hires. The current staff would just learn the LID guidelines.

The LID addition was sent forward from the planning commission with a unanimous favorable recommendation.

The vote from the council wasn’t unanimous though. All council members voted for the amendment with the exception of Councilman Robin LeJeune who voted against the measure.