LID Features
Select the Low Impact Design features you want to implement:
Budget Constraints
Project Summary
Total Estimated Budget:
- Rain Gardens: $0
- Bioswales: $0
- Permeable Pavement: $0
- Green Roof: $0
- Rainwater Harvesting: $0
- Constructed Wetlands: $0
- Native Tree Planting: $0
- Vegetated Swales: $0
Environmental Impact Reduction
Select features to see environmental impact.
Stormwater Management Capacity
Select features to see stormwater management capacity.
About Low Impact Design
Low Impact Design (LID) is an approach to land development that works with nature to manage stormwater as close to its source as possible. LID employs principles such as preserving and recreating natural landscape features and minimizing effective imperviousness to create functional and appealing site drainage.
Feature Details
| Feature | Description | Benefits | Typical Cost Range (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rain Gardens | Shallow depressions planted with native plants to collect and absorb runoff. | Reduces runoff, filters pollutants, enhances biodiversity, aesthetic value. | $10-25 per sq ft |
| Bioswales | Vegetated channels that transport and filter stormwater. | Conveys stormwater, reduces flow velocity, filters pollutants. | $15-30 per linear ft |
| Permeable Pavement | Paving materials that allow water to pass through to the soil beneath. | Reduces runoff, recharges groundwater, reduces heat island effect. | $12-30 per sq ft |
| Green Roof | Vegetation and growing medium installed on a roof. | Reduces runoff, provides insulation, extends roof life, reduces heat island effect. | $20-40 per sq ft |
| Rainwater Harvesting | Systems to collect and store rainwater for later use. | Reduces potable water use, reduces runoff, cost savings. | $1-8 per gallon capacity |
| Constructed Wetlands | Engineered systems that use natural processes to treat stormwater. | Treats pollutants, provides habitat, aesthetic value. | $5-15 per sq ft |
| Native Tree Planting | Planting trees indigenous to the region. | Intercepts rainfall, reduces runoff, provides shade, sequesters carbon. | $200-600 per tree |
| Vegetated Swales | Broad, shallow channels with vegetation to convey stormwater. | Slows runoff, enhances infiltration, filters pollutants. | $10-25 per linear ft |
Calculation Methodology
This calculator uses the following factors to estimate LID implementation costs:
- Project Area: The total area affects the size and number of LID features needed.
- Project Type: Different types of development have different requirements and constraints.
- Climate Zone: Local climate affects plant selection, irrigation needs, and design requirements.
- Annual Rainfall: Higher rainfall areas may require larger capacity systems.
- Terrain: Slope affects the types of LID features that are feasible and their implementation costs.
- Selected Features: Each LID feature has different installation and maintenance costs.
- Budget Priority: Affects the quality of materials and extent of implementation.
Note: This calculator provides estimates based on average 2025 costs. Actual costs may vary significantly based on local conditions, contractor availability, material costs, and specific design requirements.