The City of Northville undertook a comprehensive review of its codes, policies, and procedures to identify and address barriers to the implementation of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI).
Project Scope
- Policy Research & Analysis
- Organizational Planning
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Sustainable Land Use Strategy
- Green Infrastructure Integration
- Governance & Regulatory Review
- Implementation Planning
CIS provided research and review support to Birchline Planning LLC to audit Northville ordinances to help identify (and, ultimately, remove) barriers to the adoption of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI). In addition to assessing relevant local policies and governance structure, the project included stakeholder engagement to contextualize policy hurdles with the on-the-ground challenges that internal and external stakeholders faced in land development, stormwater management, and landscaping. CIS and Birchline made recommendations for revisions to codes and other written standards to enable the use of GSI in Northville. These recommendations were grounded in the feedback received from stakeholders, and separate recommendations on addressing “soft barriers” were also presented to aid in the adoption of GSI.
Results
The ordinance audit resulted in actionable recommendations to encourage broader use of GSI across Northville. A final report was generated outlining strategies for reducing impervious surfaces, reconnecting green space, enhancing stormwater practices, and aligning land use standards with sustainable development goals.
Recommendations were prioritized based on feasibility, impact, and stakeholder input, offering a clear path forward for policy updates and implementation efforts.
Partners
Birchline Planning LLC
The City of Northville, MI
Timeline
2024 – 2025