Green Stormwater Infrastructure

What is Green Stormwater Infrastructure?

Green Stormwater Infrastructure, or GSI means infrastructure constructed with a range of measures that use plant or soil systems,

permeable pavement or other permeable surfaces or substrates, stormwater harvest and reuse, or landscaping to store, infiltrate, or evapotranspirate stormwater and reduce flows to the public storm drain system or to surface waters.

These features are also sometimes referred to as low impact development (LID).  They are generally small in size to capture water where it falls for multiple co-benefits.

Examples include:

• Permeable pavement
• Curb openings
• Bioswales
• Stormwater harvesting basins
• Bioretention systems
• Curb extensions (chicanes) 

What are the Benefits?

GSI provides multiple co-benefits including:

• Mitigating localized flooding
  
• Reducing the heat-island effect
• Improving localized air quality ​
  
• Improving localized water quality
•  Reducing reliance on potable water irrigation
•  Promoting biodiversity with native vegetation

Building & Designing GSI in Phoenix

Depending on the location and scale of the project, you may need to obtain permits and/or approvals from the Planning & Development or Street Transportation Departments.  

Planning & Development Department
Permits and Procedures

Phoenix Street Planning Design Guidelines

Greater Phoenix Green Infrastructure and LID