Design Impervious
There is a similarity in street design in the two communities. Both have 30 foot wide access roads designed for double lane traffic, with ample room for parking on both sides of the street. Street parking is rarely used, however, as most driveways can easily accommodate 4-6 automobiles. The driveway sizes range from 750 to nearly 2,000 square feet. Housing foot prints range from 1000 to 1500 square feet.
The design of both communities is similar, as is the ratio of impervious surface to natural land cover. (impervious areas, such as asphalt, concrete and roof tops, do not absorb water)
Increased impervious area is often used as a indicator of urban and suburban development. It is widely thought that as little as 10% impervious surface will impact associated tributaries and receiving waters.
Stormwater from impervious surfaces drain quickly from the landscape, rather than being absorbed.
This run-off can carry large amounts of sediment, petroleum products, and nutrients to our lakes and streams.
