Low-Impact Development (LID) is a term used in the US and Canada to describe a more eco-friendly land planning and design approach to stormwater management. In the United Kingdom, this approach is referred to sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), and in Australia, it's called water-sensitive urban design (WSUD). The US terminology is used in this software and its documentation.

LID controls help developed watersheds or sites to retain or enhance pre-development hydrologic characteristics through the use of techniques that conserve natural systems and hydrologic functions.

Some of the goals of LID are to:

• Protect natural systems such as drainage ways, vegetation, and soils
• Decentralize stormwater management, shifting it to small-scale practices at the source location
• Preserve open space
• Minimize land disturbance and impervious area
• Disconnect impervious surfaces
• Increase flow path lengths and travel times
• Customize site design to the needs of a particular site, instead of simply relying on traditionally accepted practices

A number of government agencies, universities, and other groups publish educational information, research and design guidance for implementing LID and LID controls. Places to start include:

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Low Impact Development website and fact sheet on Low Impact Development (LID) and Other Green Design Strategies
• Low Impact Development Center
• Low Impact Development (LID) Urban Design Tools Website