Green Infrastructure

Stormwater Management Practices

for Small Commercial Development
CITY OF ATLANTA STORMWATER GUIDELINES

Prepared for
CITY OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA
DEPARTMENT OF WATERSHED MANAGEMENT
APRIL 2014

Prepared by
AMEC Environment & Infrastructure
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Contents
1. Introduction and Approach...............................................................................................1
Background and Purpose ............................................................................................... 1
What are Small Commercial Green Infrastructure Practices? ......................................... 1
The Challenges of Applying GI Practices on Small Commercial Sites ............................ 2
2. Overview of the Manual ...................................................................................................4
3. Small Commercial Development Stormwater Management Procedures and
Requirements ..................................................................................................................5
General Requirements ................................................................................................... 5
Applicability .................................................................................................................... 5
Stormwater Concept Plan ............................................................................................... 6
4. Concept Plan Development .............................................................................................8
Concept Plan Step 1: Identify Site Constraints and Opportunities................................... 8
Concept Plan Step 2: Appropriate Selection and Application of GI Practices .................. 8
Concept Plan Step 3: Prepare Conceptual Site Layout Incorporating GI Practices ........10
Concept Plan Step 4: Schedule and Attend Stormwater Concept Plan and
Consultation Meeting .........................................................................................12
5. Design Process .............................................................................................................13
Standardized Design Criteria for 1 Inch RRv Capture on Small Commercial Sites ........13
Credits and Incentives ...................................................................................................13
Stormwater Design Step 1: Determine RRv Required for 1-Inch Rainfall Event .............13
Stormwater Design Step 2: Identify and Select Combination of GI Practices .................14
Stormwater Design Step 3: Size Selected GI Practice to Meet RRv Required ...............14
Stormwater Design Step 4: Calculate RRv Provided .....................................................15
Stormwater Design Step 5: Prepare Runoff Reduction Supplemental Design (if
necessary) .........................................................................................................15
Stormwater Design Step 6: Develop a Landscape Plan .................................................15
6. Plan Submittal Process .................................................................................................16
7. Green Infrastructure Practice Design Guidelines ...........................................................17
Bioretention
Infiltration Trenches
Bioswales
Permeable Pavement
Stormwater Planters
Subsurface Infiltration
Rainwater Harvesting/Cisterns
Green Roofs

Page i
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Tables

Table 1. Green Infrastructure on Small Commercial Sites: Challenges and Solutions ............... 3
Table 2. Appropriate GI Practice Selection by Contributing Drainage Area ............................... 9

Figures

Figure 1. Traditional and GI Practices ....................................................................................... 2

Figure 2. Small Commercial Development Plan Design and Submittal Process ........................ 7
Figure 3. GI Practice Selection Pyramid ...................................................................................11
Figure 4. Example Concept Plan ..............................................................................................11
Figure 5. RRv Required (in cubic feet) for 1 Inch of Rainfall for Small Commercial Sites in
Atlanta ......................................................................................................................14

Appendixes

Appendix A GI Practice Sizing Example

Appendix B Supplemental Green Infrastructure Practice Details
Appendix C Infiltration Testing Parameters
Appendix D Planting List and Example Planting Plans
Appendix E Sample Forms

Page ii
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Acronym/
Abbreviation Definition
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
BMP Best Management Practice
Blue Book Georgia Stormwater Management Manual Volume 2
CSS Coastal Stormwater Supplement
GI Green Infrastructure
ROW right-of-way
RRv Runoff Reduction Volume: the volume of runoff generated by
the first 1 inch of rainfall
TSS total suspended solids

Page iii
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

1. INTRODUCTION AND APPROACH

Background and Purpose
Land development permanently alters the way in which stormwater flows across a site due to grading, soil
compaction, and the installation of impervious cover. Post-development stormwater runoff quantity and
quality can adversely affect public safety, public and private property value and usability, drinking water
supplies, recreation, fish and other aquatic life, and other uses of lands and waters.

In order to mitigate these impacts, the City of Atlanta requires, in accordance with Chapter 74, Article X,
Post-Development Stormwater Management, that stormwater management measures be utilized on
commercial sites for:

• New development that involves creation of any impervious cover

• Redevelopment that includes the creation, addition, or demolition and replacement of 500 square
feet or more of impervious cover
• Demolition that leaves in place more than 500 square feet of impervious cover within the area of
demolition

Reducing runoff and mimicking pre-development hydrology are two of the primary goals of a sustainable
stormwater management program. Managing individual, small storm events on small commercial sites
can help capture “first flush” pollutants and provide opportunities for reducing runoff volume.

The Post-Development Stormwater Management Ordinance adds a Runoff Reduction requirement that
promotes the use of Green Infrastructure (GI). The term “Runoff Reduction” means the interception,
evapotranspiration, infiltration, or capture and reuse of stormwater runoff. In the City of Atlanta, the
stormwater management system must be designed to reduce the volume of runoff generated by the first
1 inch of rainfall through the use of GI Practices. This volume must be retained on site and is not allowed
to run off.

To achieve these goals, the City of Atlanta requires stormwater management on small commercial
development and redevelopment properties, by including stormwater Better Site Design practices,
protecting natural areas and green space, reducing impervious cover, and leveraging existing natural
features for stormwater management use.

The City acknowledges that comprehensive GI stormwater design on small commercial sites can be
challenging. This document presents guidelines for selecting and installing the appropriate GI stormwater
management measures when developing or redeveloping a small commercial site that will create or
replace more than 500 square feet, but less than 5,000 square feet, of impervious surface.

What are Small Commercial Green Infrastructure Practices?

GI is an alternative approach to managing stormwater runoff that emphasizes infiltration, evapo-
transpiration (uptake of water by plants and evaporation), and reuse. The goal of GI is to better mimic the
natural hydrologic function of the watershed. GI Practices can provide water quality filtering, storage, and
infiltration solutions for smaller, more frequent storm events (1 inch or less). For larger projects that add
more than 5,000 square feet of impervious cover, additional stormwater management measures for flood
control are required to handle more significant rain events and address peak runoff volumes and flooding
mitigation.

Small commercial GI site design distributes appropriate GI Practices such as bioretention, infiltration
trenches, bioswales, permeable pavement, stormwater planters, subsurface infiltration, rainwater
harvesting/cisterns, and green roofs into the site landscape and infrastructure and interconnects them to
address the required Runoff Reduction volume. Figure 1 shows a comparison of traditional and GI
stormwater practices at a small commercial site.

Page 1
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Figure 1. Traditional and GI Practices

The Challenges of Applying GI Practices on Small Commercial Sites

Small commercial sites present unique development challenges. Incorporating GI Practices necessitates
innovative solutions as noted in Table 1.

Page 2
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Table 1. Green Infrastructure on Small Commercial Sites: Challenges and Solutions

Challenge Solution
 GI can compete for space  Be creative with the site layout by incorporating GI within site landscape and
with a variety of existing parking. Utility-specific horizontal and vertical setbacks should be met.
utilities and infrastructure.  When encroachment is unavoidable, additional protection or encasement of the
utility or protection of the infrastructure may be warranted. Construction
sequencing should be planned to minimize disruption of utility service.
Challenge Solution
 Urban soils are often highly  Many GI Practices are required to include a specified soil mix and integrate an
compacted and nutrient- underdrain system. Soil amendments can also be added to the in situ soils if
deficient, and limit the deemed necessary.
growth of plants and  Soil can be tilled or excavated if more favorable conditions are identified deeper
infiltration of stormwater. within the soil profile.
Challenge Solution
 Concentrated runoff and  It is important for the design to incorporate energy dissipation and pre-treatment
potentially high sediment practices that will capture/collect sediment to prevent clogging.
loads can be expected in  Highly tolerant and hardy plants should be selected.
ultra-urban environments.
 Routine maintenance must be specified and provided.
Challenge Solution
 Highly polluted runoff from  Specify a lined stormwater planter, bioretention, green roofs, and/or rainwater
urban sites may infiltrate harvesting, which rely on evapotranspiration and reuse rather than infiltration.
into subsoils.  Segregate the most polluted runoff and treat with special practices—both
structural and nonstructural (for example, special drains and spill cleanup
practices).
Challenge Solution
 Small commercial sites will  Bioretention areas in parking lots can typically deliver required stormwater
be limited in space to meet management and use plants that meet the 10% tree planting and landscaping
multiple zoning, landscape, requirement in accordance with the City’s Tree Ordinance (Sec. 158-30).
parking, and stormwater  Permeable pavement can function both as a parking area and a stormwater
requirements. management facility, offering a space-saving solution on expensive real estate.
Challenge Solution
 Urban GI is often subject to  To address public visibility, a routine maintenance plan is required to keep GI
higher public visibility, Practices free of trash and debris.
greater trash loads,  Signage is also recommended for GI Practices to educate and increase public
pedestrian use, vandalism, awareness.
and vehicular loads.
 Low-stature plants and a more formalized planting plan can be used to blend
practices into surrounding landscapes.
 Low fences, grates, or other measures can be installed to prevent damage from
traffic and pedestrians.
Challenge Solution
 GI stormwater practices  GI Practices can cost less to install and maintain than traditional stormwater
are perceived to be more practices. For example, cisterns can reduce the need for irrigation and even
expensive than traditional potable water. Native drought-tolerant plants can also eliminate the use of
stormwater practices. potable water and fertilizers. Often, less storm pipe, curb, and gutter are
needed in design.
Challenge Solution
 Changing regulations  This manual was created to help simplify and streamline the design process
require creative methods to and take the uncertainty out of the design.
reduce the volume of runoff
leaving the site.

Page 3
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

2. OVERVIEW OF THE MANUAL

This Small Commercial Green Infrastructure Practices Manual presents simplified design standards more
applicable to urban infill commercial sites, allowing greater flexibility in meeting design requirements
without the necessity for complex engineering calculations and analysis. Sites designed to meet the
guidelines in this document are not required to provide additional stormwater detention. Once the
required 1 inch of Runoff Reduction Volume (RRv) is met, no additional storage is required for stream
channel or flood protection; thus, this document does not address stormwater detention storage.

This guideline is meant to complement the use of the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual
Volume 2 (Blue Book) and the Coastal Stormwater Supplement (CSS). The CSS may be used to design
GI in lieu of this document, but must be used for sites that propose more than 5,000 square feet of
impervious area. The CSS describes a set of runoff reduction credits that can be applied to appropriate
site design conditions. These credits may be challenging to achieve for small commercial sites covered by
this document. In cases where such credit approaches could apply, they will be allowed in accordance
with guidance contained in the CSS.

A. Which types of small commercial projects does this manual address?

• Existing developments proposing additions or redevelopment creating or replacing more than
500 square feet but less than 5,000 square feet of impervious surface
• New development that creates less than 5,000 square feet of impervious surface
• Demolition that leaves in place between 500 and 5,000 square feet of impervious cover within
the area of demolition

B. Manual requirements relevant to the Post-Development Stormwater Management

Ordinance:
• Requires capture and retention of the first 1 inch of stormwater runoff (RRv) from the added
and/or replaced impervious surface through GI Practices including infiltration,
evapotranspiration, or reuse on site
• Redevelopment sites meeting the small commercial definition and achieving 1 inch RRv
capture are not required to provide additional detention storage
• Stormwater Concept Plan and consultation meeting are required early in the design process
to discuss stormwater management requirements and to identify potential GI Practices
• Allows use of previous Water Quality standard (80% total suspended solids [TSS] removal)
under extreme circumstances that preclude runoff reduction with appropriate documentation
• Requires Inspections and Maintenance Agreement to ensure successful long-term
performance
• Calls for certification from the plan designer that GI Practice was constructed as designed

C. The manual contains:

• A summary of the Post-Development Stormwater Management Ordinance procedures and
requirements (Section 3)
• A flowchart (Figure 2) illustrating the small commercial stormwater design and submittal
process
• Guidance for laying out a site incorporating GI Practices (Section 4)
• Standardized RRv for small commercial sites (Figure 5)
• Design Guidelines and typical details for eight GI Practices (Section 7)
• GI Practice sizing example and representative depictions (Appendix A)
• Infiltration testing parameters (Appendix C)
• Planting Guide and example landscape/planting plans (Appendix D)

Page 4
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

3. SMALL COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT STORMWATER

MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS
General Requirements
The Small Commercial Development GI Practices submittal path allows flexibility within the overall
context of the Post-development Stormwater Management Ordinance as outlined herein. In addition, the
stormwater management site plan must comply with zoning setbacks, the tree ordinance, and all other
site development requirements. Figure 2 shows the overall development plan approval process for small
commercial sites. Contact the Office of Buildings at 404-330-6150 for additional information on plan
submittals.

Applicability
Establish: (1) if the site is exempt from stormwater requirements, (2) if this Small Commercial
Development Manual applies, or (3) if a full design submittal must be prepared following the Blue Book
and the CSS.

A. Activities that are exempt from Section 74-504 (d) include:

• New development with no impervious cover disturbing less than 1 acre
• Redevelopment impacting or creating less than 500 square feet of impervious cover
• Properly zoned agricultural land management activities resulting in less than 1,000 square
feet of impervious cover
• Re-grading of athletic fields or public parks resulting in less than 1,000 square feet of
impervious cover
• Drainage or sanitary sewer facility installations, repairs, or modifications
• Utility work
• Dumpster pad impervious surface connected to a sanitary sewer
• Installations or modifications to existing structures to accommodate Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), health and safety, or City of Atlanta code requirements
• Incidental mechanical or electrical installations on existing impervious surface
• Installation of hardscape of less than 5,000 square feet utilizing pervious pavement or
appropriate infiltration
• Maintenance or repair of existing impervious surface less than 1,000 square feet
• Overlays or resurfacing of existing impervious surface
• Public right-of-way (ROW) work or projects on private property necessitated by activities in
the ROW
• Sidewalks or trails 15 feet wide or less where runoff is directed via sheet flow toward
vegetated areas at least twice as wide as the paved area, provided that the potential for
erosion is adequately addressed
• Minor work deemed in the best interest of the City of Atlanta
• Stream bank stabilization or restoration activities, or activities solely for the purpose of
environmental remediation
• Replacement of driveway access to a single-family residential development

Page 5
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

B. This manual should be used for:

• Existing developments proposing additions or redevelopment impacting or creating more than
500 square feet, but less than 5,000 square feet, of impervious surface
• New development that creates less than 5,000 square feet of impervious surface
• Demolition that leaves in place more than 500 square feet of impervious surface within the
area of demolition

C. Full design submittal is required for:

• Sites that propose more than 5,000 square feet of impervious area

Stormwater Concept Plan

Develop a stormwater concept plan utilizing better site planning techniques and GI Practices to achieve
the RRv goal. Steps followed in the design process include identifying site constraints and opportunities,
selecting appropriate GI Practices for site conditions, and preparing a well-thought-out concept plan
incorporating GI Practices. A full design example is provided in Appendix A.

Page 6
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Figure 2. Small Commercial Development Plan Design and Submittal Process

Page 7
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

4. CONCEPT PLAN DEVELOPMENT

Concept Plan Step 1: Identify Site Constraints and Opportunities
Review the existing site to identify constraints and opportunities for GI Practices to meet the RRv.

Constraints Include:

• Existing conditions: soils, impervious area,

slopes, stream buffers, building and site
elements to remain
• Utilities, easements, site and zoning
constraints
• Existing drainage patterns to and through
the site, downstream outlet location and
capacity
• Tree recompense and critical root zones Typical Constraints
(tree ordinance)
• Parking requirements
• Site infiltration rates per infiltration testing parameters in Appendix C

Opportunities Include:
• Modification of existing on-site elements Example Opportunities
such as landscape islands to function as
GI Practices
• Existing pervious or impervious areas on
site that can be restored or retrofitted
• Potential stormwater management
locations/ opportunities
• Prospective GI Practices to be utilized
• Treat an equivalent area of existing paved
surface runoff in lieu of new impervious
surface if drainage patterns allow

Concept Plan Step 2: Appropriate Selection and Application of GI Practices

Table 2 lists potential selection and application of GI Practices appropriate for small commercial sites. In
this step, the designer determines a preliminary layout of the GI Practices necessary to handle the 1-inch
RRv capture requirement. In each case, the requirements for the practice, the preliminary volume needs,
and other details are considered in an iterative process.

Contributing Drainage Areas

Although the simplified design standards employed in this manual require management of 1 inch of
rainfall from the added and/or replaced impervious surface only, it is probable that additional surface area
will drain to the GI Practices. GI Practice performance can be greatly affected by the conditions and size
of the contributing drainage area, and must be sized appropriately to accept and treat the contributing
runoff. When this situation occurs, additional runoff or even adjacent “run-on” should be diverted away
from the practice to help ensure appropriate functionality and long-term success.

Page 8
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Not all GI Practices are suitable to accept runoff from all types of surfaces. See Table 2 for a summary of
acceptable conditions. Recommended drainage area size and specific ratios are addressed for each
practice in the individual GI Practice Design Guidelines found in Section 7, Green Infrastructure Practice
Design Guidelines, of this document.

As a rule of thumb, capture of the runoff from a 1-inch rainfall requires approximately 8 cubic feet of
storage per 100 square feet of contributing impervious drainage area.

Pre-Treatment
Each of the GI Practices requires some form of pre-treatment to prevent sediment, non-stormwater
pollutants, and trash from entering and/or clogging the system. The main goal of pre-treatment is to
capture floatables, debris, grease, oils, silt, and sediment where they can be easily cleaned through
regular maintenance, and before they can clog the system or pass underground. Some GI Practices
noted in Table 2 include pre-treatment filtering as part of the design, while others require additional
measures. If additional measures are warranted, proprietary mechanical GI Practices such as inlet sumps
or catch basin inserts can be employed upstream of the GI Practice to protect the long-term performance
of the practice. These require additional cost and long-term maintenance considerations.

Table 2. Appropriate GI Practice Selection by Contributing Drainage Area

Surface Type of Contributing Area

Design Incorporates

Practice Requires
Loose Gravel or

(High Sediment

Pre -Treatment
Dumpster Pad

Pre-Treatment
Exposed Soil

Potential)**
Landscape
Pavement

Stabilized
Grass /

Recommended Size of
Roof

GI Practice Based on
GI Practice Contributing Area *

5% to 10% of Contributing
Bioretention      Area
Infiltration 5% of Contributing Area
Trenches     
5% of Contributing Area
Bioswales     
Permeable
Pavement    25% of Contributing Area
Stormwater
Planter     5% of Contributing Area
Subsurface 5% to 10% of Contributing
Infiltration     Area
Rainwater
Harvesting     No Restriction

Green Roof   100% of Contributing Area

* Recommended size assumes suitable soil conditions (Type C Soils or better) and typical design soil and gravel
cross section depths for each GI Practice. With appropriate conditions, practices can be sized to handle greater
contributing areas, or a combination of practices can be employed to address larger contributing areas.
** All loose gravel or exposed soil contributing areas require appropriate pre-treatment practices.

Page 9
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Concept Plan Step 3: Prepare Conceptual Site Layout Incorporating GI

Practices
Preparing a conceptual plan that incorporates GI Practices requires a change from the traditional
stormwater design process of collect, convey, store, and release. The following steps supply guidance for
evaluating a site. Figure 3 shows potential GI Practices, and Figure 4 shows an example of a GI Practice
concept plan for a small commercial site.

1. Divert offsite drainage around the perimeter of the site or safely through the site to the maximum
extent practical.
2. Identify opportunities for Better Site Planning and Design Practices as defined in Chapter 7 of the
CSS, emphasizing design that minimizes disturbance to existing trees where practical.
3. Make full use of the site, integrating GI elements into landscaping areas, buffers, walkways, and
parking lots while adequately addressing appropriate protection of utilities and utility trenches
from the influence of storage inundation.
4. Use a combination of recognized GI Practice types including soil restoration, downspout
disconnection, and filter strips to intercept runoff near its source and provide filtering and
infiltration.
5. Eliminate storm pipes, manholes, and inlet structures in favor of interconnected bioretention cells,
curb turnouts, and permeable pavement where practical to provide collection, conveyance, and
pre-treatment.
6. Provide distributed storage and conveyance using bioswales in combination with appropriately
graded subsurface stone media or chamber reservoirs and underdrains.
7. Incorporate multiple routes for runoff to get into the integrated stormwater system and/or backup
routing when possible (for example, use both permeable pavement and curb turnouts to transport
stormwater to a yard inlet).
8. Avoid designs that place GI Practices at the bottom of dry detention ponds that provide volumetric
storage and may compromise the performance when inundated.
9. Reduce outflow volume, designing GI Practices to maximize evapotranspiration near the surface
and infiltration in suitable soils.
10. Provide overflow energy dissipation or bypass routing for runoff from storm events beyond design
sizing to avoid the potential for the GI Practice to be washed out.
11. Provide overflow connection to the existing drainage system, confirming that discharge does not
create adverse impacts downstream and that overflow routing has been provided.

Page 10
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Figure 3. GI Practice Selection Pyramid

Figure 4. Example Concept Plan

Page 11
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Concept Plan Step 4: Schedule and Attend Stormwater Concept Plan and
Consultation Meeting
It is highly recommended to schedule the stormwater consultation meeting prior to rezoning or planning
approval; however, this meeting must take place prior to the submittal of a building or land disturbance
permit application. Contact the Site Development office, 404-330-6249, to schedule a meeting time. A
copy of the Stormwater Concept Plan and Consultation Meeting Record form has been provided in
Appendix E.

Submittal Requirements
Required Concept Plan submittal information includes:

• Existing conditions
• Proposed limits of clearing and proposed impervious surfaces
• Soil infiltration rate information from soil surveys, on-site soils analysis, or infiltration test—
infiltration testing is required for previously developed or graded sites or sites with urban soil
types
• Natural Resources Inventory
• Stormwater management concept narrative that identifies Better Site Design Practices and
Techniques in accordance with Chapter 7 of the CSS
o Conservation of natural resources and features
o Lower-impact site design techniques
o Reduction of impervious cover
o Use of natural features for stormwater management
o Use of integrated GI Practices
• Conceptual Site Plan

Page 12
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

5. DESIGN PROCESS
Standardized Design Criteria for 1 Inch RRv Capture on Small Commercial
Sites
The Post-Development Stormwater Management Ordinance requires that stormwater management
systems be designed to capture the volume of runoff generated by the first 1 inch of rainfall through the
use of GI Practices. This volume, the RRv, must be retained on-site and is not allowed to run off.

RRv is calculated using the following formula from Section 5.2 of the CSS:

RRv = [(P)(Rv)(A)] / 12

Where:
RRv = runoff reduction volume (acre-feet)
P = target runoff reduction rainfall (inches)
Rv = volumetric runoff coefficient = 0.05+0.009(I)
A = site area (acres)
12 = unit conversion factor (inches/foot)
Where:
I = site imperviousness (%)

For small commercial sites, the RRv requirement has been simplified to pertain only to the 1 inch of
rainfall from the added and/or replaced impervious surface. It does not require consideration of runoff
from the overall site. This simplification applies only to small commercial sites creating, adding, and/or
demolishing and replacing between 500 and 5,000 square feet of impervious surface. Note that this is not
simply a net addition of impervious surface; rather, it can include impact to existing imperviousness.

Applicants have the choice to meet this requirement by following the practices in this document, or by
using the Blue Book and the CSS to design an appropriate stormwater management plan. Applicants are
strongly encouraged to utilize Better Site Design techniques outlined in Section 6 of the CSS to address
overall site conditions. When placing and sizing GI Practices, the designer must consider the total
impervious area draining to the practice to ensure appropriate functionality and long-term success.

Credits and Incentives

Stormwater credits consist of the built-in benefits of using Better Site Design and GI Practices. Because
these practices both clean and reduce the volume of runoff, quantifiable credit is given to satisfy the RRv.
Based on the GI Practice and the soil type, a specific volume reduction capacity is assigned to each GI
Practice. The GI Practice Design Guidelines in Section 7 include specific sizing information based upon
the credits.

Stormwater Design Step 1: Determine RRv Required for 1-Inch Rainfall

Event
The amount of volume to be reduced on-site is directly related to the impervious surface added or
impacted.

A. Calculate created, added, and/or demolished and replaced impervious surface area from
proposed design plans.
B. If the applicable impervious surface is less than 500 square feet or exceeds 5,000 square feet,
this manual does not apply; instead, a full design submittal must be prepared following the Blue
Book and the CSS.
C. Identify the RRv Required from Figure 5 using the calculated impervious surface area.

Page 13
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

D. If the impervious area draining to the GI Practice exceeds 5,000 square feet, or if a more detailed
result is desired, the RRv Required can be calculated by using the following formula:
Area of contributing impervious surface × 0.08

Figure 5. RRv Required (in cubic feet) for 1 Inch of Rainfall for Small Commercial Sites in
Atlanta

Stormwater Design Step 2: Identify and Select Combination of GI Practices

Select a combination of GI Practices that:

A. Meet the intent and locations of practices proposed at the Stormwater Concept Plan Meeting
B. In combination, can meet RRv Required storage requirements based on Figure 5, GI Practice
sizing tables, and any allowable volume reduction credits
C. Stay within the contributing drainage area limits from Table 2

Stormwater Design Step 3: Size Selected GI Practice to Meet RRv Required

A. Finalize the design layout and GI Practice geometries (in Section 7, Green Infrastructure Practice
Design Guidelines) that can be used in meeting RRv Required from concept plan.

Page 14
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

B. Using proposed design plans, calculate the impervious area and delineate the flow path of runoff
from created, added, and/or demolished and replaced impervious surface area to each planned
GI Practice.
C. Confirm that contributing drainage areas to each of the GI Practices do not exceed those noted in
Section 3, Concept Development, Table 2.

Stormwater Design Step 4: Calculate RRv Provided

A. Use sizing tables within the individual Section 7, Green Infrastructure Practice Design Guidelines
or perform volumetric calculations showing the storage volume provided:
For example: Bioretention surface storage
+ Bioretention subsurface storage
+ Permeable paver storage
+ Cistern storage
= RRv Provided
B. If the RRv Provided above is greater than or equal to the RRv Required from Step 1, proceed
with the site design and plan submittal process.
C. If, during this step, it is found that the site constraints do not allow enough volume capture and
storage space to meet the RRv Required, then determine the remaining runoff reduction volume:
RRv Required – RRv Provided = RRv Remaining
D. Sites not able to provide adequate volume to meet RRv Required need to meet additional water
quality measures under Design Step 5.

Stormwater Design Step 5: Prepare Runoff Reduction Supplemental Design

(if necessary)
If 100% of RRv Required cannot be met by fully applying the GI Practices in this manual, the remaining
Runoff Reduction volume (RRv remaining) identified in Step 4 shall be increased by 20% (RRv remaining
× 1.2) and shall be designed to be intercepted and treated in one or more stormwater management
practice that provides at least an 80 percent reduction in TSS load in accordance with Section 74-513 (b),
and the steps below:

A. Determine needed Water Quality protection volume (RRv remaining × 1.2).

B. Complete the Runoff Reduction Alternative Design Form and obtain approval from the City
Reviewer.
C. Select the appropriate Water Quality Best Management Practice (BMP) for TSS reduction per the
ordinance and staff guidance.

Stormwater Design Step 6: Develop a Landscape Plan

The plan must be consistent with recommendations from the selected GI Practices in Section 7, Green
infrastructure Practice Design Guidelines, of this Manual and the City’s Tree Ordinance. Follow the
design guidelines for individual GI Practices to select appropriate vegetation for GI Practices and consult
Appendix D, Planting List and Example Planting Plans, of this manual for a list of appropriate species.

A. Confirm that soil depth of the GI Practice is appropriate for selected vegetation.
B. Verify that vegetation can tolerate anticipated level of ponding in GI Practices.

Page 15
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

6. PLAN SUBMITTAL PROCESS

Required Submittal Information
Applicants must develop a site plan using the checklist found at http://www.atlantawatershed.org. The
checklist items relevant to stormwater management include the following:

• Existing and proposed ground contours and elevations

• Sanitary and storm sewer, structures and easements
• Location, configuration, and finished floor elevations for existing and proposed building structures
• Location, configuration, and finished elevations for existing and proposed paved areas
• Erosion and sediment control practices in conformance with the current edition of the Manual for
Erosion and Sediment Control in Georgia, Chapter 6, issued by the Georgia Soil and Water
Conservation Commission (http://gaswcc.org)

The plan submittal must include a clear delineation of contributing runoff areas and flow paths to each GI
Practice, with specific design details including site-specific contours, invert elevations, and cross sections
for each GI Practice.

Specific instructions should be included on the plans to avoid compaction of GI installations during
construction.

Page 16
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

7. GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PRACTICE DESIGN GUIDELINES

The GI Practices listed below are those most frequently implemented on small commercial sites. A
Design Guideline for each, including an overall description, typical locations for use, design information,
operation and maintenance requirements, and visual examples follows in this section. Each Design
Guideline contains step-by-step sizing of the practice to meet the RRv Required. Design Guidelines follow
for these GI Practices:

• Bioretention
• Infiltration Trenches
• Bioswales
• Permeable Pavement
• Stormwater Planters
• Subsurface Infiltration
• Rainwater Harvesting/Cisterns
• Green Roofs

Page 17
SMALL COMMERCIAL GUIDE
CITY OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA
DEPARTMENT OF WATERSHED MANAGEMENT

BIORETENTION
A bioretention area is a planted landscape area designed to
receive and infiltrate or filter runoff. Bioretention systems are
flexible, adaptable, and versatile stormwater management
facilities that are effective at reducing runoff rates and pollutant
loads for highly urban development and redevelopment sites.
Because its shape is flexible, bioretention can be adapted to a
site by lowering conventional raised landscape areas to be able
to receive runoff. Bioretention areas typically consist of a flow
inlet structure, a pretreatment element, a temporary ponding area
with overflow, an engineered soil mix planting bed, vegetation,
and an outflow regulating structure (for example, an upturned
underdrain).

Location
Bioretention areas can be planted to be
When possible, place bioretention in areas of the site that: aesthetically pleasing and look like ‘typical’
landscape areas.
 Have the most permeable soils.
 Receive stormwater runoff primarily from impervious surfaces.
 Are in parking lot landscape islands, small pockets of open areas, or side yard buffer areas.
 Are 2 feet above the seasonally high water table, outside the public right of way unless appropriate
maintenance agreement is completed, and away from underground utility lines, septic fields, and
steep slope edges.
 Are 10 feet from building foundations or public roadway subgrade unless the design includes
proper waterproofing techniques (such as an impermeable liner).

If the bioretention area will be close to a building, the

Bioretention areas can be designed to fit into tight design should include measures that will protect the
urban spaces. building from water (such as an impermeable liner at
the building side).

Page BioR-1
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Design
General
 Bioretention storage includes up to three storage components (see detail on pages BioR-6 and -7):
ponded surface storage, storage within the bioretention soil, and (optionally) stone storage below
the bioretention soil (not shown). The size of the bioretention practice will vary depending on the
impervious surface draining to it, the design ponding depth above the soil, and the depth of the
amended soil and optional stone.
 The geometric design of urban bioretention is flexible and is usually dictated by other site elements
and location constraints such as buildings, sidewalk widths, utility corridors, and retaining walls.
 The surface area of the practice depends on the storage volume needed, but the loading ratio of
the impervious drainage area to the bioretention surface area should generally not exceed 10:1 to
20:1.
 For sloped sites, verify that the bottom of bioretention areas is at a constant elevation or that
storage calculations take into consideration reduced storage due to slope. Use of bioretention
areas in series with appropriately designed staged overflows can maximize storage on sloped
sites.
 Use of the upturned underdrain pipe as shown in Appendix B, Supplemental Green Infrastructure
Practice Details, will allow for a 100% RRv credit to be taken for the storage volume within the
bioretention practice even though an underdrain is provided.

Step-by-Step Sizing
1. Verify the RRv Required (in cubic feet) for the site as outlined in Section 5, Design Process.
2. Determine the total bioretention surface area (in square feet) by summing each area identified on
the concept plan.
3. The storage volume for bioretention is made up of two or three components calculated individually
and then summed: surface storage, bioretention soil storage, and (optionally) storage in a deeper
stone layer.
4. Use Table A and the surface area determined in Step 2 to find the surface storage volume for the
intended design ponding depth. Alternatively, calculate the storage volume from the Step 2 surface
area total by multiplying depth by surface area. The maximum allowable ponding depth for
bioretention is 12 inches.

BIORETENTION TABLE A
Bioretention Surface Storage Volumes (cubic feet)
Bioretention Typical
5x10 5x15 5x20 5x30 10x10 10x15 10x20 10x30 10x40 10x50 10x60 10x70 10x80 20x20 20x30 20x40 30x30
Dimensions (feet)
surface area (square feet) 50 75 100 150 100 150 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 400 600 800 900
Surface Storage at 6"
25 38 50 75 50 75 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 200 300 400 450
Depth (cubic feet)
Surface Storage at 9"
38 56 75 113 75 113 150 225 300 375 450 525 600 300 450 600 675
Depth (cubic feet)
Surface Storage at 12"
50 75 100 150 100 150 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 400 600 800 900
Depth (cubic feet)

Use the typical dimensions or surface area determined in Step 2 and Table B to find the storage
volume in the bioretention soil. Interpolate as necessary.

Page BioR-2
 
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

BIORETENTION TABLE B
Bioretention Soil Storage Volumes for all Infiltration Rates (cubic feet)
100% RRv Credit by Volume
Bioretention Typical
5x10 5x15 5x20 5x30 10x10 10x15 10x20 10x30 10x40 10x50 10x60 10x70 10x80 20x20 20x30 20x40 30x30
Dimensions (feet)
surface area (square feet) 50 75 100 150 100 150 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 400 600 800 900
Soil Storage at 18" Depth
24 36 48 72 48 72 96 144 192 240 288 336 384 192 288 384 432
(cubic feet)
Soil Storage at 24" Depth
32 48 64 96 64 96 128 192 256 320 384 448 512 256 384 512 576
(cubic feet)
Soil Storage at 36" Depth
48 72 96 144 96 144 192 288 384 480 576 672 768 384 576 768 864
(cubic feet)
note:  table assumes a void ratio of 0.32

5. If additional stone storage is provided below the bioretention soil, see the Supplemental Stone
Storage Volume table in the Subsurface Infiltration Practice Design Guidelines. This storage
volume is added as the third component of the bioretention practice storage volume.
6. Combine the bioretention RRv storage volumes (surface storage plus bioretention soil storage plus
stone storage, if applicable) with the RRv for other BMPs as outlined in Section 5, Design Process,
and proceed with Design Process Step 4 summing treatment volumes to attain the RRv Provided.

Inlet/Flow-Regulating Structures and Pretreatment Elements

Where possible, direct runoff via sheet flow across energy dissipation areas or vegetated strips to the
bioretention area to filter out sediment, trash, floatables, and pollutants.
Install appropriate inlet/flow-regulating structures and stabilize them using acceptable pretreatment and
energy dissipation measures.
 The following forms of inlets are recommended. For sizing and design information see Appendix B,
Supplemental Green Infrastructure Practice Details:
o Sheet flow off a depressed curb with a 3-inch drop
o Curb cuts into the bioretention area
o Grates or trench drains that convey flows across a sidewalk from the curb or downspouts
 The following forms of pretreatment and energy dissipation are recommended. For sizing and
design information see Appendix B, Supplemental Green Infrastructure Practice Details:
o Grass filter strip
o Forebay
o River cobble diaphragm or thick filtering vegetation

Temporary Surface Storage (Ponding)

A ponding depth of 9 inches is suggested (maximum of 12 inches), and drain-down time of 48 hours is
required over the entire area.

Engineered Soil Mix Planting Bed

 Use an appropriate mulch layer (2 to 4 inches of fine, shredded hardwood) and avoid lighter mulch
material that may float.
 Install an appropriate engineered soil mix at a minimum depth of 18 inches for plants and a
minimum of 3 feet for trees. Ensure soil is not compacted by construction traffic during or after
placement. Alternate engineered soil mixes will be considered with appropriate tests and
documentation.
o Texture: Sandy loam or loamy sand
o Sand Content: 60%–70% clean, washed sand (dry weight basis)
o Clay: Not greater than 10% (dry weight basis)
o Topsoil: 8%–12% (dry weight basis)
o Compost: 5%–10% (dry weight basis)
o Infiltration Rate: 0.5 inch/hour minimum, preferred 1-2 inch/hour

Page BioR-3
 
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

 Ensure that the bottom of the bioretention practice is not compacted during construction, or is roto-
tilled to a depth of 6 inches to counteract compaction prior to bioretention soil placement. Tilling
3 inches of sand into the bottom is another acceptable method of counteracting compaction.

Outflow-Regulating Structure
Because of inconsistent infiltration on smaller commercial sites, incorporate an upturned underdrain
system that consists of washed gravel and perforated pipe (see typical detail) to provide an easier way
to tie into the existing stormwater infrastructure and additional storage and increased infiltration. The
design should include:
 4- to 6-inch diameter perforated PVC pipe (AASHTO M252)
 Upturned solid pipe 12 to 18 inches below the bottom of the soil surface

Vegetation
Vegetation commonly planted in bioretention areas includes native trees, shrubs, and other herbaceous
vegetation. When developing a landscape plan, choose vegetation that can stabilize soils and tolerate the
design stormwater runoff rates and volumes. Vegetation used in bioretention areas should be able to
tolerate both wet and dry conditions. Use of non-clay-backed sod on any grassed bioretention side slopes
is required instead of seeding.
 Develop a specific landscape/planting plan for each bioretention area.
 See Appendix D for a recommended plant list and example planting plans.

Maintenance
Routine operation and maintenance is essential to gain public acceptance of highly visible urban
bioretention areas and ensure properly functioning. A legally binding Inspection and Maintenance
agreement shall be completed. A sample Inspection and Maintenance Checklist is included in this
document.

 Perform weeding, pruning, fertilizing, and trash removal as needed to maintain appearance.
 Water the plants during drought conditions as necessary.
 To ensure proper performance, check that stormwater infiltrates properly into the soil within
48 hours after a storm.
 If excessive ponding time is observed on the surface or within the clean-out, undertake corrective
measures such as inspection for soil compaction and underdrain clogging.

A healthy and properly maintained bioretention area. The pretreatment area and overflow structure have been
properly maintained and are clear of debris.

Page BioR-4
 
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Example

A typical small commercial parking lot consisting of a “mounded” landscape island planted with turf
grass.

A small commercial parking lot utilizing the landscape island as a bioretention system.

Page BioR-5
 
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Page BioR-6
 
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Page BioR-7
 
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Sample Bioretention Inspection and Maintenance Checklist

Inspector:
Date: Time:
Weather: Rainfall over previous 2-3 days?

Bioretention Location:

Mark items in the table below using the following key:

X Needs immediate attention
– Not Applicable
 Okay
? Clarification Required

Bioretention Components:
Maintenance Inspection
Items Inspected Checked Needed Frequency
DEBRIS CLEANOUT Y N Y N
Bioretention and contributing areas clean of debris. Monthly
No dumping of yard wastes into bioretention. Monthly
Litter (trash, debris, etc.) have been removed. Monthly
VEGETATION

No evidence of erosion. Monthly

Is plant composition still according to approved plans? Monthly
No placement/growth of inappropriate plants. Monthly
DEWATERING AND SEDIMENTATION
Bioretention dewaters between storms.
After Major
No evidence of standing water.
Storms
No evidence of surface clogging.
OUTLETS/OVERFLOW SPILLWAY

Good condition, no need for repair. Annually and

No evidence of erosion. After Major
Storms
No evidence of any blockages.
INTEGRITY OF BIORETENTION

Bioretention has not been blocked or filled inappropriately. Annually

Mulch layer is still in place (depth of at least 2”). Annually
Noxious plants or weeds removed. Annually

Page BioR-8
 
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

COMMENTS:

OVERALL CONDITION OF FACILITY:

In accordance with approved design plans? Y / N In accordance with As Built plans? Y/N

Dimension on as built:

Field Verified Dimension:

Maintenance required as detailed above? Y/N Compliance with any other required conditions? Y / N

Comments:

Dates by which maintenance must be completed: ______ /______ /_______

Dates by which outstanding information is required: ______ /______ /_______

Inspector’s signature:

Engineer/Agent’s signature:

Engineer/Agent’s name printed:

Page BioR-9
 
SMALL COMMERCIAL GUIDE
CITY OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA
DEPARTMENT OF WATERSHED MANAGEMENT

INFILTRATION TRENCHES
Infiltration trenches are gravel-filled holding areas that receive,
store, and infiltrate stormwater runoff from roofs, driveways,
parking lots, and other contributing site surface areas. The
runoff is temporarily stored as it passes through the surrounding
stone bedding and infiltrates into the adjacent subsoil. An
overflow mechanism (surcharge pipe, connection to larger
infiltration area, etc.) is typically provided to ensure that excess
runoff is safely and efficiently conveyed to downstream
drainage systems or receiving waters.

Location 
 Choose a location keeping these factors in mind:
o Favorable infiltration areas on the site
o Areas that drain stormwater runoff primarily from
An Infiltration Trench can fit into tight
impervious surfaces spaces that are typical of small commercial
sites. Photo courtesy of:
o Small pockets of open areas, side yard buffer http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/article/
areas, and landscape beds 202883

o Level area to ensure that runoff is evenly distributed over the surface area
o Possible conflicts with site or building utilities
o Aesthetic considerations
 Locate the infiltration trench 2 feet above the seasonally high water table; outside the public right-
of-way unless an appropriate maintenance agreement is completed; and away from utility lines,
septic fields, and steep slopes.
 For sloped sites, verify that the bottom of the infiltration trench is at a constant elevation or that
storage calculations consider the reduced storage due to the sloped trench.
 Terraced infiltration trenches in series with appropriately designed staged overflows can
maximize storage on a sloped site.
 Infiltration trenches should be located at least 5 feet from building foundations and 10 feet from
buildings with basements and property lines; and away from potable water wells or public
roadway subgrade unless the design includes proper waterproofing techniques (such as an
impermeable liner).
 Subsurface soils need to be appropriately loosened and tilled to enhance infiltration
characteristics.
   

Page INF TR-1

 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
  Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development 

Design 
General
 The size of the infiltration trenches will vary, depending on the impervious surface draining to it
and the depth of the stone.
 The actual geometric design of an infiltration trench is usually dictated by other site elements
such as buildings, sidewalk widths, utility corridors, and retaining walls.
 As a rule of thumb, shallow infiltration trenches with a large surface area will perform better (and
require less maintenance) than a deep infiltration trench with a small surface area.
 Surface area depends on storage volume, but should generally not exceed a maximum loading
ratio of 5 to 10% of the drainage area.
 For sloped sites, verify that the bottom of the infiltration trench is at a constant elevation or that
storage calculations consider the reduced storage due to the sloped trench.
o Use of terraced infiltration trenches in series with appropriately designed staged overflows
can maximize storage on a sloped site. 
 The design should include appropriate pretreatment, such as:
o Vegetated filter strip with a minimum 10-foot length
o Vegetated buffer if the trench receives runoff from multiple directions
o Sediment forebay or similar sedimentation chamber
o Oil and grit separator if runoff is from highly polluted, urban hotspot areas

 Exit velocities from pretreatment must be non-erosive and discharge to stone for the 2-year,
24-hour storm event
 The infiltration trench design should include:
o Storage in an excavated trench backfilled with coarse washed stone, river rock, or pea
gravel, and lined with filter fabric on sides
o Filter layer composed of 3/8-inch pea gravel or sand separating the native soils and stone
storage
o One or more observation well consisting of 4-inch to 6-inch PVC pipe that extends to the
bottom of the infiltration trench
o Overflow relief drain
o Surface overflow routing
 The infiltration trench specifications should meet the following requirements:
o Fully drains within 48 hours
o Depth is a maximum of 5 feet
o Bottom slope of trench is flat across its width and length or appropriately staged storage
overflow weirs have been designed
o Overflow channel to safely pass flows that exceed the storage capacity of the trench

Step-by-Step Sizing
1. Establish the RRv Required (in cubic feet) for the contributing impervious area using Figure 5 in
Section 5, Design Process.
2. Determine the dimensions and depth of the proposed infiltration trench.

Page INF TR-2

 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
  Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development 

3. Confirm the site infiltration rates per infiltration testing parameters in Appendix C.
4. Use the dimensions determined in Step 2, and Table A for infiltration rates greater than 0.25 inch
per hour or Table B for infiltration rates less than 0.25 inch per hour to find the storage volume
provided in the stone.

INFILTRATION TRENCH TABLE A
Stone Storage Volumes for Infiltration Rates greater than 0.25 inches/hour or with Upturned Underdrain (cubic feet)
100% RRv Credit by Volume
Infiltration Trench Typical
3x10 3x20 3x30 3x40 3x50 5x10 5x20 5x30 5x40 5x50 5x60 5x70 5x80 5x90 5x100 8x100 10x100
Dimensions (feet)
surface area (square feet) 30 60 90 120 150 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 800 1000
Stone Storage at 18" Depth
18 36 54 72 90 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300 480 600
(cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 24" Depth
24 48 72 96 120 40 80 120 160 200 240 280 320 360 400 640 800
(cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 36"
36 72 108 144 180 60 120 180 240 300 360 420 480 540 600 960 1200
Depth (cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 48"
48 96 144 192 240 80 160 240 320 400 480 560 640 720 800 1280 1600
Depth (cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 60" Depth
60 120 180 240 300 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1600 2000
(cubic feet)
note:  table assumes a void ratio of 0.40  
 
INFILTRATION TRENCH TABLE B
Stone Storage Volumes for Infiltration Rates less than 0.25 inches/hour (cubic feet)
50% RRv Credit by Volume
Infiltration Trench Typical
3x10 3x20 3x30 3x40 3x50 5x10 5x20 5x30 5x40 5x50 5x60 5x70 5x80 5x90 5x100 8x100 10x100
Dimensions (feet)
surface area (square feet) 30 60 90 120 150 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 800 1000

Cubic Feet of Stone

9 18 27 36 45 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 240 300
Storage at 18" Depth
Cubic Feet of Stone
12 24 36 48 60 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 320 400
Storage at 24" Depth
Cubic Feet of Stone
18 36 54 72 90 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300 480 600
Storage at 36" Depth
Cubic Feet of Stone
24 48 72 96 120 40 80 120 160 200 240 280 320 360 400 640 800
Storage at 48" Depth
Cubic Feet of Stone
30 60 90 120 150 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 800 1000
Storage at 60" Depth
note:  table assumes a void ratio of 0.40  

Maintain 
Routine operation and maintenance is essential to ensure proper functioning of infiltration trenches. The
following items should be included in the overall maintenance plan, and a legally binding Inspection and
Maintenance agreement shall be completed. A sample Inspection and Maintenance Checklist is included
in this document.

 Routinely inspect and clean out gutters and catch basins to reduce sediment load to infiltration
trenches.
 Clean intermediate sediment trap sumps, replace filters, and otherwise clean pretreatment areas
in directly connected systems. At minimum, cleaning should occur quarterly.

Page INF TR-3

 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
  Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development 

 Routinely examine to ensure that inlet and outlet devices are free of debris and operational.
 After storm events, evaluate the drain-down time of the infiltration trenches by measuring the
standing water in the observation well to ensure the drain-down time of 48 hours or less.

Page INF TR-4

 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
  Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development 

Examples 
Capped
Observation
Well

1 

Non-Woven Geotextile on Sides Only

Sand Bottom
3

2 

Figures depicting: (1) a subsurface infiltration facility cross section, (2) a facility
during construction, and (3) a facility after construction is complete. Photos
courtesy of: http://www.csc.temple.edu/t-vssi/BMPSurvey/delaware_countycc.htm
and http://www.esf.edu/ere/endreny/GICalculator/InfiltrationIntro.html

Page INF TR-5

 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
  Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development 

Page INF TR-6

 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
  Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development 

Page INF TR-7

 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
  Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development 

 Sample Infiltration Trench Inspection and Maintenance Checklist 

Inspector:
Date: Time:
Weather: Rainfall over previous 2-3 days?

Infiltration Trench Location:

Mark items in the table below using the following key:

X Needs immediate attention
– Not Applicable
 Okay
? Clarification Required

Infiltration Trench Components:

Maintenance Inspection
Items Inspected Checked Needed Frequency
DEBRIS CLEANOUT Y N Y N
Infiltration trench and contributing areas clean of debris. Monthly
No dumping of yard wastes into infiltration trench. Monthly
Litter (trash, debris, etc.) have been removed. Monthly
DEWATERING AND SEDIMENTATION

Infiltration trench dewaters between storms.

After Major
No evidence of standing water.
Storm
No evidence of surface clogging.
OUTLETS/OVERFLOW SPILLWAY

Good condition, no need for repair. Annual, and

No evidence of erosion. After Major
No evidence of any blockages. Storm

INTEGRITY OF SYSTEM

Infiltration trench has not been blocked or filled Annual

inappropriately.
No evidence of infiltration trench failure. Annual

Page INF TR-8

 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
  Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development 

COMMENTS:

OVERALL CONDITION OF FACILITY:

In accordance with approved design plans? Y / N In accordance with As Built plans? Y/N

Dimension on as built:

Field Verified Dimension:

Maintenance required as detailed above? Y / N Compliance with other required conditions? Y/N

Comments:

Dates by which maintenance must be completed: ______ /______ /_______

Dates by which outstanding information is required: _____ /_____ /_______

Inspector’s signature:

Engineer/Agent’s signature:

Engineer/Agent’s name printed:

Page INF TR-9

 
 
SMALL COMMERCIAL GUIDE
CITY OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA
DEPARTMENT OF WATERSHED MANAGEMENT

BIOSWALES
A bioswale is a vegetated, open, conveyance channel,
filled with an engineered soil mix and planted with a
combination of grasses and other herbaceous plants,
shrubs, or trees. Bioswales are essentially linear
bioretention areas that are designed to capture and
temporarily store runoff in the amended soils and
provide infiltration and water quality treatment. Check
dams maximize these functions by creating ponding
areas where settling and infiltration can occur.
Commercial facilities often have landscaped or
grassed areas that can also serve as drainage
pathways and infiltration areas. A bioswale is a
practical replacement for stormwater conveyance by
roadway median strips and parking lot curb and gutter. Terraced bioswale accepts runoff from roof drains.
Grade control structures allow infiltration
Klaus Building - Georgia Tech – Atlanta, Georgia

Location
 Bioswales should be located in areas with slopes about 0.5%, but steeper areas can be terraced
to provide staged conveyance.
 A minimum of 2 feet is required between the bottom of the practice and the seasonally high water
table.
 The practice can be utilized within parking lot islands, median strips, and side yard buffer areas.
 Locate the practice at least 5 feet from building foundations, and 10 feet from buildings with
basements and property lines; outside the public right of way unless an appropriate maintenance
agreement is completed; and away from utility lines, septic fields, and steep slopes.

Curb cut entrance to bioswale. Photo courtesy of Bioswales can function as a substitute for parking lot
www.americanforests.org. curb and gutter systems.

Page BioS-1
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Design
 Bioswales can include up to three storage components, depending on the design: ponded surface
storage, storage within the bioswale soil, and optional stone storage below the bioswale soil (not
shown in the attached detail). The dimensions of the bioswale practice will vary, depending on the
impervious surface area draining to it, the length of the conveyance across the site, the ponding
depth above the soil, and the depth of the amended soil and optional stone.
 If bioswales are the principal conveyance from the site, they should be sized to convey peak
discharge runoff from the contributing area without eroding the bioswale.
 Consider the site’s natural topography when choosing the location for the bioswale. Runoff from
impervious areas should be easily directed to the practice. The recommended drainage area to a
bioswale is 5% of contributing drainage area.
 Investigate the feasibility of infiltration according to conditions in the area proposed for the
bioswale.
 The actual geometric design of bioswales is usually dictated by other site elements such as
buildings, sidewalk widths, utility corridors, and retaining walls.
o Typical dimensions for a bioswale should be 2 to 8 feet wide with 3:1 (H:V) side slopes
(maximum 2:1).
 Pretreatment is preferred and can extend the life of the bioswale. For sizing and design
information see Appendix B, Supplemental Green Infrastructure Practice Details. The following
forms of pretreatment and energy dissipation are recommended:
o Grass filter strip
o Forebay
o River cobble diaphragm or drop inlet with thick filtering vegetation
 The slope along the length of the bottom of the bioswale should not exceed 0.5%. If the slope is
greater than 0.5%, then lined check dams or a series of terraced subsoil steps should be used to
make the effective slope 0.5% or less, to allow for maximum infiltration.
 Bioswale systems consist of:
o An open conveyance channel
o A filter bed of engineered soil mix that is a minimum of 36 inches deep. Engineered soil shall
consist of the following:
 Texture: Sandy loam or loamy sand
 Sand Content: 60%–70% clean, washed sand (dry weight basis)
 Clay: not greater than 10% (dry weight basis)
 Topsoil: 8%–12% (dry weight basis)
 Compost: 5%–10% (dry weight basis)
 Infiltration Rate: 0.5 inch/hour minimum, preferred 1-2 inch/hour

o Gravel and optional perforated pipe underdrain system (see typical detail).
o A ponded depth of 9 inches or less is recommended (maximum 12 inches) with a drain time
less than 48 hours.
 Bioswales must:
o Hold and slowly convey the design storage (1 inch) without erosion
o Safely convey the overbank flood protection rainfall event (for example, a 25-year, 24-hour
event) or have a flow splitter to divert excess runoff around the practice

Page BioS-2
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Step-by-Step Sizing
1. Verify the RRv Required (in cubic feet) for the site as outlined in Section 5, Design Process, of
this document.
2. Determine the total bioswale surface area (in square feet) by summing each area identified on the
concept plan.
The storage volume for bioswales can consist of multiple components calculated individually and
then summed: surface storage, bioswale soil storage, and (optional) storage in a deeper stone
layer.
3. Confirm the site infiltration rates per infiltration testing parameters in Appendix C.
4. Use Table A and surface area determined in Step 2 to find the surface storage volume for the
intended design ponding depth. Alternatively, calculate the storage volume from the Step 2
surface area total by multiplying depth by the surface area. The maximum allowable ponding
depth for bioswales is 12 inches.
BIOSWALE TABLE A
Bioswale Surface Storage Volumes (cubic feet)
Bioswale Typical
3x10 3x20 3x30 3x40 3x50 5x10 5x20 5x30 5x40 5x50 5x60 5x70 5x80 5x90 5x100 8x100 10x100
Dimensions (feet)
surface area (square feet) 30 60 90 120 150 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 800 1000
Surface Storage at 6"
15 30 45 60 75 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 400 500
Depth (cubic feet)
Surface Storage at 9"
23 45 68 90 113 38 75 113 150 188 225 263 300 338 375 600 750
Depth (cubic feet)

5. Optional use of the upturned pipe underdrain as shown in Appendix B, Supplemental Green
Infrastructure Practice Details, will allow a 100% RRv credit to be taken for the storage volume
within the bioswale practice for soils with less than 0.25 inch/hour infiltration.
6. Use the typical dimensions or surface area determined in Step 2 and Table B for infiltration rates
greater than 0.25 inch/hour or a bioswale with an upturned underdrain pipe. Use Table C for
infiltration rates less than 0.25 inch/hour with an underdrain to find the storage volume in the
bioswale soil. Interpolate as necessary.

BIOSWALE TABLE B
Bioswale Soil Storage Volumes for Infiltration Rates greater than 0.25 inches/hour or with Upturned Underdrain (cubic feet)
100% RRv Credit by Volume
Bioswale Typical
3x10 3x20 3x30 3x40 3x50 5x10 5x20 5x30 5x40 5x50 5x60 5x70 5x80 5x90 5x100 8x100 10x100
Dimensions (feet)
surface area (square feet) 30 60 90 120 150 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 800 1000

Soil Storage at 18" Depth

14 29 43 58 72 24 48 72 96 120 144 168 192 216 240 384 480
(cubic feet)
Soil Storage at 24" Depth
19 38 58 77 96 32 64 96 128 160 192 224 256 288 320 512 640
(cubic feet)
Soil Storage at 36" Depth
29 58 86 115 144 48 96 144 192 240 288 336 384 432 480 768 960
(cubic feet)
note:  table assumes a void ratio of 0.32

Page BioS-3
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

BIOSWALE TABLE C
Bioswale Soil Storage Volumes for Infiltration Rates less than 0.25 inches/hour (cubic feet)
50% RRv Credit by Volume
Bioswale Typical
3x10 3x20 3x30 3x40 3x50 5x10 5x20 5x30 5x40 5x50 5x60 5x70 5x80 5x90 5x100 8x100 10x100
Dimensions (feet)
surface area (square feet) 30 60 90 120 150 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 800 1000
Soil Storage at 18" Depth
7 14 22 29 36 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 192 240
(cubic feet)
Soil Storage at 24" Depth
10 19 29 38 48 16 32 48 64 80 96 112 128 144 160 256 320
(cubic feet)
Soil Storage at 36" Depth
14 29 43 58 72 24 48 72 96 120 144 168 192 216 240 384 480
(cubic feet)
note:  table assumes a void ratio of 0.32

7. If additional stone storage is provided below the bioswale soil, see the Supplemental Stone
Storage Volume table in the Subsurface Infiltration Practice section. This storage volume is
added as the third component of the bioswale practice storage volume.
Combine the bioswale RRv storage volumes (surface storage plus bioswale soil storage plus stone
storage, if applicable) determined above with other GI Practices as outlined in Section 5, Design Process,
and proceed with Design Process Step 4, summing treatment volumes to attain RRv Provided.

Vegetation
Vegetation commonly planted in bioswale areas includes native trees, shrubs, and other herbaceous
vegetation. When developing a landscape plan, choose vegetation that can stabilize soils and tolerate the
design stormwater runoff rates and volumes. Vegetation used in bioswale areas should be able to tolerate
both wet and dry conditions. Use of non-clay-backed sod on any grassed bioswale side slopes is required
instead of seeding.

 Develop a specific landscape/planting plan for each bioswale area.

 See Appendix D, Planting List and Example Planting Plans, for a recommended plant list and
appropriate selection criteria based on GI Practice and soil depth.

Maintain
Routine operation and maintenance is essential to gain public acceptance of highly visible urban bioswale
areas and ensure properly functioning. A legally binding Inspection and Maintenance Agreement shall be
completed. A sample Inspection and Maintenance Checklist is included in this document.

 Perform weeding, pruning, fertilizing, and trash removal as needed to maintain appearance.
 Water the plants during drought conditions as necessary.
 To ensure proper performance, check that stormwater infiltrates properly into the soil within
48 hours after a storm.
 If excessive ponding time is observed on the surface or within the clean-out, undertake corrective
measures such as inspection for soil compaction and underdrain clogging.

Page BioS-4
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Examples
.

Curb cut entrance to bioswale. Photo courtesy of

www.americanforests.org.
Curb cuts used to drain water from roadway to bioswale.
Photo courtesy of
www.indygov.org/eGov/City/DPW/SustainIndy/WaterLand/
Documents/Final.pdf

A healthy and properly maintained bioswale.

Photo courtesy of www.rwmwd.org.

Page BioS-5
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

BEFORE: A typical small commercial parking lot consisting of a “mounded” landscape island planted
with turf grass.

AFTER: A small commercial parking lot island converted to a bioswale utilizing sheet flow from
impervious surface to a filter strip.

Page BioS-6
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Page BioS-7
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Page BioS-8
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Page BioS-9
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Page BioS-10
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Sample Bioswale Inspection and Maintenance Checklist

Inspector:
Date: Time:
Weather: Rainfall over previous 2-3 days?

Swale Location:

Mark items in the table below using the following key:

X Needs immediate attention
– Not Applicable
 Okay
? Clarification Required

Bioswale Components:
Maintenance Inspection
Items Inspected Checked Needed Frequency
DEBRIS CLEANOUT Y N Y N
Swale and contributing areas clean of debris. Monthly
No dumping of yard wastes into swale. Monthly
Litter (trash, debris, etc.) have been removed. Monthly
VEGETATION

Is plant composition still according to approved plans? Monthly

No placement of inappropriate plants. Monthly
DEWATERING AND SEDIMENTATION

Swale dewaters between storms. Monthly

No evidence of standing water. Monthly
No evidence of surface clogging. Monthly
Sediments should not be greater than 20% of swale design Monthly
depth.
OUTLETS/OVERFLOW SPILLWAY

Good condition, no need for repair. Annual, After

Major Storm
No evidence of any blockages. Annual, After
Major Storm
INTEGRITY OF SWALE

Swale has not been blocked or filled inappropriately. Annual

No evidence of erosion. Annual
Noxious plants or weeds removed. Annual

Page BioS-11
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

COMMENTS:

OVERALL CONDITION OF FACILITY:

In accordance with approved design plans? Y / N In accordance with As Built plans? Y/N

Dimension on as built:

Field Verified Dimension:

Maintenance required as detailed above? Y/N Compliance with other conditions? Y/N

Comments:

Dates by which maintenance must be completed: ______ /______ /_______

Dates by which outstanding information is required: ______ /_____ /______

Inspector’s signature:

Engineer/Agent’s signature:

Engineer/Agent’s name printed:

Page BioS-12
SMALL COMMERCIAL GUIDE
CITY OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA
DEPARTMENT OF WATERSHED MANAGEMENT

PERMEABLE PAVEMENT
Permeable pavement provides the structural support of
conventional pavement, but allows stormwater to drain directly
through the load-bearing surface into the underlying stone base
and soils, intercepting and reducing stormwater runoff. During a
rain event, stormwater flows through the porous surface, drains
into the crushed stone sub-base beneath the pavement, and
remains stored until stormwater can infiltrate into the soil or
outlet through the underdrain. There are permeable varieties of
asphalt, concrete, and interlocking pavers. Permeable
pavement systems are suitable for any type of small Permeable paver parking stalls add variety to
commercial development. They are especially well-suited for parking lot landscape. English Park, Atlanta
parking lots, walkways, and sidewalks. Proper training of
owners, users, and maintenance staff will help to prolong the life of the permeable pavement.

Location
 The location of this GI Practice is most often dictated by site design factors including building
location, drive entrances, internal circulation, and landscaping requirements. Choose a location
keeping these factors in mind:
o Areas with lower traffic volumes such as parking spaces are preferable.
o Permeable pavement is most appropriate for areas that are relatively flat (generally less than
a 5% slope).
o Avoid areas with drainage from adjacent erodible areas with the potential for heavy sediment
loads.
o Place in an area not likely to receive runoff from dumpster pads, materials storage, or
process areas.
o Do not use this practice where hazardous materials are handled or stored.
 Locate the bottom of the pavement section 2 feet
above the seasonally high water table, outside the
public right of way unless an appropriate maintenance
agreement is completed (see Appendix E, Sample
Forms), and away from utility lines, septic fields, and
steep slopes.
 Provide proper waterproofing techniques (such as an
impermeable liner) for permeable pavement located
next to buildings; otherwise, permeable pavement
shall be located 10 feet from building foundations. Permeable concrete used in a roadway
application. Felder Avenue, Atlanta

Page PP-1
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Comparison of permeable asphalt (left) with

traditional asphalt surface (right) during a storm
event. Photo courtesy of www.wolfpaving.com

Design
General
 Key elements of the design include:
o A permeable surface with a high infiltration rate
o Bedding material, if required by manufacturer’s
recommendations
o An open-graded, aggregate base choker or filter
course, used to stabilize the stone surface for
the pavement material
o A stone sub-base suitable for design traffic loads
o An uncompacted, level sub-grade (to allow
infiltration of stormwater)
o Positive overflow to prevent system flooding
 Infiltration tests are required (two per GI Practice).
 Required surface area depends on the desired storage volume, but should generally not exceed
a maximum loading ratio of 25% of the contributing drainage area.
 Permeable pavement can be used on most travel surfaces with slopes less than 5%.
 The depth of the stone sub-base should be designed based on stormwater management
objectives, total drainage area, traffic load, and soil characteristics. At a minimum, the gravel and
perforated underdrain system shall be sized to meet traffic loading requirements for the selected
permeable material.
 For sloped sites, verify that the bottom of the stone sub-base is at a constant elevation or that
storage calculations consider reduced storage due to the sloped bottom.
o Use of staged storage cells in series with appropriately designed staged overflows can
maximize storage on a sloped site.

Step-by-Step Sizing
1. Establish the RRv Required (in cubic feet) for the contributing impervious area using Figure 5 in
Section 5, Design Process.
2. Determine the dimensions and depth of the proposed infiltration trench.
3. Confirm the site infiltration rates per infiltration testing parameters in Appendix C.

Page PP-2
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

4. Use the dimensions determined in Step 2, and Table A for infiltration rates greater than 0.25 inch
per hour, or Table B for infiltration rates less than 0.25 inch per hour to find the storage volume
provided in the stone.

PERMEABLE PAVEMENT STONE STORAGE TABLE A
Stone Storage Volumes for Infiltration Rates greater than 0.25 inches/hour (cubic feet)
100% RRv Credit by Volume
Stone Storage Typical
5x10 5x15 5x20 5x30 10x10 10x15 10x20 10x30 10x40 10x50 10x60 10x70 10x80 20x20 20x30 20x40 30x30
Dimensions (feet)
surface area (square feet) 50 75 100 150 100 150 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 400 600 800 900

Stone Storage at 12" Depth

20 30 40 60 40 60 80 120 160 200 240 280 320 160 240 320 360
(cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 18" Depth
30 45 60 90 60 90 120 180 240 300 360 420 480 240 360 480 540
(cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 24"
40 60 80 120 80 120 160 240 320 400 480 560 640 320 480 640 720
Depth (cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 36"
60 90 120 180 120 180 240 360 480 600 720 840 960 480 720 960 1080
Depth (cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 48"
80 120 160 240 160 240 320 480 640 800 960 1120 1280 640 960 1280 1440
Depth (cubic feet)
note:  table assumes a void ratio of 0.40

PEMEABLE PAVEMENT STONE STORAGE TABLE B
Stone Storage Volumes for Infiltration Rates less than 0.25 inches/hour (cubic feet)
50% RRv Credit by Volume
Stone Storage Typical
5x10 5x15 5x20 5x30 10x10 10x15 10x20 10x30 10x40 10x50 10x60 10x70 10x80 20x20 20x30 20x40 30x30
Dimensions (feet)
surface area (square feet) 50 75 100 150 100 150 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 400 600 800 900
Stone Storage at 12" Depth
10 15 20 30 20 30 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 80 120 160 180
(cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 18" Depth
15 23 30 45 30 45 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 120 180 240 270
(cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 24" Depth
20 30 40 60 40 60 80 120 160 200 240 280 320 160 240 320 360
(cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 36" Depth
30 45 60 90 60 90 120 180 240 300 360 420 480 240 360 480 540
(cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 48" Depth
40 60 80 120 80 120 160 240 320 400 480 560 640 320 480 640 720
(cubic feet)
note:  table assumes a void ratio of 0.40

Pretreatment
 Contributing drainage areas should have proper pretreatment design to filter debris and sediment
that may clog the permeable pavement system. Appropriate pretreatment measures can be found
in Appendix B, Supplemental Green Infrastructure Practice Details, and include:
o A grass filter strip
o Forebay
o A river cobble diaphragm or thick filtering vegetation

Page PP-3
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Outflow-Regulating Structure
 Because of inconsistent infiltration conditions on smaller commercial sites, incorporate an
upturned underdrain system that consists of washed gravel and perforated pipe (see Appendix B,
Supplemental Green Infrastructure Practice Details) to provide an easier way to tie into the
existing stormwater infrastructure and additional storage and increased infiltration. The design
should include:
o Aggregate: 8-inch layer ASTM D448 Size No. 57 washed stone and should be separated by
a thin 2- to 4-inch layer of choker stone (ASTM D 448 size No. 8, 3/8-inch to 1/8-inch or
ASTM D 448 size No. 89, 3/8 inch to 1/16 inch)
o Perforated pipe: 4- to 6-inch perforated PVC (AASHTO M 252), 3/8-inch perforation spaced
6 inches on center, minimum slope of 0.5% (no sock pipes shall be permitted)
o Nonwoven separation geotextile utilized on the side surface interfaces ONLY
 Upturned “S” solid underdrain pipe below the bottom of the surface may be used to receive full
RRv credit.
 Native soils along the bottom of the permeable pavement system should be tilled or scarified to 3
to 4 inches prior to placement of choker stone.
 No mulch or landscaping material shall be stored on the pavement areas.
 Pavement should be tested after construction for adequate infiltration.
o Make sure the permeable pavement surface is even, runoff evenly spreads across it, and the
storage bed drains within 48 hours.

Maintain
Permeable pavement systems require regular maintenance to extend their life. A legally binding
Operation and Maintenance Agreement should be created. A sample Inspection and Maintenance
Checklist is included in this document.
 Pavement should be inspected to ensure it is clear of sediment and debris post-construction,
annually, and after large storm events.
 Vacuum-sweep the permeable pavement surface annually.
 Dirt and sediment that is ground in repeatedly by tires can lead to clogging. Trucks or other heavy
vehicles should be prevented from tracking or spilling dirt onto the pavement.
 Inspect for deterioration or spalling annually and rehabilitate the system per O&M guidelines.
 All construction or hazardous materials carriers should be prohibited from entering a permeable
pavement lot.
 During winter, abrasives such as sand or cinders shall not be applied on or adjacent to the
permeable pavement.
 Salt is not recommended for use as a de-icer on permeable pavement. Nontoxic, organic de-icers
applied either as blended, magnesium chloride-based liquid products or as pretreated salt are
preferable. De-icing materials should be used in moderation.

Page PP-4
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Fine aggregate allows water to infiltrate in gaps Permeable asphalt (first developed in the 1970s)
between interlocking pavers. Pavers are well-suited to consists of standard bituminous asphalt in which
plazas, patios, and small parking areas where fines have been screened and reduced, allowing
aesthetics are important. Photo courtesy of water to pass through small voids. Photo courtesy of
www.nrdc.org. www.socwisconsin.org.

Page PP-5
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Examples

Permeable concrete can be easily integrated

into site design and looks similar to
traditional concrete.

Permeable pavers add aesthetic value to the

design of a site.

Page PP-6
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Page PP-7
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Page PP-8
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Sample Permeable Pavement Inspection and Maintenance Checklist

Inspector:
Date: Time:
Weather: Rainfall over previous 2-3 days?

Permeable Pavement Location:

Mark items in the table below using the following key:

X Needs immediate attention
– Not Applicable
 Okay
? Clarification Required

Permeable Pavement Components:

Maintenance Inspection
Items Inspected Checked Needed Frequency
DEBRIS CLEANOUT Y N Y N
Permeable Pavement and contributing areas clean of debris. Monthly
No dumping of yard wastes onto permeable surface. Monthly
Litter (trash, debris, etc.) have been removed. Monthly
DEWATERING AND SEDIMENTATION

Permeable Pavement dewaters between storms. After Major Storm

No evidence of standing water. After Major Storm
No evidence of surface clogging. After Major Storm
OUTLETS/OVERFLOW SPILLWAY

Good condition, no need for repair. Annually, After

No evidence of erosion. Major Storm
No evidence of any blockages.
INTEGRITY OF SYSTEM

Permeable Pavement has not been blocked or filled Annually

inappropriately.
No evidence of spalling or other pavement failure. Annually

Page PP-9
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

COMMENTS:

OVERALL CONDITION OF FACILITY:

In accordance with approved design plans? Y / N In accordance with As Built plans? Y/N

Dimension on as built:

Field Verified Dimension:

Maintenance required as detailed above? Y/N Compliance with other conditions? Y/N

Comments:

Dates by which maintenance must be completed: ______ /______ /_______

Dates by which outstanding information is required: _____ /_____ /_______

Inspector’s signature:

Engineer/Agent’s signature:

Engineer/Agent’s name printed:

Page PP-10
SMALL COMMERCIAL GUIDE
CITY OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA
DEPARTMENT OF WATERSHED MANAGEMENT

STORMWATER PLANTERS
Stormwater planters are contained landscape areas
designed to receive stormwater runoff from paved
surfaces. Stormwater planters consist of a planter
box that can either be lined or unlined, filled with an
engineered soil mix and planted with trees,
perennials, and shrubs. The top of the soil in the
planter is lower in elevation than the surrounding
pavement to allow runoff to flow into the planter. An
underdrain is used when necessary to route excess
runoff to the storm drain system. Stormwater
planters manage stormwater by providing storage,
infiltration, and evapotranspiration of runoff.

Location  Stormwater planters receive runoff from relatively small

drainage areas (< 2,500 sq-ft). Photo courtesy of
 On small commercial sites, stormwater www.portlandoregon.gov.
planters are best used where space is
limited, within parking lots and adjacent to buildings or as a buffer between the street and
sidewalk.
 Choose a location keeping these factors in mind:
o Identify favorable infiltration areas on the site.
o Identify areas that drain stormwater runoff primarily from impervious surfaces.
o Avoid areas with drainage from adjacent erodible areas and a high potential for heavy
sediment loads.
o Place in an area not likely to receive runoff from dumpster pads, materials storage, or process
areas.
o Utilize reconfigured parking spaces, landscape beds, and buffer yards.
o Level the area to ensure that runoff is evenly distributed over the surface area.
o Avoid possible conflicts with site or building utilities.
o Consider aesthetics.
 Locate 2 feet above the seasonally high water table, outside the public right-of-way unless an
appropriate maintenance agreement is completed, and away from utility lines, septic fields, and
steep slopes.
 For sloped sites, verify that the bottom of the planter is at a constant elevation or that storage
calculations take into consideration reduced storage due to the sloped bottom.
o Use of flow-through planters in series with appropriately designed staged overflows can
maximize storage on a sloped site.
 Subsurface infiltration should be located at least 5 feet from building foundations and 10 feet from
buildings with basements and property lines, and away from potable water wells or public

Page SP-1

 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development
 

roadway subgrade unless the design includes proper waterproofing techniques (such as an
impermeable liner).
 Subsurface soils need to be appropriately loosened and tilled to enhance infiltration
characteristics.
 Proper waterproofing techniques or an impermeable liner are necessary for planters located next
to buildings, in highly urban areas within utility easements, in soils with poor infiltration rates, in
areas with a high water table, and above contaminated soils.
o Infiltration is not appropriate for sites with contaminated soils, because it could impact pollutant
migration.

Design 
General
 The geometric design of subsurface infiltration
is usually dictated by other site elements such
as buildings, sidewalk widths, utility corridors,
and retaining walls.
 Key elements of the design include:
o An inlet or opening in the curb to direct
stormwater into the planter
o Concrete or prefabricated walls that form
the vertical sides of the planter
o Planter bioretention soils of an
appropriate depth to support planned
landscape plants and/or trees. The
minimum depth is 24 inches, and
36 inches is required where trees are specified.
o A stone drainage bed for stormwater storage and infiltration, separated from the bioretention
soil above and the subgrade below with a choker stone course or filter fabric.
o An uncompacted, level sub-grade (to allow infiltration of stormwater)
o Overflow outlet to prevent system flooding
o Underdrain or upturned overflow pipe in poor soil conditions
o Impermeable liner in conditions that do not allow for infiltration.
o Optional check dams for sloped beds
 Waterproofed or lined planters will receive credit for 50% of the storage provided to meet the
RRv.
 The length of flow path of the contributing drainage area should be less than:
o 150 feet for pervious drainage areas
o 75 feet for impervious drainage areas
 If flow path length cannot be met, then bioretention is recommended.
Step-by-Step Sizing
1. Verify the RRv Required (in cubic feet) for the site as outlined in Section 5, Design Process.

Page SP-2
 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development
 

2. Determine the total planter surface area (in square feet) by summing each area identified on the
concept plan.
Storage Volume for planters is made up of two or three components calculated individually and
then summed: surface storage, planter soil storage, and (optionally) storage in a deeper stone
layer.
3. Confirm the site infiltration rates per infiltration testing parameters in Appendix C.
4. Use Table A and the surface area determined in Step 2 to find the surface storage volume for the
intended design ponding depth. Alternatively, calculate the storage volume from the Step 2
surface area total by multiplying depth times surface area. The maximum allowable ponding
depth for planters is 12 inches.
STORMWATER PLANTER TABLE A
Planter Surface Storage Volumes (cubic feet)
Planter Typical Dimensions
5x10 5x15 5x20 5x30 10x10 10x15 10x20 10x30 10x40 10x50 10x60 10x70 10x80 20x20 20x30 20x40 30x30
(feet)
surface area (square feet) 50 75 100 150 100 150 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 400 600 800 900
Surface Storage at 6"
25 38 50 75 50 75 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 200 300 400 450
Depth (cubic feet)
Surface Storage at 9"
38 56 75 113 75 113 150 225 300 375 450 525 600 300 450 600 675
Depth (cubic feet)
Surface Storage at 12"
50 75 100 150 100 150 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 400 600 800 900
Depth (cubic feet)

5. Optional use of the upturned pipe underdrain as shown in Appendix B, Supplemental Green
Infrastructure Practice Details, will allow for 100% RRv credit to be taken for the storage volume
within the planter practice for soils with less than 0.25 inch/hr infiltration or for planters with an
impermeable liner.
STORMWATER PLANTER TABLE B
Planter Bioretention Soil Storage Volumes for Infiltration Rates greater than 0.25 inches/hr or with Upturned Underdrain            
(lined or unlined)
100% RRv Credit by Volume
Planter Typical Dimensions
5x10 5x15 5x20 5x30 10x10 10x15 10x20 10x30 10x40 10x50 10x60 10x70 10x80 20x20 20x30 20x40 30x30
(feet)
surface area (square feet) 50 75 100 150 100 150 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 400 600 800 900

Soil Storage at 24" Depth

32 48 64 96 64 96 128 192 256 320 384 448 512 256 384 512 576
(cubic feet)
Soil Storage at 36" Depth
48 72 96 144 96 144 192 288 384 480 576 672 768 384 576 768 864
(cubic feet)
Soil Storage at 48" Depth
64 96 128 192 128 192 256 384 512 640 768 896 1024 512 768 1024 1152
(cubic feet)
note:  table assumes a void ratio of 0.32

6. To find the storage volume in the planter bioretention soil, use the typical dimensions or surface
area determined in Step 2 and Table B for infiltration rates greater than 0.25 inch/hour or a
planter with an upturned pipe underdrain, or Table C for infiltration rates less than 0.25 inch/hour
without an underdrain or with an impermeable liner. Interpolate as necessary.

Page SP-3
 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development
 

STORMWATER PLANTER TABLE C
Planter Bioretention Soil Storage Volumes for Infiltration Rates less than 0.25 inches/hr or with Impermeable Liner (cubic feet)
50% RRv Credit by Volume
Planter Typical Dimensions
5x10 5x15 5x20 5x30 10x10 10x15 10x20 10x30 10x40 10x50 10x60 10x70 10x80 20x20 20x30 20x40 30x30
(feet)
surface area (square feet) 50 75 100 150 100 150 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 400 600 800 900
Soil Storage at 24" Depth
16 24 32 48 32 48 64 96 128 160 192 224 256 128 192 256 288
(cubic feet)
Soil Storage at 36" Depth
24 36 48 72 48 72 96 144 192 240 288 336 384 192 288 384 432
(cubic feet)
Soil Storage at 48" Depth
32 48 64 96 64 96 128 192 256 320 384 448 512 256 384 512 576
(cubic feet)
note:  table assumes a void ratio of 0.32

7. If additional stone storage is provided below the bioretention soil, see the Stone Storage Volume
table in the Subsurface Infiltration Practice Section. This storage volume is added as the third
component of the stormwater planter practice storage volume.
8. Combine the stormwater planter RRv storage volumes (surface storage plus planter soil storage
plus stone storage, if applicable) determined above with other practices as outlined in Section 5,
Design Process, and proceed with Design Process Step 4 summing treatment volumes to attain
the RRv Provided.
Inlet/Flow-Regulating Structures and Pretreatment Elements
Specific inlet types and energy dissipation upstream of
the planter area are recommended to filter out
sediment, trash, floatables, and pollutants.
 The following inlet types are recommended.
For sizing and design information see
Appendix B, Supplemental Green
Infrastructure Practice Details.
o Sheet flow off a depressed curb with a
3-inch drop
o Curb cuts into the planter area
o Grates or trench drains that convey flows
across a sidewalk from the curb or
downspouts Stormwater planters can be integrated into a highly
urban area and provide aesthetic appeal.
 The following forms of pretreatment and
energy dissipation are recommended. For
sizing and design information see Appendix B, Supplemental Green Infrastructure Practice
Details.
o Grass filter strip
o Forebay
o River cobble diaphragm or thick filtering vegetation
Temporary Surface Storage (Ponding)
 Surface ponding depth can range from 6 inches to 12 inches (9 inches is suggested).
 A maximum drain-down time of 48 hours is required for the planter.
 In areas with steeper slopes, the addition of a check dam works to slow the runoff which allows
increased infiltration. Check dams can be placed in series to increase their effectiveness.

Page SP-4
 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development
 

 Allow a minimum 2 inches of freeboard between the elevation of the maximum ponding depth and
top of planter.
If a liner is used, only 50% RRv credit will be provided for surface ponding storage.
Engineered Soil Mix Planting Bed
 Use an appropriate mulch layer (2 to 4 inches of fine, shredded hardwood) and avoid lighter
mulch material that may float. Pea gravel can be used as an alternative to mulch.
 Install an appropriate engineered soil mix at a minimum depth of 18 inches for plants and a
minimum of 3 feet for trees. Protect soil from being compacted by construction traffic during or
after placement. Alternate engineered soil mixes will be considered with appropriate tests and
documentation.
o Texture: Sandy loam or loamy sand
o Sand Content: 60%–70% clean, washed sand (dry weight basis)
o Clay: Not greater than 10% (dry weight basis)
o Topsoil: 8%–12% (dry weight basis)
o Compost: 5%–10% (dry weight basis)
o Infiltration Rate: 0.5 inch/hour minimum, preferred 1-2 inch/hour
 Protect the bottom of the planter from compaction during construction, or till soils to a depth of
6 inches to counteract compaction prior to planter soil placement. Tilling 3 inches of sand into the
bottom is another acceptable method of counteracting compaction.
Outflow-Regulating Structure
Because of inconsistent infiltration on smaller commercial sites, incorporate an upturned underdrain
system that consists of washed gravel and perforated pipe to provide a way to tie into the existing
stormwater infrastructure and additional storage and increased infiltration. The design should include:
 4- to 6-inch-diameter, perforated PVC pipe (AASHTO M252)
 Upturned solid pipe 12 to 18 inches below the bottom of the soil surface
 Engineering considerations shall be provided to prevent stormwater backup on streets.

Vegetation 
Vegetation commonly planted in stormwater planter areas includes shrubs, herbaceous vegetation, and
sometimes native trees. When developing a landscape plan, choose vegetation that will be able to
stabilize soils and tolerate the stormwater runoff rates and volumes that will pass through.
See Appendix D, Planting List and Example Planting Plans, for a recommended plant list and appropriate
selection criteria based on GI Practice and soil depth.

Maintain 
Routine operation and maintenance is essential to gain public acceptance of highly visible urban
stormwater planter areas and ensure proper functioning. A legally binding Inspection and Maintenance
Agreement shall be completed. A sample Inspection and Maintenance Checklist is included in this
document.

Page SP-5
 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development
 

 Weeding, pruning, and trash removal should be done as needed to maintain aesthetics for
community acceptance.
 During drought conditions, it may be necessary to water the plants, as would be the case with any
landscaped area.
 To ensure proper performance, inspectors should check that stormwater infiltrates properly into
the soil within 48 hours after a storm.
 If excessive ponding is observed, corrective measures include inspection for soil compaction and
underdrain clogging.

Page SP-6
 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development
 

Examples 

Stormwater planters may be equipped with waterproof liners to prevent

damage to building foundations. Photo courtesy of www.ci.oswego.or.us 

Page SP-7
 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development
 

Page SP-8
 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development
 

Page SP-9
 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development
 

Page SP-10
 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development
 

Page SP-11
 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development
 

Page SP-12
 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development
 

Page SP-13
 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development
 

Sample Stormwater Planter Inspection and Maintenance Checklist 

Inspector:
Date: Time:
Weather: Rainfall over previous 2-3 days?

Bioretention Location:

Mark items in the table below using the following key:

X Needs immediate attention
– Not Applicable
 Okay
? Clarification Required

Planter Components:
Maintenance Inspection
Items Inspected Checked Needed Frequency
DEBRIS CLEANOUT Y N Y N
Planter area and contributing draining areas clean of debris. Monthly
No dumping of yard wastes into planter. Monthly
Litter (trash, debris, etc.) have been removed. Monthly
VEGETATION

No evidence of erosion at pretreatment areas. Monthly

Is plant composition still according to approved plans? Monthly
No placement of inappropriate plants in planter area. Monthly
DEWATERING AND SEDIMENTATION

Planter dewaters between storms.

After Major
No evidence of standing water.
Storms
No evidence of surface clogging.
OUTLETS/OVERFLOW SPILLWAY

Good condition, no need for repair. Annually and

No evidence of erosion. After Major
Storms
No evidence of any blockages.
INTEGRITY OF BIORETENTION

Planter has not been blocked or filled inappropriately. Annually

Mulch layer is still in place (depth of at least 3”). Annually
Noxious plants or weeds removed. Annually

Page SP-14
 
 
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development
 

COMMENTS:

OVERALL CONDITION OF FACILITY:

In accordance with approved design plans? Y / N In accordance with As Built plans? Y/N

Dimension on as built:

Field Verified Dimension:

Maintenance required as detailed above? Y / N Compliance with any other required conditions? Y / N

Comments:

Dates by which maintenance must be completed: ______ /______ /_______

Dates by which outstanding information is required: _____ /_____ /_______

Inspector’s signature:

Engineer/Agent’s signature:

Engineer/Agent’s name printed:

Page SP-15
 
 
SMALL COMMERCIAL GUIDE
CITY OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA
DEPARTMENT OF WATERSHED MANAGEMENT

SUBSURFACE INFILTRATION
Subsurface infiltration facilities are underground holding
areas that receive, store, and infiltrate stormwater runoff
from impervious areas. These systems include modified
French drains (MFD), dry wells, subsurface stone galleries,
and other open-bottom chamber products. They differ from
infiltration trenches because runoff enters the facility
through inlets, roof leaders, a pretreatment system, or
other directly piped connections rather than through a
surface conveyance. The runoff is temporarily stored as it
passes through the surrounding stone bedding and
infiltrates into the adjacent subsoil. An overflow mechanism
(surcharge pipe, connection to larger infiltration area, etc.)
is provided to ensure that excess runoff is safely and
A modified French drain can be added to
efficiently conveyed to downstream drainage systems or
a small commercial site to blend into the
receiving waters. This section focuses on MFD and dry wells overall site plan.
as the most appropriate solutions for small commercial sites.

MFDs are shallow trench excavations filled with stone that are designed to intercept and temporarily store
stormwater runoff until it infiltrates into the soil. They are particularly well-suited to receive rooftop runoff,
but can also be used to receive stormwater runoff from other small, impervious areas. They are
essentially infiltration trenches but with the runoff
introduced via a perforated pipe set into the upper portion
of the gravel.

Dry wells consist of seepage tanks set in the ground and

surrounded with stone that are designed to intercept and
temporarily store stormwater runoff until it can infiltrate into
the soil. Alternately, water can flow into a pit filled with
stone via a perforated pipe with a perforated standpipe in
place of the tank.
A dry well can be added to a small
Subsurface stone galleries and other open-bottom commercial site to help direct rooftop runoff
chamber products also store stormwater runoff and to infiltrate in the ground.
infiltrate soils but are not preferred for small commercial sites.

Location
 For small commercial sites, the type of subsurface infiltration chosen will depend on drainage
patterns and available space.
 They should be designed so that the top of the MFD or dry well is as close to the surface as possible
to reduce digging needed to facilitate maintenance access.
 Subsurface soils must not be compacted. Once the area is excavated, subsoils need to be loosened
and tilled to a depth of 6 inches.

Page S-Inf-1
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

 MFD trenches and dry wells should be located at least 5 feet from building foundations and 10 feet
from buildings with basements and property lines.
 The top end of the MFD can be next to the building in order to connect to downspouts, but should
slope away from the building.
 To reduce the chance of clogging, MFDs and dry wells should drain only impervious areas, and runoff
should be pretreated with at least one of the pretreatment details found in Appendix B, Supplemental
Green Infrastructure Practice Details.
 MFDs and dry wells should not be located beneath an impervious (paved) surface, in an area with a
water table or bedrock less than 2 feet below the trench bottom, over other utility lines, or above a
septic field.
 Subsurface stone galleries and chambers can be installed under parking lots and other developed
areas. It is important to provide adequate access to the system through manholes for maintenance
and observation.
 The downstream end of the MFD pipe must daylight more than 10 feet from the property line. This
can be done with a riser and upflow drain if necessary.

A modified French drain should be constructed in a

manner to minimize earth disturbance.

Open-bottom concrete arch structures placed over gravel sub-

base increase storage capacity in small commercial areas.
Providing sufficient infiltration surface area must be a focus.
Non-woven geotextile fabric on top and sides only.

Page S-Inf-2
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Design
General
 To prevent clogging, appropriate pretreatment including sediment trap sumps, catch basin
inserts, basket and in-line leaf strainers, or other available pre-manufactured filtering units should
be provided to minimize the quantity of sediment that reaches the system. Follow the
manufacturer’s specifications where available.
 A sediment sump or vault chamber sized to have 1 cubic foot of storage per 100 feet of
impervious area draining to it should be placed at the inlet of the subsurface infiltration practice.
 The bottom of the system should be flat or gently sloping toward the downstream end to provide
uniform infiltration across the subsoil interface.
 Riprap, plunge pools, pads, or other energy dissipaters should be placed at the end of the outlet
for surface overflow discharges.
 Runoff in excess of the design volume should be diverted around the practice or alternatively, in
the case of MFDs, to a downstream overflow to avoid damage to the practice.
 Subsurface infiltration may include stone storage galleries, perforated high-density polyethylene
pipe, dry well structures, or other proprietary manufactured systems.
 Gravel should be angular, washed, and uniformly graded No. 57 stone (0.75-inch to 1.75-inch
diameter).
 Subsurface stone galleries and MFDs must not be deeper than they are wide.
 Dry wells must be surrounded by a zone of angular, washed, and uniformly graded No. 57 stone.
 The slope of the MFD pipe should be between 0.5% and 6%. It can be serpentine or multi-
pronged if sufficient slope is available.
 MFD gravel depths should be at least 18 inches and no more than 36 inches.
 Chambers associated with subsurface stone galleries should meet the following requirements:
o Minimum 3,000-psi structural reinforced concrete may be used in non-traffic areas.
o All joints should be constructed with water stops.
o Cast-in-place walls must follow structural retaining wall design procedures.
o Maximum depth from finished grade to the chamber’s invert should not exceed 20 feet.
 If proprietary manufactured systems are used, provide manufacturer’s specifications, details, and
sizing information indicating that the system can meet the RRv Required for the site.
 Systems must meet structural requirements for minimum cover, overburden support, and traffic
loading for anticipated surface use without compacting subsoils. Additional aggregate may be
required for structural support.
 Adequate maintenance access points should be provided for all systems at the inlet pipe and
outflow structures.
o Vaults with widths of 10 feet or less should have removable lids.

Step-by-Step sizing
1. Establish the RRv Required (in cubic feet) for the contributing impervious area using Figure 5 in
Section 5, Design Process.
2. Determine the dimensions and depth of the proposed subsurface infiltration practice.
a. Length × width × depth for MFDs and stone galleries

Page S-Inf-3
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

b. Diameter, perimeter stone storage width, and depth for dry wells
3. Confirm the site infiltration rates per infiltration testing parameters in Appendix C.
4. For MFDs, use the dimensions determined in Step 2 above. Then refer to Table A for infiltration
rates greater than 0.25 inch per hour or Table B for infiltration rates less than 0.25 inch per hour
to find the storage volume provided in the MFD stone.
5. For stone storage galleries use the dimensions determined in Step 2 above. Then refer to
Table C for infiltration rates greater than 0.25 inch per hour or to Table D for infiltration rates less
than 0.25 inch per hour to find the storage volume provided in the stone.
6. For dry wells, use Table E for infiltration rates greater than 0.25 inch per hour or Table F for
infiltration rates less than 0.25 inch per hour.
7. For chamber systems, provide manufacturer’s sizing calculations indicating that RRv Required
has been met.

MFD STORAGE TABLE A
Stone Storage Volumes for Infiltration Rates greater than 0.25 inches/hour (cubic feet)
100% RRv Credit by Volume
MFD Typical Dimensions
3x10 3x20 3x30 3x40 3x50 5x10 5x20 5x30 5x40 5x50 5x60 5x70 5x80 5x90 5x100
(feet)
surface area (square feet) 30 60 90 120 150 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500

Stone Storage at 18" Depth

18 36 54 72 90 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300
(cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 24" Depth
24 48 72 96 120 40 80 120 160 200 240 280 320 360 400
(cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 36"
36 72 108 144 180 60 120 180 240 300 360 420 480 540 600
Depth (cubic feet)
note:  table assumes a void ratio of 0.40

MFD STORAGE TABLE B
Stone Storage Volumes for Infiltration Rates less than 0.25 inches/hour (cubic feet)
50% RRv Credit by Volume
MFD Typical Dimensions
3x10 3x20 3x30 3x40 3x50 5x10 5x20 5x30 5x40 5x50 5x60 5x70 5x80 5x90 5x100
(feet)
surface area (square feet) 30 60 90 120 150 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500

Stone Storage at 18" Depth

9 18 27 36 45 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150
(cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 24" Depth
12 24 36 48 60 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
(cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 36" Depth
18 36 54 72 90 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300
(cubic feet)
note:  table assumes a void ratio of 0.40

Page S-Inf-4
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

STONE GALLERY STORAGE TABLE C
Stone Storage Volumes for Infiltration Rates greater than 0.25 inches/hour (cubic feet)
100% RRv Credit by Volume
Stone Gallery Typical
10x10 10x20 10x30 10x40 10x50 10x60 20x20 20x30 20x40 30x30
Dimensions (feet)
surface area (square feet) 100 200 300 400 500 600 400 600 800 900
Stone Storage at 24"
80 160 240 320 400 480 320 480 640 720
Depth (cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 36" Depth
120 240 360 480 600 720 480 720 960 1080
(cubic feet)
Soil Stone at 48" Depth
160 320 480 640 800 960 640 960 1280 1440
(cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 60" Depth
200 400 600 800 1000 1200 800 1200 1600 1800
(cubic feet)
note:  table assumes a void ratio of 0.40

STONE GALLEREY STORAGE TABLE D
Stone Storage Volumes for Infiltration Rates less than 0.25 inches/hour (cubic feet)
50% RRv Credit by Volume
Stone Gallery Typical
10x10 10x20 10x30 10x40 10x50 10x60 20x20 20x30 20x40 30x30
Dimensions (feet)
surface area (square feet) 100 200 300 400 500 600 400 600 800 900

Stone Storage at 24" Depth

40 80 120 160 200 240 160 240 320 360
(cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 36" Depth
60 120 180 240 300 360 240 360 480 540
(cubic feet)
Soil Stone at 48" Depth
80 160 240 320 400 480 320 480 640 720
(cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 60" Depth
100 200 300 400 500 600 400 600 800 900
(cubic feet)
note:  table assumes a void ratio of 0.40

Page S-Inf-5
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

DRY WELL STORAGE TABLE E
Storage Volumes for Infiltration Rates greater than 0.25 
inches/hour (cubic feet)
100% RRv Credit by Volume
Tank inside diameter
24 36 48 60 72 84 96
(inches)
Storage at 18" Depth
8 15 25 37 51 67 86
(cubic feet)
Storage at 24" Depth
11 20 33 49 68 90 115
(cubic feet)
Storage at 36" Depth
16 30 49 73 102 135 172
(cubic feet)
Storage at 48" Depth
21 41 66 97 135 180 230
(cubic feet)
Storage at 60" Depth
27 51 82 122 169 224 287
(cubic feet)
Diameter of Dry Well plus stone perimeter must exceed depth
Storage Volume assumes 12 inch stone perimeter for full depth of Dry Well

DRY WELL STORAGE TABLE F
Storage Volumes for Infiltration Rates less than 0.25 
inches/hour (cubic feet)
50% RRv Credit by Volume
Tank inside diameter
24 36 48 60 72 84 96
(inches)
Storage at 18" Depth
4 8 12 18 25 34 43
(cubic feet)
Storage at 24" Depth
5 10 16 24 34 45 57
(cubic feet)
Storage at 36" Depth
8 15 25 37 51 67 86
(cubic feet)
Storage at 48" Depth
11 20 33 49 68 90 115
(cubic feet)
Storage at 60" Depth
13 25 41 61 85 112 144
(cubic feet)
Diameter of Dry Well plus stone perimeter must exceed depth
Storage Volume assumes 12 inch stone perimeter for full depth of Dry Well

Page S-Inf-6
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Maintenance
Routine operation and maintenance is essential to ensure proper functioning of subsurface infiltration
systems. A legally binding Inspection and Maintenance Agreement shall be completed. A sample
Inspection and Maintenance Checklist is included in this document. The following items should be
included in the overall maintenance plan:
 Routinely inspect and clean out gutters and catch basins to reduce sediment load to the
infiltration system.
 Clean intermediate sump boxes, replace filters, and otherwise clean pretreatment areas in
directly connected systems. At a minimum, cleaning should occur quarterly.
 Routinely examine the practice to ensure that inlet and outlet devices are free of debris and
operational.
 After storm events, evaluate the drain-down time of the subsurface infiltration system to ensure
the drain-down time of 48 hours or less.

Page S-Inf-7
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Examples

A dry well being placed during construction. Special attention should be

placed on ensuring the excavation bottom surface is properly scarified.

Non-woven
Geotextile
Fabric

Typical Dry Well GI Practice

Page S-Inf-8
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

NON-WOVEN
GEOTEXTILE FABRIC,
TOP AND SIDES ONLY

Typical Subsurface Infiltration Chamber GI Practice

Typical Subsurface Stone Gallery GI Practice

Page S-Inf-9
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Sample Subsurface Infiltration Inspection and Maintenance Checklist

Inspector:
Date: Time:
Weather: Rainfall over previous 2-3 days?

Subsurface Infiltration Practice Location:

Mark items in the table below using the following key:

X Needs immediate attention
– Not Applicable
 Okay
? Clarification Required

Subsurface Infiltration Practice Components:

Maintenance Inspection
Items Inspected Checked Needed Frequency
DEBRIS CLEANOUT Y N Y N
Infiltration practice and contributing areas clean of debris. Monthly
No dumping of yard wastes into infiltration practice Monthly
Litter (trash, debris, etc.) have been removed. Monthly
DEWATERING AND SEDIMENTATION

Infiltration practice dewaters between storms. After Major Storm

No evidence of standing water. After Major Storm
No evidence of surface clogging. After Major Storm
OUTLETS/OVERFLOW SPILLWAY
Good condition, no need for repair. Annual, and After
a Major Storm
No evidence of erosion.
No evidence of any blockages.
INTEGRITY OF SYSTEM

Infiltration practice has not been blocked or filled Annual

inappropriately.
No evidence of infiltration practice failure. Annual

Page S-Inf-10
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

COMMENTS:

OVERALL CONDITION OF FACILITY:

In accordance with approved design plans? Y / N In accordance with As Built plans? Y/N

Dimension on as built:

Field Verified Dimension:

Maintenance required as detailed above? Y / N Compliance with other required conditions? Y / N

Comments:

Dates by which maintenance must be completed: ______ /______ /_______

Dates by which outstanding information is required: ______ /_____ /______

Inspector’s signature:

Engineer/Agent’s signature:

Engineer/Agent’s name printed:

Page S-Inf-11
SMALL COMMERCIAL GUIDE
CITY OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA
DEPARTMENT OF WATERSHED MANAGEMENT

RAINWATER HARVESTING / CISTERNS

Rain barrels, cisterns, and rainwater harvesting tanks
are structures designed to intercept and collect runoff
from rooftops and other impervious catchment areas.
Rainwater harvesting devices temporarily store
stormwater runoff for future nonpotable uses and can
reduce water demands and cost for landscape
irrigation. These practices may be installed above or
below ground, and they may drain by gravity or be
pumped. The difference between a barrel and a
cistern relates to their respective size and application.
Rain barrels are used in small-scale applications,
while cisterns and tanks are used for larger volumes
of runoff from more sizable drainage areas and
structures. Stored water may be slowly released to a
pervious area for infiltration, used for irrigation, or be
recirculated for nonpotable building uses if applicable Cistern used in conjunction with a green roof.
Southface, Atlanta, Georgia.
building codes allow. Rainwater harvesting is only
effective at reducing stormwater runoff if the stored
water is emptied between storms, freeing up storage volume for the next storm.

Location
 Pick a location keeping these factors in mind:
o Ease in connecting roof drains
o Overflow to downslope areas
o Level area for placement of the cistern or tank
o Location relative to intended water uses
o Possible conflicts with site or building utilities
o Electrical connections, if applicable
o Emergency ingress/egress
o Leaf screen option
o Location of hoses or other water distribution components
o Aesthetic considerations
 Ensure adequate space is provided for appropriate foundation and structural support for the
cistern or tank structure.
 Choose an adequate discharge location and overflow route to a vegetated landscaped area or
additional GI Practice.

Page RH/C-1
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Design
General
 Rainwater harvesting is most effective when designed to meet a specific water reuse demand.
Multiple devices can be used to increase available storage and simplify routing for reuse. Devices
should be of the appropriate type and have sufficient capacity for the intended application as
noted:
o Rain barrel (50–150 gallons)
o Cistern (500–7,000 gallons)
o Larger aboveground tank (3,000–12,000 gallons)
 Prepare a rainwater reuse schedule to confirm that the practice:
o Is appropriately sized to meet the demand for reuse type.
o Allowed by City code.
o Sufficiently draws down stored water to maintain available storage between storm events.
o Accommodates variation in demand as a result of season or high/low use periods.
 Select one or more pretreatment options.
Pretreatment of water entering the
cistern will remove debris, dust, leaves,
and other material. Some pretreatment
options are illustrated on the cistern
typical detail.
 Fully cover water storage to avoid
potential mosquito breeding.
 Storage tank material should be made of
material that is appropriate for
application and sealed with a water safe,
non-toxic substance. Typically a
commercial design intended for cistern
use is chosen. Screens are an acceptable form of pretreatment for
rainwater harvesting systems. Photo courtesy of
 For indoor reuse applications follow www.treehugger.com.
appropriate codes and:
o Provide proper signage distinguishing nonpotable water from potable water
o Use appropriate plumbing fittings, backflow prevention, and pumps
o Incorporate appropriate filtration and treatment if reuse application connects to nonpotable
indoor water system
 Install a bypass/overflow system to accommodate the conveyance of runoff when the system is
full.
 Account for bypass and overflow runoff volumes in overall site design.

Page RH/C-2
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Step-by-Step Sizing
1. Determine the RRv Required (in cubic feet) for the contributing impervious area using Figure 5 in
Section 5, Design Process, of this document. A rule of thumb is that you will need 0.6 gallon per
square foot to meet the 1-inch rainfall requirement.
2. Convert RRv Required in cubic feet to gallons using the formula:
RRv Required × 7.48
3. Increase the storage volume by 25% to provide contingency in case the tank does not completely
empty between storm events.
4. If a device cannot hold the full RRv and contingency volume, one alternative is to divert overflow
to another GI Practice such as a filter strip or rain garden.

Maintain
Routine operation and maintenance is essential to ensure proper functioning rainwater harvesting
systems.

 Clean leaf screens, gutters, and downspouts.

 Ensure that overflow runoff is safely conveyed and there are no signs of erosion. Stabilize and
remedy overflow erosion if necessary.
 Replace or repair overflow devices if obstructions or debris prevent proper drainage when storage
capacity is exceeded.
 Disconnect, drain, and clean aboveground systems at the start of the winter season.
 A legally binding Inspection and Maintenance Agreement shall be completed. A sample
Maintenance Inspection checklist is included in this document.

Page RH/C-3
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Example

A typical small commercial roof downspout is directly connected to the site

stormwater collection system

A cistern intercepts downspout runoff, and outlets to the adjacent landscape area

Page RH/C-4
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Aboveground tanks can be adapted to fit various spaces and

landscape aesthetics.

Placement of storage tanks higher than areas where

water will be reused may reduce or eliminate
pumping needs. Photo courtesy of
www.winebusiness.com.

Photo courtesy of the City of Atlanta.

Page RH/C-5
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Page RH/C-6
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Rainwater Harvesting Maintenance Inspection Checklist

Inspector:
Date: Time:
Weather: Rainfall over previous 2-3 days?

Rainwater Harvesting Location:

Mark items in the table below using the following key:

X Needs immediate attention
– Not Applicable
 Okay
? Clarification Required

Rainwater Harvesting Components:

Maintenance Inspection
Items Inspected Checked Needed Frequency
DEBRIS CLEANOUT Y N Y N
Storage tank clean of debris. Monthly
Litter (trash, debris, etc.) have been removed. Monthly
DEWATERING AND SEDIMENTATION

Rainwater harvesting system dewaters between storms. After Major Storm

No evidence of standing water.
No evidence of outflow clogging.
OUTLETS/OVERFLOW SPILLWAY

Good condition, no need for repair. Annually and

No evidence of erosion. After Major Storm
No evidence of any blockages.
INTEGRITY OF SYSTEM

Rainwater harvesting system has not been blocked or filled Annually

inappropriately.
Structural components of tank are intact. Annually
Piping and tank are free of leaks and malfunction. Annually
Pumping and electrical systems are operational and in good Annually
condition.

Page RH/C-7
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

COMMENTS:

OVERALL CONDITION OF FACILITY:

In accordance with approved design plans? Y / N In accordance with As Built plans? Y/N

Dimension on as built:

Field Verified Dimension:

Maintenance required as detailed above? Y/N Compliance with other conditions? Y/N

Comments:

Dates by which maintenance must be completed: ______ /______ /_______

Dates by which outstanding information is required: ______ /______ /_______

Inspector’s signature:

Engineer/Agent’s signature:

Engineer/Agent’s name printed:

Page RH/C-8
SMALL COMMERCIAL GUIDE
CITY OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA
DEPARTMENT OF WATERSHED MANAGEMENT

GREEN ROOFS
A green roof is a system consisting of waterproofing material,
growing medium, and vegetation, and is used in place of a
traditional roof as a way to limit impervious site area and
manage stormwater runoff. Green roofs capture and
temporarily store runoff within the growing medium, promoting
retention and evapotranspiration of precipitation. The majority
of green roofs can be classified as intensive or extensive.
Intensive green roof systems have a thick layer of engineered
soil (12 to 24 inches) that supports a diverse plant community
that may even include trees. Extensive green roof systems
typically have a much thinner layer of engineered soil (2 to
6 inches) that supports a plant community composed primarily
of drought-tolerant vegetation, such as sedums and succulent
plants. In either case, the design should be self-sustaining. City Hall Green Roof. Atlanta, Georgia

Location
 Green roofs are best suited for flat roofs. The maximum acceptable pitch for a conventional green
roof is 25%.
 Example applications include: new or existing rooftops, rooftop pavilions, parking decks, and
storage sheds.
 Systems can be designed to provide partial or full roof coverage and access to rooftop building
utilities.
 The system should be placed in a location where it can be easily accessed for maintenance.
 The system should be placed in a location where the overflow can be connected to building
drainage piping.
 Inspect the roofing membrane and components, and verify that the system conforms to the
specifications of the green roof provider.

Design
General
 Green roofs must be designed in accordance with the ASTM International Green Roof Standards
and applicable city, state, and federal building codes. The structural support must be sufficient to
hold the additional weight of the green roof, which is typically an additional 15 to 30 pounds per
square foot of load for an extensive system with a 4-inch growing medium. Because of these
loading requirements, more options are available for new buildings; however, retrofits are
possible. A licensed professional structural engineer should be involved with the design of a
green roof to ensure that the roof has sufficient structural capacity.

Page GR-1
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

 The green roof system should include:

o A waterproofing layer
o A root barrier to protect the waterproofing layer
o Drainage layer between the root barrier and engineered soil
o Outlet via a scupper or downspout to discharge runoff once the green roof is saturated
o Filter fabric between the drainage layer and engineered soil
 Engineered soil mix consists of gravel, sand, crushed brick, natural soil, lightweight expanded
clay aggregates, peat, and organic matter. Intensive systems will have a thicker engineered soil
mix with more organic material to support shrubs and trees, while the extensive systems will
consist of more inorganic material that will support less plant diversity. The waterproofing
membrane should be tested after installation.
 An overflow system, such as a traditional rooftop drainage system with inlets set above the
elevation of the green roof surface, should be designed to convey the stormwater runoff from
larger storm events.

Flood Test Drainage Layer Filter Fabric

Engineered Soil Mix Plant Material

Step-by-Step Sizing
1. Determine the RRv Required (in cubic feet) for the contributing impervious area using Figure 5 in
Section 5, Design Process. The contributing impervious area should be limited to the area of the
green roof. The green roof should not accept additional contributing drainage.
2. A typical green roof has been shown to reduce runoff by 0.4 inch of rainfall per 1 inch depth of
soil media. For a roof with 3 inches of soil or more, RRv Required for the green roof area will be
met. RRv Provided can be calculated by:
RRv Provided (cubic feet) = (green roof area × green roof soil depth (inches) × 0.4)
12

Page GR-2
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

3. Table A shows the results of this calculation for a 100-square-foot section of green roof. The
numbers can be extrapolated to determine the RRv Provided for any multiple of 100 square feet.
For example, the RRv Provided calculation for a 400-square-foot roof with 6 inches of soil would
be:
4 × 20 cubic feet = 80 cubic feet
4. A minimum depth of 4 inches of soil is recommended to provide contingency in case the growing
medium does not completely dry between storm events.
5. As an alternative, for green roofs with 3 inches or more of
soil depth, the area of the green roof can be deducted
from the impervious surface added or modified to
determine RRv Required in Section 5, Design Process, of
this document.
6. If the green roof does not meet the RRv Required for the
impervious surface added or modified, one alternative is
to divert overflow to another GI Practice, such as a
cistern.

Vegetation
 Vegetation commonly planted on extensive green roofs
includes sedums and succulents. To ensure diversity and
viability, half of the plants should be sedum varieties and
include at least four different species. The remaining
plants should be herbs, meadow grasses, or meadow
flowers, depending on the desired appearance. For
intensive green roofs, qualified professionals should
identify plants that will tolerate the harsh growing
conditions found on rooftops and will be capable of
thriving in a limited-moisture rooftop environment.

An extensive green roof should reach 90%

growth coverage within two years.

Page GR-3
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Maintain
A legally binding Inspection and Maintenance Agreement shall be completed. A sample Inspection
and Maintenance Checklist is included in this document. Routine operation and maintenance is
essential to gain public acceptance of visible urban green roofs and ensure properly functioning
systems.
 Green roofs are prone to volunteer weed growth. Weeding, pruning, and trash removal should be
performed as needed to maintain the aesthetics.
 During drought conditions, it may be necessary to water the plants, as with any landscaped area.
 To ensure proper performance of the engineered soil mix, inspectors should check to make sure
that the stormwater infiltrates properly into the soil within 48 hours after a storm.
 If excessive ponding is observed, corrective measures include inspection for soil compaction and
drainage layer clogging.
 Inspect drain inlet pipes for leaks and clogs. Clear when soil substrate, vegetation, debris, or
other materials clog the drain inlet.
 Inspect the roof for leaks and structural deficiencies, and repair as necessary.

Page GR-4
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Example

A typical urban flat membrane roof

Converted into a Green Roof

Page GR-5
 City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Modular Green Roof System Green Roof with Sedum Mix

Intensive Green Roof Example. Intensive green roofs are

usually accessible to others (besides maintenance) and
allow for great plant diversity.

Extensive Green Roof Example. A simple

monoculture of sedum with maintenance access
provided by rubber walkway stones.

Page GR-6
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Page GR-7
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Page GR-8
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Sample Green Roof Inspection and Maintenance Checklist

Inspector:
Date: Time:
Weather: Rainfall over previous 2-3 days?

Green Roof Location:

Mark items in the table below using the following key:

X Needs immediate attention
– Not Applicable
 Okay
? Clarification Required

Green Roof Components:

Maintenance Inspection
Items Inspected Checked Needed Frequency
DEBRIS CLEANOUT Y N Y N
Green roof and contributing areas clean of debris. Monthly
Litter (trash, debris, etc.) have been removed. Monthly
VEGETATION

No evidence of erosion. Monthly

Is plant composition still according to approved plans? Monthly
No placement of inappropriate plants. Monthly
DEWATERING AND SEDIMENTATION

Green roof dewaters between storms.

No evidence of standing water.
After Major
No evidence of surface clogging. Storm
Sediments should not be greater than 20% of design
depth.
OUTLETS/OVERFLOW SPILLWAY

Good condition, no need for repair. Annually and

No evidence of erosion. After Major
No evidence of any blockages. Storm

INTEGRITY OF BIORETENTION

Green roof has not been blocked or filled inappropriately. Annually

Noxious plants or weeds removed. Annually

Page GR-9
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

COMMENTS:

OVERALL CONDITION OF FACILITY:

In accordance with approved design plans? Y / N In accordance with As Built plans? Y/N

Dimension on as built:

Field Verified Dimension:

Maintenance required as detailed above? Y/N Compliance with other conditions? Y / N

Comments:

Dates by which maintenance must be completed: ______ /______ /_______

Dates by which outstanding information is required: _____ /_____ /_______

Inspector’s signature:

Engineer/Agent’s signature:

Engineer/Agent’s name printed:

Page GR-10
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

APPENDIX A – GI Practice Sizing Example

This GI Practice sizing example demonstrates each of the design steps for a typical small commercial
redevelopment project, as outlined in Section 5 of the Green Infrastructure Stormwater Management
Practices for Small Commercial Development Guidelines.

The example site is an existing commercial site (outlined in red in Figure A-1) that is entirely covered with
impervious surfaces, including a building and parking area. The soil conditions are Type C with a water
table that is 4 feet or greater below the surface. Proposed site impacts include a building addition, a
partial pavement replacement, and circulation improvements along with reconfiguration of parking.

Figure A-1. Example Site

Example Site Information

Size = ½ acre
Existing Impervious Surface= 100%
Tested Soil Conditions = Infiltration rate 0.15 inch/hour (Type C)
Proposed building addition = 1,000 square feet
Pre-development pavement area impacted = 7,500 square feet
Proposed net impacted impervious change (see Table A-1 and Figure A-2) = 4,700 square feet

Table A-1. Example Site Impervious Surface

Figure A-2
Area Site Elements for
(square Impervious Calculations
Site element feet)
A Building addition 1000
B1 Demolished pavement for island - (500)
B2 Demolished pavement for island - (900)
B3 Demolished pavement for green -(1800)
buffer
B4 Demolished pavement for green - (600)
buffer
C Replaced Pavement 3,700
Impacted Impervious Surface 4,700

(Note: This manual applies because the net impacted impervious area is less than 5,000 square feet.)

Page A-1
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

STORMWATER DESIGN STEP 1: Determine RRv Required for a 1-Inch Rainfall Event
a. Calculate net of created, added, and/or demolished and replaced impervious surface area from
design plans.
The impacted impervious surface for the example site is shown on Figure A-2 and calculated in
Table A-1.

b. If the applicable impervious surface is less than 500 square feet or exceeds 5,000 square feet, this 
manual does not apply. Instead, a full design submittal must be prepared following the Blue Book 
and the CSS. 
From Table A-1, the net impacted impervious surface falls within the range of this manual.

c. Identify RRv Required from Figure A-3 (Section 5, Figure 5) using the calculated impervious
surface area.
Figure A-3. RRv Required for 1 Inch of Rainfall for Sizing Example

RRv Required from Figure A-3 = 370 cubic feet

STORMWATER DESIGN STEP 2: Identify and Select Combination of GI Practices That:

a. Meet the intent and locations of practices proposed at stormwater concept plan meeting.

Page A-2
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

b. In combination, can meet RRV Required storage requirements based on Figure A-3, GI
Practice sizing tables, and any allowable volume reduction credits.

The practices identified in Figure A-4 were selected from the GI Practice Design Guidelines in
Section 7 of this manual and were reviewed by City staff at the required Stormwater Concept Plan
meeting. For this site, other combinations of alternatives would also work. These were selected to
demonstrate a variety of practices.

The practices shown are:

GI Practice 1 = 10-foot by 20-foot (equivalent) bioretention area within the proposed parking lot
island. GI Practice 1 will have 6 inches of surface ponding storage and 18 inches
depth of amended soil.

GI Practice 2 = 20-foot by 40-foot permeable paver area with 12 inches of stone depth providing
storage, infiltration, and pre-filtration for the downstream infiltration trench.

GI Practice 3 = 5-foot by 40-foot infiltration trench with no anticipated surface ponding and 18 inches
of stone storage.

The sizes proposed for these practices are preliminary based on what works efficiently within the site
layout. Final sizing to confirm that, in combination, they meet the RRv Required (370 cubic feet) will
be the result of an iterative process in Step 4.

c. The surface type of the contributing drainage area is appropriate for the selected practice per
Table 2 in Section 4.

For this example, GI Practice 1, Bioretention, receives runoff from pavement and the stabilized
landscape island area. GI Practice 2, Permeable Paver Parking, receives runoff from pavement area.
GI Practice 3, Infiltration Trench, receives runoff from the building addition roof and the adjacent
grass area. Table A-2, derived from Section 4, Table 2, confirms that the selections are appropriate.

Table A-2. Appropriate GI Practice Selection by Contributing Drainage Area

Design incorporates

Surface Type of Contributing Area

Practice requires
Loose gravel or

(high sediment

Pre -Treatment

Pre-Treatment
Dumpster pad

exposed soil
landscape
Pavement

stabilized

potential)

Recommended Size of
Grass /

GI Practice Based on
Roof

Contributing Area
GI Practice (%)

Bioretention      5 to 10
Infiltration
     5
Trench
Permeable
Pavement    25

Page A-3
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

STORMWATER DESIGN STEP 3: Size the Selected GI Practices to meet RRv Required:
a. Finalize the design layout and the GI Practice geometries (from Section 7 of this manual) that
can be used to meet the RRv required from concept plan.

See Figure A-4 for preliminary GI practice dimensions for use in this step.

Figure A-4. Proposed GI Practices

b. Using proposed design plans, calculate the impervious area and delineate the flow path of
runoff from created, added, and/or demolished and replaced impervious surface area to each
planned GI Practice.

Figure A-5 shows the surface drainage area routed to each GI Practice. The areas are listed in
Table A-3.

Figure A-5. Contributing Drainage Areas

Page A-4
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

c. Confirm that contributing drainage areas to each of the GI Practices do not exceed those
noted in Section 4, Concept Development, Table 2.

For this example, the contributing drainage areas have been confirmed to be within acceptable
design parameters as shown in Table A-3.

Table A-3. Contributing Drainage Areas

GI Practice Surface Area

Contributing Surface % of Allowable
Drainage Area Area Contributing sizing per Meets
GI Practice (square feet) (square feet) Area Table 2 Criteria?
Bioretention island
1 4,000 200 sf 5% 5% to 10% Yes
6″ surface ponding
Bioretention island See line See line See line See line
1 See line above
soil storage above above above above
Permeable paver
2 parking with 12″ 3,700 800 sf 21.6% Up to 25% Yes
stone storage depth
5’ x 40’ Infiltration
3 4,700 200 sf 4.4% Up to 10% Yes
Trench

STORMWATER DESIGN STEP 4: Calculate RRv Provided

a. Use sizing tables within the individual Section 7 GI Practice Design Guidelines to calculate
volume provided:

GI Practice 1 Bioretention Surface Ponding (found in the Bioretention Design Guideline)

BIORETENTION TABLE A
Bioretention Surface Storage Volumes (cubic feet)
Bioretention Typical
5x10 5x15 5x20 5x30 10x10 10x15 10x20 10x30 10x40 10x50 10x60 10x70 10x80 20x20 20x30 20x40 30x30
Dimensions (feet)
surface area (square feet) 50 75 100 150 100 150 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 400 600 800 900
Surface Storage at 6"
25 38 50 75 50 75 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 200 300 400 450
Depth (cubic feet)
GI Practice 1
Surface Storage at 9"
38 56 75 113 75 113 150 225 300 375 450 525 600 300 450 600 675
Depth (cubic feet)
Surface Storage at 12"
50 75 100 150 100 150 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 400 600 800 900
Depth (cubic feet)
 
 
GI Practice 1 Bioretention Soil Storage (found in the Bioretention Design Guideline)
BIORETENTION TABLE B
Bioretention Soil Storage Volumes for all Infiltration Rates (cubic feet)
100% RRv Credit by Volume
Bioretention Typical
5x10 5x15 5x20 5x30 10x10 10x15 10x20 10x30 10x40 10x50 10x60 10x70 10x80 20x20 20x30 20x40 30x30
Dimensions (feet)
surface area (square feet) 50 75 100 150 100 150 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 400 600 800 900
Soil Storage at 18" Depth
24 36 48 72 48 72 96 144 192 240 288 336 384 192 288 384 432
(cubic feet)
Soil Storage at 24" Depth GI Practice 1
32 48 64 96 64 96 128 192 256 320 384 448 512 256 384 512 576
(cubic feet)
Soil Storage at 36" Depth
48 72 96 144 96 144 192 288 384 480 576 672 768 384 576 768 864
(cubic feet)
note:  table assumes a void ratio of 0.32  

Page A-5
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

GI Practice 2 Permeable Paver Parking (found in the Permeable Pavement Practices Design
Guideline)
PERMEABLE PAVEMENT STONE STORAGE TABLE B
Stone Storage Volumes for Infiltration Rates less than 0.25 inches/hour (cubic feet)
50% RRv Credit by Volume
Stone Storage Typical
5x10 5x15 5x20 5x30 10x10 10x15 10x20 10x30 10x40 10x50 10x60 10x70 10x80 20x20 20x30 20x40 30x30
Dimensions (feet)
surface area (square feet) 50 75 100 150 100 150 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 400 600 800 900
Stone Storage at 12" Depth
10 15 20 30 20 30 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 80 120 160 180
(cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 18" Depth
15 23 30 45 30 45 GI Practice
60 2
90 120 150 180 210 240 120 180 240 270
(cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 24" Depth
20 30 40 60 40 60 80 120 160 200 240 280 320 160 240 320 360
(cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 36" Depth
30 45 60 90 60 90 120 180 240 300 360 420 480 240 360 480 540
(cubic feet)
Stone Storage at 48" Depth
40 60 80 120 80 120 160 240 320 400 480 560 640 320 480 640 720
(cubic feet)
note:  table assumes a void ratio of 0.40  
 
GI Practice 3 Infiltration Trench (found in the Infiltration Trench Practices Design Guideline)
INFILTRATION TRENCH TABLE B
Stone Storage Volumes for Infiltration Rates less than 0.25 inches/hour (cubic feet)
50% RRv Credit by Volume
Infiltration Trench Typical
3x10 3x20 3x30 3x40 3x50 5x10 5x20 5x30 5x40 5x50 5x60 5x70 5x80 5x90 5x100
Dimensions (feet)
surface area (square feet) 30 60 90 120 150 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
Cubic Feet of Stone
9 18 27 36 45 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150
Storage at 18" Depth
GI Practice 3
Cubic Feet of Stone
12 24 36 48 60 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Storage at 24" Depth
Cubic Feet of Stone
18 36 54 72 90 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300
Storage at 36" Depth
Cubic Feet of Stone
24 48 72 96 120 40 80 120 160 200 240 280 320 360 400
Storage at 48" Depth
Cubic Feet of Stone
30 60 90 120 150 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
Storage at 60" Depth
note:  table assumes a void ratio of 0.40

b. If RRv Provided above is greater or equal to RRv required from Step 1, proceed with site
design and Plan Submittal Process

RRv Provided is the total of all of the individual GI Practice storage volumes from the sizing tables. The
total for this example is 416 cubic feet as shown in Table A-4. RRv Provided is greater than or equal to
RRv Required (416 cubic feet ≥ 370 cubic feet). This confirms that the storage provided by this example
is acceptable.

Table A-4: RRv Provided

Storage Volume
GI Practice (cubic feet)
1 Bioretention island 6″ surface ponding 100
1 Bioretention island soil storage 96
Permeable paver parking with 12″ stone storage
2 160
depth
3 5′ x 40′ Infiltration Trench with 18” stone depth 60
TOTAL RRv Provided 416

Page A-6
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Because RRv Provided exceeds RRv Required, the designer has the option to repeat the sizing process
with reduced GI practice dimensions or to proceed with site design and the plan submittal process. For
this example, the length of the infiltration trench is reduced to 20 feet, resulting in 20 cubic feet of storage
and a revised RRv Provided of 376 cubic feet. See Table A-5. The designer must confirm that
contributing area requirements remain valid. For this example, the surface area was not altered, and the
areas listed in Table A-3 remain valid.

INFILTRATION TRENCH TABLE B
Stone Storage Volumes for Infiltration Rates less than 0.25 inches/hour (cubic feet)
50% RRv Credit by Volume
Infiltration Trench Typical
3x10 3x20 3x30 3x40 3x50 5x10 5x20 5x30 5x40 5x50 5x60 5x70 5x80 5x90 5x100
Dimensions (feet)
surface area (square feet) 30 60 90 120 150 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
Cubic Feet of Stone
9 18 27 36 45 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150
Storage at 18" Depth
GI Practice 3-revised
Cubic Feet of Stone
12 24 36 48 60 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Storage at 24" Depth
Cubic Feet of Stone
18 36 54 72 90 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300
Storage at 36" Depth
Cubic Feet of Stone
24 48 72 96 120 40 80 120 160 200 240 280 320 360 400
Storage at 48" Depth
Cubic Feet of Stone
30 60 90 120 150 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
Storage at 60" Depth
note:  table assumes a void ratio of 0.40

Table A-5. Revised RRv Provided

Storage Volume
GI Practice (cubic feet)
1 Bioretention island 6″ surface ponding 100
1 Bioretention island soil storage 96
Permeable paver parking with 12″ stone storage
2 160
depth
3 5′ x 20′ Infiltration Trench with 18” stone depth 30
REVISED RRv Provided 386

c. If, during this step, the site constraints do not allow enough volume capture and storage
space to meet RRv Required, then determine the remaining runoff reduction volume:

RRv Required – RRv Provided = RRv Remaining

This step not necessary because the RRv Provided is greater than RRv Required.

d. Sites not able to provide adequate volume to meet RRv required need to meet additional Water
Quality measures under Design Step 5.

This site exceeds the RRv Required and no additional measures will be employed. Proceed to
Stormwater Design Step 6: Develop a Landscape Plan (not included in this sizing example).

Page A-7
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

APPENDIX B – Supplemental Green Infrastructure Practice Details

Page B-1
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

APPENDIX C – Infiltration Testing Parameters

General
Hydrologic soil groups are based on estimates of runoff potential. Soils in the United States are assigned
to one of four groups (A, B, C, and D) by the Natural Resource Conservation Service. The soils are
assigned to a group according to the rate of water infiltration when the soils are not protected by
vegetation, are thoroughly wet, and receive precipitation from long-duration storms. The groups are
defined as follows:

Group A: Soils having a high infiltration rate (low runoff potential) when thoroughly wet. These consist
mainly of deep, well-drained to excessively drained sands or gravelly sands. These soils
have a high rate of water transmission.
Group B: Soils having a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of
moderately deep or deep, moderately well-drained or well-drained soils that have
moderately fine texture to moderately coarse texture. These soils have a moderate rate of
water transmission.
Group C: Soils having a slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of soils
having a layer that impedes the downward movement of water, or soils of moderately fine
texture or fine texture. These soils have a slow rate of water transmission.
Group D: Soils having a very slow infiltration rate (high runoff potential) when thoroughly wet. These
consist chiefly of clays that have a high shrink-swell potential, soils that have a high water
table, soils that have a claypan or clay layer at or near the surface, and soils that are
shallow over nearly impervious material. These soils have a very slow rate of water
transmission.

Typical soil infiltration rates by type are listed in Table C-1.

Table C-1. Typical Infiltration Rates by Soil Type

Soil Type A B C D
Typical Infiltration Rate Range
> 0.4 0.15–0.4 0.05–0.15 < 0.05
(inches/hour)

Site Soils
 Well-drained A and B soils provide the best opportunity for infiltration and successful long-term
performance of all types of GI Practices.
 Type C soils can be tilled to improve initial infiltration, and the use of bioretention with appropriate
deep-root plants has proven successful in these conditions.
 Sites with D soils, a high water table, or bedrock near the surface should use GI Practices for
filtering and storing runoff. Infiltration may be applied in D soils with appropriately documented
infiltration testing.

Page C-1
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Figure C-1. Double-Ring Infiltrometer

Infiltration Testing
Because it is important to establish the infiltrative
performance of the soils at the location and interface of
the bottom of the GI Practice with the subgrade, on-site
testing is required to obtain the infiltration rates to be
used in the design calculations. A variety of field tests
exists for determining the infiltration capacity of a soil.
Laboratory tests are not recommended, because a
homogeneous laboratory sample does not represent
field conditions.

Infiltration tests should not be conducted in the rain,

within 24 hours of significant rainfall events (>0.5 inch),
or when the temperature is below freezing. At least one
test should be conducted at the bottom elevation of the GI Practice, and a minimum of two tests per GI
Practice is recommended. Personnel conducting infiltration tests should be prepared to adjust test
locations and depths depending on observed conditions.

Typical methodologies include:

 Double-ring infiltrometer test: A double-ring infiltrometer test estimates the vertical movement of
water through the bottom of the test area. The outer ring helps to reduce the lateral movement of
water to the soil from the inner ring. The results from this test, generally reported in centimeters
per second (cm/sec) or inches per hour (in/hour), are appropriate for use in the GI Practice sizing
tables provided in the Design Guidelines.
 Percolation test: A percolation test allows water movement through both the bottom and sides of
the test area. For this reason, the measured rate of water level drop in a percolation test must be
adjusted to account for the exfiltration occurring through the side interface of the test area.
The final percolation rate should be adjusted for each test according to the following formula.

Infiltration Rate = (Percolation Rate)/(Reduction Factor)

Where the Reduction Factor is given by:
Rf = (2d1 - ∆d)/DIA + 1
With:
d1 = initial water depth (in)
∆d = average/final water level drop (in)
DIA = diameter of the percolation test area hole (in)

 Geotechnical investigations may include laboratory test results for permeability (K), which is
typically reported in cm/sec. This information can be used for conceptual design and sizing of GI
Practices, but field testing should be completed for final design calculations.
 If additional geotechnical investigations are not performed for the project, or if results do not
indicate the seasonal high groundwater elevation, a hole must be excavated to a minimum of
2 feet below the bottom interface of the GI Practice with the subgrade to confirm that the
seasonal high groundwater elevation or bedrock is not within 2 feet of the bottom of the GI
Practice.

Page C-2
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

APPENDIX D – Planting List and Example Planting Plans

Introduction
Landscaping is a critical element to improve both the function and appearance of GI Practices. Vegetation
should be selected based on soil depth, sun exposure, water tolerance, salt tolerance, and other
environmental conditions. This Appendix provides general landscape guidance, plant selection guidance
for effective stormwater GI Practices, and two example bioretention parking lot island planting plans.

General Landscape Guidance

The design for plantings of vegetated stormwater facilities should minimize the need for herbicides,
fertilizers, and pesticides at any time before, during, and after construction. After the planting has been
established, the use of herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides is highly discouraged.

The successful growth of plants, shrubs, and trees in GI practices is highly dependent on the soil depth.
The following table provides the appropriate soil depth and plant type for GI practices.

Soil Depth (inches) Vegetation

24 grasses/perennials
36 (minimum) shrubs/trees
42–48 (optimum) shrubs/trees

The planting plan shall include a sequence of construction, a description of the contractor's
responsibilities, a planting schedule and installation specifications, initial maintenance requirements, and
a warranty period stipulating requirements for plant survival.

Recommended Plants
Bioretention, Planters, and Bioswales
Plants for bioretention and other GI practices must be able to tolerate both wet and dry conditions. This
list, while not exhaustive, includes many plants that will tolerate conditions in bioretention areas. The
plants in this list have different preferences for both moisture and light, as shown in the columns labeled
“Moisture” and “Sun.” Additionally, most of these plants are native to Georgia and thus contribute the
added benefit of providing habitat and food for native pollinators and wildlife. Plants that are not native to
Georgia are marked with an asterisk (*). At the end of this Appendix are two example planting plans for
bioretention parking lot islands.

Key
Height: Typical height range for mature plants
Moisture: The amount of soil moisture that plants will tolerate is defined as follows:

W (Wet) Frequently saturated soils

M (Moist) Moist soils that are periodically inundated
D (Dry) Areas not flooded after rains and frequently dry between rains; plants
designated “D” will tolerate drought conditions

Sun: the amount of sunlight that plants require is defined as follows:

F (Full) Direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day

P (Partial shade) Direct sunlight for 3 to 6 hours per day, or lightly filtered light all day
S (Shade) Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight per day, or heavily filtered light all day

Page D-1
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Botanical Name Common Name Height Moisture Sun

Acer floridanum Southern Sugar Maple 20'-25' M F/P/S
Amelanchier arboria Serviceberry 15'-25' M/D F/P
Small Trees Cercis canadensis Redbud 20'-30' M F/P
Chionanthus virginicus Fringe Tree 12'-20' M F/P
Hamamelis virginiana Witchhazel 15'-30' W/M P/S
Ilex deciduas Possumhaw 15'-25' M/D F/P
Ilex vomitoria Yaupon Holly 20'-25' M/D F/P
Lagerstroemia indica Crape Myrtle 15'-50' M/D F/P
Magnolia virgininana Sweetbay Magnolia 10'-30' W/M F/P
Magnolia x soulangeana * Saucer Magnolia * 15'-25' M F/P
Sassafras albidum Sassafras 30'-60' M/D F/P

Botanical Name Common Name Height Moisture Sun

Acer rubrum Red Maple 60'–90' W/M/D F/P
Betula nigra River Birch 40'–70' W/M F/P
Carpinus caroliniana Musclewood 30'–50' W/M F/P
Crataegus phaenopyrum Washington Hawthorne 25'–30' W/M/D F/P
Fraxinux pennsylvanica Green Ash 50'–70' W/M/D F
Med.-Large Trees

Ilex opaca American Holly 30'–60' M/D F/P

Magnolia grandiflora Southern Magnolia 40'–80' M/D F/P
Magnolia macrophylla Bigleaf Magnolia 30'–40' M F/P
Nyssa sylvatica Black Gum 35'–70' W/M/D F/P
Platanus occidentalis American Sycamore 75'–100' W/M F
Quecus lyrata Overcup Oak 35'–50' M/D F
Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak 50'–60' W/M/D F/P
Quercus michauxii Swamp Chestnut Oak 60'–80' W/M F
Quercus phellos Willow Oak 60'–80' W/M/D F/P
Salix babylonica * Weeping Willow * 30'–50' W/M F
Taxodium distichum Bald Cypress 50'–100' W/M/D F/P

Botanical Name Common Name Height Moisture Sun

Ilex glabra Inkberry 6'–8' M/W F/P
Evergreen
Shrubs–

Ilex vomitoria nana Dwarf Yaupon 5' W/M/D F/P

Illicium floridanum Florida Anise Tree 10'–15' M P/S
Illicium parviflorum Small Anise Tree 7–10' M/D F/P
Myrica cerifera Southern Waxmyrtle 10–15' W/M/D F/P

Page D-2
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Botanical Name Common Name Height Moisture Sun

Callicarpa americana Beautyberry 6' M/D F/P
Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush 3–10' W F
Shrubs–Deciduous Clethra alnifolia Summersweet 5'–10' W/M/D F/P
Cornus amomum Silky Dogwood 6'–12' W/M F/P/S
Hibiscus moscheutos Swamp Mallow 4'–8' W/M F/P
Hypericum densiflorum Bushy St Johns wort 4–6' M/D F/P
Ilex verticillata Winterberry 6'–10 W/M F/P
Itea virginica Virginia Sweetspire 4' W/M/D F/P
Lindera benzoin Spicebush 6–12' W/M/D F/P
Sambucus canadensis Elderberry 6–'15' W/M F/P
Viburnum acerifolium Mapleleaf viburnum 3'–6' M/D M/S
Viburnum dentatum Arrowwood 5'–10' W/M/D F/P
Viburnum nudum Possumhaw 6'–12' W/M/D F/P/S

Botanical Name Common Name Height Moisture Sun

Acorus calamus Sweet Flag 2'–4' W/M F/P
Carex spp Sedges up to 3' varies varies
Grasses and Allies

Chasmanthium latifolium River Oats 3'–5' W/M/D F/P/S

Juncus effusus Soft Rush 1'–4' W/M F/P/S
Juncus tenuis Path Rush under 12" W/M F/P/S
Liriope muscari * Monkey Grass * 18"–24" M/D F/P/S
Muhlenbergia cappliaris Pink Muhly Grass 3'–4' M/D F/P
Ophiopogon japonicus * Mondo Grass * under 12" M/D F/P/S
Panicum virgatum Switchgrass 2'–9' M/D F/P
Schizachyrium scoparium Little Bluestem 2'–4' M/D F/P
Sorgasstrum nutans Indiangrass 4'–8' M/D F/P

Page D-3
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Botanical Name Common Name Height Moisture Sun

Amsonia hubrechtii Narrow Leaf Blue Star 2'–3' M/D F/P
Asclepias tuberosa Butterflyweed 1'–3' M/D F/P
Chrysogonum virginianum Green and Gold 6" M/D P/S
Coreopsis verticillata Threadleaf Coreopsis 8"–20" M/D F/P
Echinacea purpurea Purple Cone Flower 1'–3' M/D F/P
Eupatorium fistulosum Joe Pye Weed 2'–7' W/M/D F/P
Herbaceous Perennials

Hemerocallis spp. * Daylily * 1–3' M/D F/P

Iris sibirica * Siberian Iris * 1'–3' W/M F/P
Iris virginica Blue Flag Iris 12"–24" W/M F/P
Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal Flower 2'–4' W/M F/P/S
Monarda didyma Beebalm 2'–4' W/M F/P
Osmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon Fern up to 4' W/M F/P/S
Osmunda spectabilis American Royal fern 2'–5' W/M P/S
Phlox divaricata Woodland Phlox 12"–18" M P/S
Phlox stolonifera Creeping Phlox 6"–12" M/D F/P/S
Polystichum acrostichoides Christmas Fern 1'–3' M/D P/S
Rudbeckia fulgida Orange Coneflower 18"–36" M/D F/P
Rudbeckia hirta Black–Eyed Susan 12"–36" M/D F/P/S
Solidago spp. Goldenrod 1–4' varies F/P
Tiarella cordifolia Foamflower 6"–12" M P/S

Infiltration Trenches
Infiltration trenches can be designed with a grass cover to aid pollutant removal and prevent clogging.
The sand filter or trench is covered with permeable topsoil and planted with grass in a landscaped area.
Properly planted, these facilities can be designed to blend into natural surroundings.

Grass should be capable of withstanding frequent periods of inundation and drought. Vegetated filter
strips and buffers should fit into and blend with surrounding area. Native grasses are preferable, if
compatible.

Design Constraints
 Do not plant trees or provide shade within 15 feet of an infiltration or filtering area or where leaf
litter will collect and clog infiltration area.
 Do not locate plants in areas that block maintenance access to the facility.
 Sod areas with heavy flows that are not stabilized with erosion control matting.
 Divert flows temporarily from seeded areas until stabilized.
 Planting on any area requiring a filter fabric should include material selected with care to ensure
that no tap roots will penetrate the filter fabric.

Bioswales and Grass Filter Strips

The following table provides a number of grass species that perform well in the stressful environment of
an open channel structural control such as a bioswale or grass filter strips.

Page D-4
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Botanical Name Common Name Notes

Cynodon dactylon Bermuda grass
Andropogon gerardii Big Bluestem Not for bioswales
Agrostis palustris Creeping Bentgrass
Festuca rubra Red Fescue Not for bioswales
Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary grass Bioswales
Agrostis alba Redtop
Bromus inermis Smooth Brome Not for bioswales
Panicum virgatum Switch Grass

Note1: These grasses are sod forming and can withstand frequent inundation, and are thus ideal for the
swale or grass channel environment. Most are salt-tolerant as well.
Note 2: Where possible, one or more of these grasses should be in the seed.
Note 3: In areas that need immediate stabilization, sod should be used.

Page D-5
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Page D-6
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

Page D-7
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Green Infrastructure Practices for Small Commercial Development

APPENDIX E – Sample Forms

Page E-1
 Projects Requiring a Stormwater
Consultation Meeting
The following projects are required to have a Consultation Meeting with Site Development staff to
review the Stormwater Concept plan, prior to submittal of the BB / LD permit application:

Commercial Projects
New developments that add any impervious surface OR disturb
more than one acre of land.
Redevelopment projects that add or replace more than 500 square
feet of impervious surface OR disturb more than one acre of land.
Demolition Projects that leave more than 500 square feet of
impervious surface in place.
Residential Projects
Projects reviewed for Preliminary Plat approval.
New Multi-family, Townhome, Apartment, Subdivision (not
individual lots), and Condo developments.
NOTES
Call 404-330-6249 or email [email protected] to schedule a Consultation Meeting.
Visit www.AtlantaWatershed.org/greeninfrastructure for more information regarding the
Stormwater Concept Plan and Consultation Meeting.
If the proposed project is exempt from the Post-Development Stormwater Management Ordinance,
Section 74-504 (d), no consultation meeting is necessary.
The construction of a new home on an individual lot must manage the first 1.0” of runoff onsite;
however, no consultation meeting is necessary prior to permit application. See the above
website for additional information on Green Infrastructure on residential lots.
New Developments take place on parcels that are wooded or have never been developed.
Redevelopment projects occur on sites that are currently developed or have previously been
developed.
Once the Consultation Meeting takes place, the Applicant will be given a copy of the Meeting
Record to include as part of the BB / LD application packet.

City of Atlanta | Site Development Division 3/1/2013

 

STORMWATER CONCEPT PLAN AND CONSULTATION MEETING RECORD

DEPARTMENT OF WATERSHED MANAGEMENT
CITY OF ATLANTA
Contact the Site Development Office, 404-330-6249, to schedule a meeting time.

Site Name __________________________________________ Project Representative ________________________________

Address ____________________________________________ Watershed Representative______________________________

Date of Meeting Request_______________________________ Date of Meeting______________________________________

For applicable developments (see below), a stormwater concept plan and consultation meeting is required early in the design
process. The project’s engineer and Site Development staff shall discuss the post-development stormwater management
measures necessary for the proposed project and to assess constraints, opportunities and ideas for better site design, green
infrastructure and runoff reduction techniques early in the design process. This consultation meeting shall be held prior to
submittal of an application for a building permit (BB) or land disturbance permit (LD).
Per the City of Atlanta’s Post Development Stormwater Management Ordinance, the project’s engineer must present a
Stormwater Concept Plan to Site Development Staff for the following activities:
• New commercial development (Greenfield) that involves the creation of any impervious cover;
• Commercial redevelopment that includes the creation, addition, or replacement of 500 square feet of impervious cover
or more;
• Commercial development or redevelopment that disturbs one acre of land or more; and,
• Commercial demolition projects that leave in place more than 500 square feet of impervious cover.

For more information regarding the applicability and exemptions of the City’s Post Development Stormwater Management
ordinance, see Chapter 74-Environment, Article X. Section 74-504 of the city code.
The Stormwater Concept Plan should include the following:
_____ Project description;
_____ A preliminary survey showing the following:
_____ Property lines, existing conditions, general topography, general soil conditions, easements, and adjacent rights-
of-way;
_____ Location of all state waters, wetlands, applicable buffers, and floodplains;
_____ Any critical areas of the site which may affect the control of stormwater during and post-construction (steep slopes,
eroded areas, buffers, invasive species, existing stormwater infrastructure, undersized culverts, floodplains, wetlands,
etc.);
_____ A conceptual grading plan;
_____ Location and limit of proposed structures, land disturbing activities, demolition, and impervious surfaces;
_____ Infiltration rates shall be determined by soil surveys, on-site soil analysis, double-ring infiltrometer or percolation test.
If a site has been previously developed or graded or contains urban soil types, a double-ring infiltrometer or percolation
test is required. The test locations must be in the region where infiltration practices are proposed at the appropriate
depth; and,
_____ Preliminary selection and location of proposed structural stormwater controls; location of existing and proposed
conveyance systems such as grass channels, swales, and storm drains; flow paths; relationship of site to upstream and
downstream properties and drainages; and preliminary location of proposed stream channel modifications, such as
bridge or culvert crossings.

City of Atlanta’s Stormwater Concept Plan and Consultation Meeting – 03/01/2013 

Site Name________________________________
Date_____________________________________
 
Prior to the issuance of a permit, a stormwater management plan must adequately address the following principles as required in
the City’s Post Development Stormwater ordinance, the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual (Blue Book), and the Coastal
Stormwater Supplement (CSS):
_____ Runoff Reduction (RR) and Green Infrastructure (GI): Discuss RR formula, infiltration techniques, better site
design and limiting impervious surface, offsite drainage, rainwater harvesting, and GI incentives: 1) credit system in
accordance with the CSS, 2) 1.0” runoff reduction vs. 1.2” water quality, 3) hardscape exemption, 4) for small
commercial redevelopment sites involving less than 5,000 square feet of impervious surface (new or replaced), Stream
Channel Protection, Overbank Flood, and Extreme Flood Protection will be waived if RR requirements are met, 5)
rainwater harvesting techniques and potential water/sewer bill savings;
_____ Water Quality: Discuss exemption if 1.0” RR is provided, multiplier, credit system, high risk operations, hot spots, and
proprietary devices. If the 1.0” runoff volume cannot be reduced on site (RR requirement), engineer must provide a
written analysis as to why and appropriate documentation to support the claim during BB or LD plan review process. If
proprietary measures are proposed, provide all necessary documentation (See Chapter 3.3.10.2 of the Blue Book for
guidelines for using proprietary systems). Staff will determine the appropriateness of said proprietary device based on
site conditions;
_____ Stream Channel Protection: Discuss preservation of buffers, 24-hr extended release of 1-year, 24-hr rainfall event,
velocity dissipation, and waivers (< 2.0 cfs OR discharging into larger systems where streambank and channel
stabilization will not be affected);
_____ Overbank Flood Protection: Discuss new vs. redevelopment rate reduction requirements, what is considered pre-
development impervious cover, and the formula for calculating rate reduction on redevelopment sites up to 25-yr storm:
(%PIC)/2 = %PDRR 
PIC = Pre-development Impervious Cover
PDRR = Peak Discharge Rate Reduction;
_____ Extreme Flood Protection: Discuss new requirement (peak discharge rate reduction does not apply to 100-yr storm
event), no increase allowed from pre- to post-development peak discharge rate for 100-year storm event, etc.;
_____ Downstream Analysis: Discuss size of basin to be studied, any known downstream flooding or drainage issues, etc.;
_____ Operations and Maintenance Plan / Inspections and Maintenance Agreement: Discuss maintenance requirements.

NOTE: Signature on this document does NOT constitute design approval, nor is it intended as a comprehensive list of all
issues. Signature authorizes applicant to proceed with application for a land development/building permit. Issues
identified must be addressed prior to plan approval by Site Development.

FOR ADMINISTRATIVE USE ONLY 
Issues Discussed Potential Opportunities and Comments
o Stream buffer _____________________________________________________________________________
o Wetland _____________________________________________________________________________
o Floodplain _____________________________________________________________________________
o Easement _____________________________________________________________________________
o Steep slope _____________________________________________________________________________
o RR limitations _____________________________________________________________________________
o Other _____________________________________________________________________________

Reviewed by: __________________________________ __________________________________________

(Print Name) (Signature)

City of Atlanta’s Stormwater Concept Plan and Consultation Meeting – 03/01/2013

  
 
Kasim Reed CITY OF ATLANTA Jo Ann J. Macrina, PE
MAYOR
  DEPARTMENT OF WATERSHED MANAGEMENT COMMISSIONER
72 MARIETTA STREET NW  
  ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303

Engineer’s Certificate
Green Infrastructure Practices

I,  ________________________________,  a  registered  professional  engineer  in  the  State  of  Georgia, 
hereby  certify  with  my  signature  and  seal,  that  the  Green  Infrastructure  (Runoff  Reduction)  practices 
located  at  the  following  address,___________________________________________,  as  permitted 
under Building Permit #_________________, have been constructed in conformance with the approved 
plans and specifications. 

 
 
 
Professional  
 
Seal 
 

                                                           

   

                                                          Signature 

                        Date 

City of Atlanta’s Engineer’s Certification for Green Infrastructure Practices ‐ Revised 6/10/14 
 
  
CITY OF ATLANTA
DEPARTMENT OF WATERSHED MANAGEMENT
STORMWATER AS BUILT SURVEY REQUIREMENTS
From Section 74-519 (b) of the City of Atlanta Code of Ordinances, “Upon completion of a project, and prior to final inspection
pursuant to section 74-43(f) or issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the applicant or responsible party…is required to submit an
electronic format as determined by the department of watershed management, and a paper format of the actual "as built" plans for
any stormwater management facilities or practices after final construction is completed. The plan must show the as built
configuration for all stormwater management facilities and practices and must be certified by a professional engineer.”
A paper copy of this survey and attached “Engineer’s Certificate” will be given to the Environmental Compliance Inspector of the
given site, and an electronic copy (.pdf) of each will be emailed to [email protected].

It shall be at all times the responsibility of the engineer of record to accurately model and report the conditions on the site, AFTER
CONSTRUCTION. All labeling shall be consistent with the approved hydrology study and maintenance agreement.

All as built drawings must be georeferenced to the US State Plane coordinate system, NAD 83, GA West Zone, US Survey Feet.
All drawings must contain two reference pins (i.e. property corners).

The following items must be shown on the survey:

1. Seal and signature of engineer of record (in addition to surveyor’s seal and signature if applicable);
2. Place the following statement on the survey, “The City of Atlanta accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions from this
survey.”
3. Location, diameter, pipe material, and invert elevations (up- and downstream) of all stormwater conveyance pipes;
4. Label accordingly the location of all catch basins, inlets, headwalls, swales, drainage easements, junction boxes, and manholes;
5. For each Green Infrastructure (or Water Quality) practice, provide the location, detailed description, volume (ponding,
engineered soils, aggregate, etc.), cross-sectional diagram, and a detail of the outlet control and/or bypass/diversion structures.
6. The location and name of each stormwater detention facilities (dry extended detention pond, wet pond, underground vault,
underground oversized pipes, etc.) For each stormwater detention facility on the developed property, provide:
a. Location of the facility in respect to property lines, public roads R/W, and other easements;
b. Maintenance access easements;
c. Dimensions of facility (pond, vault, oversized pipes, etc.);
d. Two foot elevation contours and pertinent spot elevations;
e. Both the elevation at the bottom of the facility in front of the outlet control structure and the opposite end of the facility to
verify positive drainage;
f. Width of dam at the top of dam (if applicable);
g. Location, cross-sectional diagram, and dimensions of auxiliary/emergency spillway (if applicable);
h. Freeboard above the 100 year water surface elevation;
i. Delineate maximum ponding elevation and limits of ponding; and
j. Show a detail of the outlet control structure, including:
i. the following elevations (if applicable)- top of outlet control structure or wall, permanent pool, 100 yr overflow
weir/spillway, channel protection orifice/weir, channel protection volume, water quality orifice (for wet pond), water
quality volume, 25 year water surface, 100 year water surface, outlet control pipe invert elevation at structure, outlet
control pipe invert elevation at downstream headwall, and ALL inlet headwall elevation(s) in the pond;
ii. the following dimensions – shape and size of outlet control structure, wall, dam, detention weir/orifice size, channel
protection orifice size, water quality orifice size, and outlet pipe;
iii. the maximum height of water above inverts for each of these conditions – water quality, channel protection, and the 2,
5, 10, 25, 50, & 100 yr storm event detention (if applicable);
iv. the volumes for water quality, channel protection, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 & 100 yr storm event detention, and wet pond storage
(if applicable);
v. outlet pipe discharge velocity, V25, and dimensions, depth, and average rock size of outlet protection (St); and
vi. a detail of the trash rack.  

City of Atlanta’s Stormwater As Built Requirements - Revised 6/10/14

 RUNOFF REDUCTION ALTERNATIVE DESIGN
DEPARTMENT OF WATERSHED MANAGEMENT
CITY OF ATLANTA

Site Name __________________________________________ Date (Received)______________________________________

Address ____________________________________________ BB or LD # (if assigned)_______________________________

Section 74-513 (b) of the Post-Development Stormwater Management Ordinance states that “If any of the stormwater runoff
volume generated by the first 1.0” of rainfall cannot be reduced or retained on the development site, due to site characteristics
or constraints…the remaining volume shall be increased by a multiplier of 1.2 and shall be intercepted and treated in one or
more stormwater management practices that provide at least an 80 percent reduction in total suspended solids.”
If reducing the entire 1.0” volume onsite is not feasible, the Design Professional must provide the following documentation:
1) Soil investigation report (which includes double-ring infiltrometer or percolation tests) demonstrating that onsite soils
are not suitable for infiltrating the required volume within a 48-hour time period. The test locations must be in the
region where stormwater management practices would be utilized at the appropriate depths. Evidence of a high water
table, surface bedrock, contaminated soils, or the presence of a High Risk Operation or Hotspot (as defined in Section
74-503) may be included in this report.
2) A written analysis signed and sealed by the Design Professional stating the amount of volume that cannot be reduced
onsite, the total volume of Water Quality to be provided instead (1.2 multiplier), and site specific reasoning and
supportive evidence for not providing the runoff reduction volume. This analysis must demonstrate that incorporating
runoff reduction practices to comply with the ordinance is an extreme economic hardship or physical impossibility due
to the configuration of the site or to irreconcilable conflicts with other City requirements. Certain practices, such as
green roofs and rainwater harvesting techniques, do not require infiltration into subsurface soils, but rather rely on
evapotranspiration and reuse. An estimated cost comparison of said runoff reduction practices compared to the
proposed Water Quality practices must be included to demonstrate an economic hardship.
3) A conceptual site plan in accordance with Section 74-510 of the ordinance.
The above documentation must be submitted with this form during the Stormwater Concept Plan consultation meeting or during
permit review. If development plans change significantly between the consultation meeting and permit review, an updated
justification will be required. Site Development plan review staff will decide whether the submitted justification warrants
approval. This decision may be appealed in writing to Lowell Chambers, Director of Site Development, or to Margaret Tanner,
Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Watershed Protection. Decision of said appeal shall be made within one week of
receiving the attached form and documentation.

Design Professional___________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________

FOR ADMINISTRATIVE USE ONLY

□ Approved

□ Approved w/ the following conditions ________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

□ Denied ___________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reviewed by: __________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________

(Print Name) (Signature) (Date)

City of Atlanta’s Runoff Reduction Alternative Design – 02/08/2013

 Stormwater Management Facility
Inspection and Maintenance/ Indemnification Agreement

WHEREAS, __________________________________________________ (the “Owner”) is

or prior to permitting of the improvements will be the owner of the real property described on Exhibit
“A”, attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference, containing approximately _______ acres and
located in the City of Atlanta (the “City”) at ______________________________________________
in Land Lot ______ of the _______ District, _______________ County, Georgia (the “Property”); and

WHEREAS, the Owner desires to make certain improvements to the property and obtain a
building permit from the City for such improvements; and

WHEREAS, the improvements the Owner desires to make to the property include a storm
water management facility consisting of ________________________________________________ ,
further described on Exhibit “B”, attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference; and

WHEREAS, ongoing inspection and maintenance of the stormwater management facility is

necessary to ensure its continued function as designed and constructed or preserved, an Operations and
Maintenance Plan is required, described on Exhibit “C”, attached hereto and made a part hereof by
reference; and

WHEREAS, the City requires the execution of a Stormwater Management Inspection and
Maintenance Agreement in accordance with City Code Section 74-511 prior to and as a condition of
receiving a permit for the improvements included on the plans prepared by
_____________________________________________________ and dated ___________________ ,
said plans incorporated by reference into this Agreement, as maintained in the records of the City.

THEREFORE, in order for the City to issue a building permit to the Owner, the Owner agrees
for him/her self(s), his/her agents, his /her assigns and successors in title to the property, to the
following:

1) To indemnify the City of Atlanta, its officers, agents, and employees, successors and assigns
from any damages or claims for damages arising out of a) the construction or use of the
stormwater management facility as shown on the above referenced plans, b) the additional
runoff or discharge of storm water from the property caused by the improvements to the
property, or c) any up-stream or down-stream adverse impacts due to structural, design,
installation, maintenance or any other failure of the stormwater facility.

2) To file and record the executed agreement and all the exhibits in the Fulton or DeKalb County
Courthouse. The agreement is a permanent covenant running with the land and shall be binding
upon the successors in title of the Owner.

3) To own, operate, and maintain the stormwater facility in good order and repair, as designed and
permitted and not to encroach upon, diminish, or alter the stormwater management facility
without first obtaining an appropriate building permit from the City for any subsequent
modifications.
4) To provide an annual inspection and maintenance report to the City to ensure continuing

Revised 12/15/2011
 proper performance of the stormwater management facility as designed. The inspection and the
report will be performed and attested to by a qualified professional having certified Level II
Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission Specialist standing and shall conform to
the format shown in Appendix E of the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual. Any
deficiencies noted in either operation or maintenance of the facility(s) must be included in the
report along with the proposed remedies required and a time table for their implementation. If
portions of the property are subsequently sold or otherwise transferred to new ownership,
legally binding arrangements must be made to pass the inspection and maintenance
responsibility to the appropriate successors in title. These arrangements must designate for each
portion of the site the party to be responsible for its inspection and maintenance. A copy of the
report must be submitted to the City of Atlanta, Department or Watershed Management and
will be due annually on the date specified by the Department.

The Owner, in conjunction with this Agreement and in accordance with Section 74-517 of the
City Code, acknowledges that the City may enter the Property at reasonable times and in a
reasonable manner for the purpose of inspection. The Owner further acknowledges that that if
the Owner fails or refuses to meet the requirements of this agreement, the City may, after
appropriate notice, enter the property to correct a violation of the design standards or
maintenance requirements by performing the necessary work to place the facility in proper
working condition. When the City must perform such repairs or improvements, all costs for
work associated with bringing the stormwater management facility back to good order and
repair shall be at the Owner’s sole cost and expense.

The rights and obligations granted herein shall run with the land and shall be binding upon the
Owner, its successors and assigns.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Owner has caused this Stormwater Management Facility
Inspection and Maintenance/ Indemnification Agreement to be duly executed under seal,
this______day of_________, 2________

OWNER
_______________________ By: _____________________________
Unofficial Witness
_________________________________
(Print)
_______________________
Notary Public Its: ______________________________
My commission expires: (Title of authorized representative)

Notary Seal (Corporate Seal)

Revised 12/15/2011