Municipal Handbook

The Municipal Handbook is a series of documents to help local officials implement green infrastructure in their communities. Handbook topics cover issues such as financing, operation and maintenance, incentives, designs, codes & ordinances, and a variety of other subjects. The handbook documents are intended to serve as "how to" manuals on these topics, written primarily from the standpoint of municipal implementation. The handbook is being produced in sections, with each new element being released as it is completed.

Water Quality Scorecard (PDF) (57 pp, 876K) (833-B-09-004) - EPA's Water Quality Scorecard was developed to help local governments identify opportunities to remove barriers, and revise and create codes, ordinances and incentives for better water quality protection. It guides municipal staff through a review of relevant local codes and ordinances, across multiple municipal departments and at the three scales within the jurisdiction of a local government (municipality, neighborhood, and site), to ensure that these codes work together to protect water quality goals. The two main goals of this tool are to: (1) help communities protect water quality by identifying ways to reduce the amount of stormwater flows in a community and (2) educate stakeholders on the wide range of policies and regulations that have water quality implications.

The scorecard is intended for municipalities of various sizes in rural, suburban and urban settings, including those that have combined sewers, municipal separate storm sewers and those with limited or no existing stormwater infrastructure. It can help municipal staff, stormwater managers, planners, and other stakeholders better understand where a municipality's land development regulations and other ordinances may present barriers or opportunities to implementing a comprehensive water quality protection approach. The scorecard provides policy options, resources and case studies to help communities develop a comprehensive water quality program.

	Funding Options (PDF) (16 pp, 658K) (833-F-08-007) - This chapter on funding options describes strategies and provides case study examples of how local governments are generating reliable funding for green infrastructure. In order to effectively manage and minimize stormwater runoff with green infrastructure, municipalities must establish sustainable funding sources to move beyond the pilot phase and create a comprehensive green infrastructure program. This document identifies and discusses the two most common funding options communities are using for green stormwater infrastructure – stormwater fees and loan programs. A third source of funding – grant programs – is also available in limited amounts to support green infrastructure projects.
	Retrofit Policies (PDF) (23 pp, 2.37MB) (833-F-08-008) - This chapter explores policies and incentives used by municipalities to facilitate green retrofits within their stormwater programs. This document also troubleshoots the institutional and regulatory challenges of incorporating green retrofits into municipal infrastructure, and provides some solutions and case studies.
	Green Streets (PDF) (19 pp, 1.8MB) (833-F-08-009) - This chapter evaluates programs and policies used to integrate green infrastructure into public spaces, roads and other transportation networks. The result is often an innovative system that includes a variety design elements such as street trees, permeable pavement, bioretention, and swales. The municipal case studies in this chapter highlight the benefits of greening transportation networks.
	Rainwater Harvesting Policies (PDF) (16 pp, 1.45MB) (833-F-08-010) - This chapter addresses harvesting principles, designs, example code requirements, and policies and incentives of implementing a municipal rainwater harvesting program. Rainwater harvesting can reduce stormwater runoff, conserve potable water, and provide environmental and economic benefits. Barriers to implementation are also addressed, and case studies from across the country demonstrate successful rainwater harvesting programs.
	Incentive Mechanisms (PDF) (35 pp, 1.82MB) (833-F-09-001) - This document describes a number of incentives that municipalities can use to encourage the use of green infrastructure on private properties. It includes an annotated list of specific communities across the country, the types of incentives they are using, and links to more information on their programs.

Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure Handbook Series