Goal PFS-5: Maintain an adequate level of service in the City's storm drainage system to accommodate runoff from existing and future development, prevent property damage due to flooding, and improve environmental quality.
The major storm drainage facilities within Hayward are owned and maintained by the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (ACFCWCD) and include gravity pipe lines predominantly made of reinforced concrete, which discharge to underground storm drain lines or manmade open channels. Storm drain pipes smaller than 30 inches are generally owned by the City. The City has five pump stations that pump stormwater into stormwater collection systems and/or dry creeks immediately downstream, flowing into Mt. Eden and Old Alameda Creeks en route to San Francisco Bay. Much of Western Alameda County lies in a floodplain protected by the ACFCWCD. Most major flood control infrastructure in western Alameda County is 50 or 60 years old.
Policies in this section require construction of adequate storm drainage facilities. Stormwater policies ensure new drainage facilities are adequately sized and constructed, support coordinated efforts with the ACFCWCD in the development of major and regional stormwater facilities, and require preparation of watershed drainage plans where appropriate.Stormwater drainage facilities will also incorporate Low Impact Development techniques.
The City shall work with the Alameda County and Water Conservation District to expand and maintain major stormwater drainage facilities to accommodate the needs of existing and planned development.
The City shall identify and correct problems of localized flooding within the city. Where practical and economical, the City shall upgrade existing drainage facilities as necessary.
The City shall require developers of proposed large development projects to prepare watershed drainage plans. plans shall define needed drainage improvements per City standards, estimate construction costs for these improvements, and be implemented through the and Control Program and Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program.
The City shall encourage “green infrastructure” design and Low Impact Development (LID) techniques for stormwater facilities (i.e., using vegetation and soil to manage stormwater) to achieve multiple benefits (e.g., preserving and creating open space, improving runoff water quality).
The City shall design public improvements such as streets, parks, and plazas for retention and infiltration of stormwater by diverting urban runoff to bio-filtration systems, such as green scapes and implementing Low Impact Development (LID) techniques.
The City shall impose appropriate conditions on grading projects performed during the rainy season to ensure that silt is not conveyed to storm drainage systems.
The City shall require new development to be designed to prevent the diversion of stormwater onto neighboring parcels.
The City shall require new stormwater drainage facilities to be designed to enhance recreation and habitat and shall work with HARD to integrate such facilities into existing parks and open space features.
The City shall encourage the use of rainwater harvesting facilities, techniques, and improvements where appropriate, cost effective, safe, and environmentally sustainable.