River Friendly Neighborhoods

Designed to protect water quality and the Truckee River

A River-Friendly Neighborhood is created through collaboration between developers, cities, HOAs and homeowners. It’s benefits include:

  • Preserving local waterways, wetlands, and open spaces

  • Incorporating design strategies that mimic nature to infiltrate stormwater and reduce pollutants

  • Providing streetscapes that balance needs for pedestrians, bicycles, and cars

  • Reducing the heat island effect with streetside trees and vegetation

  • Improving the community’s aesthetics and property values by adding trees and landscaping

Elements of a River-Friendly Neighborhood

1

Street network laid out to minimize impervious surfaces and maintain open space and existing wetlands and waterways

2

On-street parking stalls with permeable paving to reduce runoff *

3

Efficient irrigation for trees, shrubs, and perennials (no spray irrigation within 3' of paved surfaces) *

4

Rain garden with overflow infiltrates stormwater and removes pollutants that flow from the street *

5

Water-wise plants in a buffer strip next to sidewalk prevent sprinkler runoff

 

6

River-Friendly Yards conserve water, reduce runoff, and provide useable space for people

7

Sidewalks provide pedestrian access and ensure a walkable neighborhood

8

Tree box filter infiltrates stormwater and removes pollutants *

9

Street trees provide shade and filter stormwater in rain gardens and tree box filters

10

Driveways with permeable paving to reduce runoff *

* All Low Impact Development Strategies shall be designed and installed per the Truckee Meadows Structural Controls Design and Low Impact Development Manual