The City of Mobile’s Storm Water Manual will contain a series of volumes to address different storm water topics and solutions. The first of these volumes covers Low Impact Development (LID) Design and will serve as a roadmap for the proper application of LID design principles in the City of Mobile.
Additionally, The Mobile Area Storm Water Mapping project will allow the City to locate, describe, and map storm water infrastructure throughout the City of Mobile. It will support the development and implementation of effective strategies to mitigate repetitive flood loss. The first two phases of mapping are complete; the third phase (now underway) involves updated LIDAR data and ditch surveying and is expected to be complete in October 2027.
Status by phase
- 1Volume 1 - Low Impact Development (LID) Design Complete
- 2Volume 2 - Stormwater Design Design
- 3Volume 3 - Stormwater Maintenance Design
- 4Volume 4 - Plant and Tree Guidance Design
Updated Aug 15, 2026
Why is this project needed?
The closest thing to a Storm Water Manual that the City currently has is an outdated Flood Plain Management Plan that was last revised in 1984. This updated collection of volumes will expand to address storm water topics that are important in the current climate.
In terms of mapping, there is a great deal that is unknown about the City’s existing storm water network. Parts of the system are over 100 years old. It is not uncommon to discover wooden culverts and structures, still functioning, under the streets of downtown. Infrastructure within the older sections of the City was typically constructed prior to the use of modern standards and materials, leading to perpetual repairs. As a coastal community, the City of Mobile experiences periodic coastal and riverine flooding, including storm surges from hurricanes and flash floods.
What will this project address?
This project will address pertinent topics related to Storm Water Management in the City of Mobile. Volume 1: Low Impact Development (LID) Design will guide users through different LID design options and their proper application. It will be particularly useful for architects, planners, engineers, developers, homeowners, and citizens interested in incorporating LID design in their project. The use of LID design will remain optional, but this guide will be a useful tool to many interested professionals working within the City of Mobile jurisdiction.
The mapping project will develop the tools and information necessary to successfully plan and cost-effectively manage communities and economies in the Mobile region, providing resilience in the face of flooding, extreme weather events, climate hazards, and changing ocean conditions. Ultimately, this project represent steps for enhancing resiliency. The comprehensive scope of the project will provide data and tools for reducing flood risks within communities throughout the City of Mobile.
Project Funding
Timeline: 2021 through 2027
Estimated Cost: $4,000,000 (includes all volumes and mapping)
Status: Fully funded
Funding Sources
- City Stormwater Fee (SWF)
- Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of Gulf Coast States Act (RESTORE Act)
FAQs
Q: Is low impact development (LID) design mandatory in the City of Mobile?
A: LID design is not mandatory, but highly encouraged in the City of Mobile. For those interested in incorporating LID design in their projects, this guide should act as a roadmap for the proper application of LID design principles.
Q: Who should use the Low Impact Development (LID) Design guide?
A: This guide can be used by anyone looking to incorporate LID design in the City of Mobile, and will be particularly useful for architects, planners, engineers, developers, homeowners, and citizens.
Q: Why is there only one volume in the Stormwater Manual?
A: Volume 1: Low Impact Development (LID) Design is the first volume of the Stormwater Manual. More volumes will be added as they become available.
Who's Involved
Who is involved?
This project is being lead by the City of Mobile with the support of a variety of contractors.
Project Lead: City of Mobile
Project Manager: Emma Cochran
Funding: Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, RESTORE Council
Partners: City of Prichard, City of Chickasaw
Consultants: WSP USA, GRW Engineering, and Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions
This project was paid for [in part] with federal funding from the Department of the Treasury under the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act). The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Treasury.
What’s on your mind?
Send us your ideas or questions about the Storm Water Mapping & Resiliency Planning initiative. Use the form below or contact the City’s project manager, Emma Cochran.