Best Management Practices

Photograph of native wildflowers
Best management practices (BMPs) is a term that describes a wide range of tools for managing stormwater.

Used to control the volume and quality of stormwater that leaves a developed site, BMPs increase or maintain infiltration on a site, preventing runoff and filtering water to reduce pollutants. BMPs vary greatly in look, form and specific function, encompassing everything from roadside grassed ditches to constructed wetlands to rain gardens and even stormdrain trash filters. Photograph of proper drainage and landscaping in a lawn


BMPs help protect downstream waterbodies by reducing runoff volume and pollution. By using landscaping techniques with beds of native plants, we can improve aesthetics and visual interest in the community while keeping water clean.

BMP requirements, review and approval
Lenexa actively participates in the MidAmerica Regional Council, which, with the American Public Works Association, developed a stormwater BMP manual to provide guidance for using BMPs in the Kansas City metro area. Lenexa contributed to the design criteria and construction information for BMPs featured in the manual. Photograph of landscaped plants in a commercial district


Lenexa requires the use of BMPs through its development plans and permit review processes. Development must meet a Level of Service calculation, a numerical value that addresses runoff quantity and quality from proposed development through using site-appropriate BMPs.

These requirements also apply to city projects, ensuring newly constructed streets and municipal facilities reduce the effects of stormwater runoff and can serve as example projects.

For more information, contact Laura Turnbull, stormwater planner. Photograph of landscaped plants in a parking area

BMP inspection and maintenance
Lenexa’s staff inspector provides technical assistance to contractors, homeowners, developers, maintenance personnel and city staff to facilitate the successful installation and long-term performance of BMPs.

Lenexa’s public and privately owned BMPs are regularly inspected by the city during construction and periodically after completion to verify performance. The city works with owners and maintenance contractors to ensure that once BMPs are installed, they are kept in working order to provide the intended water protection and flood control benefits.

The inspector is involved in plan review, pre-construction meetings and on-site construction inspections through the installation, establishment and maintenance of BMPs. As part of the inspection process, a BMP's plantings and structural components must be fully functional before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued.

For more information
Contact Nikki Guillot, stormwater specialist.