---
title: "Pervious Strip"
url: "https://commonwaysystem.org/patterns/elements/pervious-strip/"
id: "ELM-PVS-21"
description: "A linear strip of permeable surface (gravel, permeable pavers, or open-graded aggregate), allowing stormwater to infiltrate directly into the ground rather than running off to a drain, typically installed within a parking lane, shoulder, or buffer zone."
updated: "2026-09-26"
---

# Pervious Strip

`ELM-PVS-21`

Situational / Discouraged Element

Pervious Strip

A linear strip of permeable surface (gravel, permeable pavers, or open-graded aggregate), allowing stormwater to infiltrate directly into the ground rather than running off to a drain, typically installed within a parking lane, shoulder, or buffer zone.

## Why this pattern exists

A conventional impervious strip in this same location contributes runoff volume with no infiltration benefit; converting it to a pervious surface reduces runoff at a relatively low cost compared to a full bioswale or planter, without requiring a change in the strip’s basic use. This pattern exists to document that lower-intervention infiltration option.[1]

## Key considerations

-   Underlying soil infiltration rate needs to be verified before installation; a pervious surface over poorly-draining soil underperforms significantly
-   Surface material should be selected for the loads it will bear; a parking-lane application needs a different specification than a pedestrian-only buffer strip[2]
-   Periodic maintenance (removing sediment buildup) is required to keep the surface functioning as intended over time

## Related patterns

[Pervious Pavement](https://commonwaysystem.org/patterns/elements/pervious-pavement.md) (ELM-PVP-22) (a related but distinct full-surface treatment); [Bioswale](https://commonwaysystem.org/patterns/elements/bioswale.md) (ELM-BIO-19), [Flow-Through Planter](https://commonwaysystem.org/patterns/elements/flow-through-planter.md) (ELM-FTP-20) (higher-intervention alternatives)

## References

1.  Legal / regulatory [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Menu of Best Management Practices, "Permeable Pavements" fact sheet.](https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2021-11/bmp-permeable-pavements.pdf)
2.  Precedent-based [National Association of City Transportation Officials, _Urban Street Stormwater Guide_.](https://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-design-guide/street-design-elements/stormwater-management/pervious-strips/)

_"Legal / regulatory" here refers to the EPA guidance that municipal NPDES stormwater permits are legally built around, not a single mandatory design spec like MUTCD or PROWAG._