When installing a stormwater planter, it is critical to clearly mark the site before construction to avoid compaction. The infiltration rates of the existing soil must be tested. It also needs to meet minimum infiltration rate of 0.5 inches per hour.  Also the stormwater planter must be located at least 5 feet away from any property line and must have impermeable walls if located adjacent to building foundations. The structure itself

• Must have a water storage depth of at least 9 inches
• Must be lined along the bottom with an impermeable membrane of 60 mil plastic film
• Must have at least 3 feet undisturbed infiltration medium between bottom of planter and the impervious layer
• Must have 18 inches of topsoil
• And must have a maximum infiltration rate (of growing material) no greater than 2.5 inches per hour.

Once constructed, sotrmwater platners require regular maintenance, This includes proper plant care, weeding, soil replacement, and watering (during dry periods), as well as inspection of structural components. Periodically it may also be necessary to clean inflow and outflow mechanisms, replace plants and concrete structures, and test mulch and soil for contaminants. Maintenance costs average around $400-$500 per year, per 500 square feet of planters.

"Stormwater Planters." Stormwater Management Manual.
[Eugene, Or.]: City of Eugene, 2008. 2-58--62. Print. http://www.eugene-or.gov/portal/server.pt/
gateway/PTARGS_0_0_12093_689_1795_43/
http://ceppcontent.eugene1.net;7087/publishedcontent/publish/pw/stormwater/docs/ch2e.pdf

"Stormwater Planters." Stormwater Management Manual.
[Eugene, Or.]: City of Eugene, 2008. 2-58--62. Print. http://www.eugene-or.gov/portal/
server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_12093_689_1795_43/
http://ceppcontent.eugene1.net;7087/publishedcontent/publish/pw/stormwater/docs/ch2e.pdf

"Stormwater Planters." Stormwater Management Manual.
[Eugene, Or.]: City of Eugene, 2008. 2-58--62. Print. http://www.eugene-or.gov/portal/server.pt/
gateway/PTARGS_0_0_12093_689_1795_43/
http://ceppcontent.eugene1.net;7087/publishedcontent/publish/pw/stormwater/docs/ch2e.pdf

"Road Trip: Sacramento's 'Green' Street - Buffalo Rising." Buffalo Rising | Your Guide
to Buffalo NY News, Arts, Events & Buffalo Restaurants. Web. 01 Mar. 2011.n
http://www.buffalorising.com/2010/03/road-trip-sacramentos-green-street.html