This study was undertaken to investigate and discuss the use of the soil conservation service runoff equation as a design guide for residential development design. The objectives of the study were (i) to determine the extent to which a hypothetical residential development scheme affected the site's runoff volume and peak discharge rate, (ii) to use the existing SCS runoff equation to predict hypothetical pre- and post-development runoff volumes and rates, (iii) to apply the above findings to a design revision of the residential site plan in order to produce less runoff modification as a result of the development. The Crapo Estate in Muncie, Indiana was chosen as the site for the study. Site analysis data and an initial design (Scheme A) from a fourth year undergraduate design studio were used with the runoff equation to predict pre- and post-development runoff volumes and rates. Curve number (CH) maps were then constructed by overlaying site land uses and soil types. These maps indicated where the site's most permeable soils were located according to land use, and were used in conjunction with the equation as a guide to the design of a second residential development. This second design (Scheme B) fulfilled all design requirements while producing a slightly smaller runoff modification than Scheme A.This study showed that residential development caused a substantial and measurable increase in both runoff volume and rate. The SCS runoff equation was useful for both accurate runoff measurement and as a means of guiding design decisions in order to reduce runoff in residential development. / Department of Landscape Architecture