During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the challenges surrounding sewer capacity and the potential implementation of dry line permits to facilitate infrastructure development. The meeting highlighted the ongoing issues faced by developers in Hillsborough County, particularly regarding a small RV park project that has encountered delays due to a lack of sewer capacity agreements.

Tim Safransky, a local developer, expressed concerns about the financial implications of these delays, noting that his company has invested over $7 million based on city permits and is now facing pressure from banks due to the stalled project. He requested that the city consider allowing developers to tap into remaining Equivalent Residential Units (ERUs) over the next three years, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to address the capacity issues.

The council discussed the possibility of implementing a moratorium on new projects until the sewer capacity situation is resolved. Council members acknowledged the need for a clear timeline to provide answers to developers who have been waiting for years to proceed with their projects. They indicated that an impact fee study is underway, which could help clarify the financial framework for future developments.

Additionally, the concept of dry line permits was revisited, which would allow developers to construct necessary infrastructure without immediate connection to the city’s sewer system. This approach could enable projects to move forward while the city works on resolving capacity issues. The council noted that this practice is common in other municipalities and could be beneficial in managing the current backlog of projects.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the council to expedite discussions and provide clarity on the sewer capacity situation, aiming to support developers who have acted in good faith based on existing permits. The council's next steps will involve finalizing the impact fee study and determining the feasibility of implementing dry line permits to alleviate the ongoing challenges faced by local developers.