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Council denies request to extend Punta Gorda utility service area to 19.8 acres
Summary
The council voted to deny a developer request to expand the city's potable water and wastewater service area to include roughly 19.8 acres in Charlotte County, following public concern about limited water resources and policy on serving areas outside city limits.
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — The Punta Gorda City Council on March 19 rejected a request to expand the city’s extraterritorial water and wastewater service area to include about 19.8 acres in Charlotte County, a developer proposal tied to a larger residential project.
Tom Spencer, utilities director, told the council the full development encompasses about 143 acres and 615 units; approximately 565 units would be within the city’s existing utility service area while about 53 units on roughly 19–20 acres lay outside the boundary. Spencer said the requested addition would increase water demand by about 11,600 gallons per day for that portion, and that the owner would be responsible for design, funding and installation of on‑ and off‑site utilities and any needed upgrades.
Residents at the public hearing urged caution. Gary Skilicorn questioned supplying water outside the service area given limited local water supplies and the city’s consumer limits; Kaye Epps said the city should not extend service to properties that offer no clear tax benefit to Punta Gorda residents. Tim Ritchie warned about broader regional water pressures and urged conservation.
Council members discussed long‑standing policy: the council had not extended service area boundaries since 2006. After public comment and staff clarification that 565 of the 615 units would be within the existing area and the request concerned only the roughly 20‑acre portion, a council member moved to deny agenda item 3(a). The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.
The council’s action keeps the city’s utility boundary unchanged; Spencer said the city will continue to evaluate any requests under its ordinance and capacity rules, which consider water supply and first‑come, first‑served basis for new connections. The developer may pursue other water supply options or appeal to county authorities.
Ending: The council asked staff to continue monitoring regional water supply and to bring future extension requests back with additional analysis of capacity, impact fees and long‑term resource implications.
