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Board approves Liberty Ridge amendment to allow remaining lots to connect to JCSA system
Summary
The Board amended SUP 2323 to allow remaining unplatted but preliminarily approved lots at Liberty Ridge to connect the subdivision’s central well to the JCSA public system, effectively authorizing water connections outside the primary service area for this unique, legislatively reinstated preliminary approval.
The Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to SUP 2323 to permit the Liberty Ridge subdivision’s remaining unplatted lots to connect their existing central well—and the development’s central system—to the James City Service Authority (JCSA) distribution system.
Roberta Suloff (staff) explained the unusual procedural history: Liberty Ridge received a preliminary subdivision approval in February 2006 that allowed platting of lots through ministerial processes. That preliminary approval lapsed in 2020 but was reinstated by a General Assembly budget provision that extended preliminary approvals that had expired during a specific window. The developer now contends the reinstated preliminary approval vests the right to plat 75 unplatted lots within the previously approved plan area.
JCSA previously obtained an SUP to interconnect the development’s central well system to the public JCSA system with a board condition limiting connections to platted lots at the time. Staff recommended approval of this specific amendment despite its implications for connections outside the county’s primary service area, saying the amendment is narrowly tailored to allow the subdivision to conform to its reinstated preliminary approval and zoning requirements.
Applicant representative Vernon Getty told the board the developer has development plans under review, has posted a bond and intends to build infrastructure up to the connection point. Supporters noted the amendment would bring 75 additional rate-paying customers to JCSA and provide redundancy and efficiency. Supervisors questioned whether a small, noncontiguous parcel near Jolly Pond Lake was included; staff and the applicant clarified it is excluded from the amendment and would require a separate process. After discussion, the Board approved the SUP amendment on a unanimous roll call.
