Council briefed on EMA Short Plat utility-extension request; staff to bring agreement to next council meeting

City staff briefed the Gig Harbor City Council on Jan. 30 about a proposed utility-extension agreement for the EMA Short Plat, a private development in the urban growth area that would connect to the city's sewer system outside current city limits.

Public Works staff said the city sometimes allows sewer utility extensions into the Urban Growth Area (UGA) where state law and city code allow it. Jeff, the public works director, said the wastewater treatment plant was originally sized to serve the fully built-out city and UGA; since some UGA areas were removed from the previous plan, the plant currently has available capacity. The developer proposes to connect to the gravity sewer in the Skansy area and pump flow to Lift Station 21 and the treatment plant if the council approves the extension agreement.

Staff said impact fees for transportation and schools would be collected by Pierce County and the local school district; the city would collect sewer impact fees. Staff noted the county code and county health department restrictions could limit the number of homes the developer can place on individual lots if they remain on septic. Council members asked whether the city could use the extension to incentivize annexation; staff said reduced city sewer rates and facility charges could be an incentive but the city cannot force annexation.

Staff noted the comprehensive plan and capital facilities plan will need to account for any increased sewer commitments and that the city could decline or postpone utility-extension agreements if capacity or policy constraints exist. The director said staff would bring the proposed agreement back to the council at the next regular meeting for formal action.

No formal vote was taken at the study session; staff sought council direction and signaled they would return with an agreement for council consideration.