Council approves extraterritorial sewer referral for LifeBridge Church; church moves off septic to serve current building

Longmont City Council voted Oct. 14 to direct staff to process an application referral for extraterritorial sewer service for LifeBridge Church, 10345 Ute Highway, after the county signaled the church’s existing septic system is not sized to support its building permit.

Christopher (assistant director of Water and Waste), explained the church currently uses a septic tank and drainfield and is seeking access to city sewer to meet county requirements for internal building work. Councilors asked whether the request implied a pathway to annexation. Christopher said the recorded agreement includes a clause that, if the property later becomes eligible and the city requests annexation, the owner would agree to annex; there is no requirement to annex at this time.

Council discussion included concerns that extraterritorial hook-ups could be used as a backdoor to eventual development without a concept plan. Councilor McCoy said he would not support the referral, citing concerns about potential annexation and precedent. Councilor Popkin asked whether the connection would mean the church pays city wastewater rates; staff confirmed the church would pay city wastewater rates as an extraterritorial customer.

Councilor McCoy cast the lone dissenting vote and the referral motion passed 6–1. The action directs staff to process the application and return appropriate agreements and conditions for council consideration; it does not itself complete a sewer connection or annexation.