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Lake County board votes to advertise countywide on‑site wastewater system ordinance amid affordability concerns
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners approved advertising an ordinance to require advanced/onsite wastewater systems countywide; builders and industry groups urged delay and exemptions for low‑income and retrofit cases.
Lake County Commissioners on June 24 voted to advertise a proposed ordinance that would require advanced on‑site wastewater treatment systems (OSTDS) or county distributed wastewater treatment systems (DWTS) in areas covered by Basin Management Action Plans and more broadly across the unincorporated county.
The measure, which the board authorized for advertisement by unanimous voice vote, would set technical and permitting changes and enable the county to use its DWTS program for some installations. “This cost increase is about $13,500 per home,” Adam Edgen, representing the Home Builders Association of Lake and Sumter Counties, told commissioners during public comment, urging a postponement until state permitting transitions are complete.
The ordinance is being proposed in the context of state changes and long‑running water‑quality goals. Colleen Ernst, an adviser for county hospitals earlier in the meeting, said state and federal rules have been evolving; during the OSTDS discussion staff described a concurrent transfer of some permitting authority from the Florida Department of Health to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Commissioners and staff described grant programs and a county‑run DWTS utility used to retrofit existing failing systems.
Why it matters: County staff said tens of thousands of septic systems contribute nitrogen to impaired water bodies and that retrofitting an estimated 8,000–9,000 existing systems could be required to meet pollutant‑reduction goals. Commissioners and industry representatives debated timing, affordability and hardship protections for fixed‑income residents.
What commissioners heard and decided: Adam Edgen summarized the Home Builders Association’s analysis, saying the countywide requirement would impose large costs on new construction and existing homeowners and urged the county to let the state finish its permitting transition. Jeff Earhart, Engineering Director, explained the county’s DWTS program and that grants have been used to cover retrofit costs for qualifying households; staff said a wait list currently exists but that additional grant funds are anticipated. Commissioner discussion focused on hardship provisions, phased implementation and whether the ordinance should apply only in BMAP areas or countywide.
The board voted to advertise the ordinance for future public hearing. Commissioners and staff asked for possible ordinance language to address rollout timing, hardship exemptions and targeted coverage; one suggestion was a delayed effective date (for example, six months after adoption) to allow time for outreach and program administration.
Funding and cost details: Staff said retrofits typically cost $13,000–$22,000 depending on system type and site conditions; county DWTS retrofits have been funded through grants and a non‑ad valorem assessment/utility fee that covers operating and reserve costs for on‑site systems. Staff noted existing grants and a recent $1 million Water Authority contribution and ARPA match that together provide about $2 million for retrofit work and that additional grant applications are underway.
Next steps: The board’s action was to advertise the ordinance and return for a public hearing where commissioners will consider the ordinance language, potential phased dates, hardship exemptions and program details. Staff said more detailed language and fiscal impacts will be provided ahead of that hearing.
