Council asks developer to return after discussion of water and sewer service outside city limits

Council reviewed a formal request from Trustwise Equity seeking city water and sanitary sewer service for a 6.638‑acre parcel in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) at the northwest corner of Baymoor Road and Stella Road.

City planning staff said the county is nearly finished constructing a 16‑inch water line on Stella Road and that water service to the parcel would require an extension of that line along Baymoor; a sanitary sewer extension would require a sanitary sewer easement from Fort Bend County. Rigo told the council: “Section 29‑31 of the code of ordinance requires city council to approve any request for water and and sewer outside the city limits.” The staff recommendation noted the developer did not want to petition for voluntary annexation.

Council members repeatedly asked why the developer preferred to remain in the ETJ rather than annex into Rosenberg, and whether there would be any ongoing maintenance obligations for the city. Staff replied the developer would be responsible for the costs of water and sewer extensions, permits and tap/impact fees, and said the city would need to work with Fort Bend County on easements. Councilmembers asked that the developer attend a future council meeting to answer questions about the project, the business plan and whether annexation would be possible.

The council moved to defer final action and invited the developer to return to explain the reasons for remaining in the ETJ and to provide additional details; staff will schedule the developer to appear at the next available agenda or a workshop.