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Committee backs waiver program to reduce vacant‑lot connection cost for Howardville homeowners
Summary
The committee recommended a program to waive a county connection fee for vacant parcels in the Howardville community by placing a deed of trust for a forgivable note; the note would be $16,300 with 10 percent forgiven each year the owner retains the property.
Staff presented a staff‑initiated item proposing a connection fee waiver program for vacant parcels in the Howardville community and the committee recommended the program to the Board April 8.
Scott Finchem (project staff) summarized long‑running county work to address inadequate wastewater systems in Howardville. Staff said the county completed a wastewater collection system for existing homes in 2022, and Loudoun Water later moved into design to complete the treatment and low‑pressure on‑site equipment. Staff said capital improvement funds were previously used to design and construct the Howardville wastewater project to address public health needs for occupied parcels; vacant lots were not historically treated as mitigation for public health risks and therefore had not been subsidized.
To reduce a cost barrier for vacant parcel owners who want to build and connect, staff proposed a targeted waiver program: a vacant‑lot owner who seeks a connection would grant the county a deed of trust securing a forgivable note in the amount of $16,300. The note would forgive 10 percent of the secured amount each year the owner retains ownership; if ownership changed, the lien would remain until the note conditions were satisfied or paid. Staff estimated the overall cost to connect a vacant lot — including contractor connection construction — would be roughly $30,000 to $35,000 (estimate does not include private contractor variances). Staff said Howardville is a small community (about 14 parcels) and that encouraging connections would improve system efficiency and community revitalization.
Supervisor Briskman moved the committee recommendation to authorize staff to establish the waiver program; Supervisor Letourneau seconded. The committee recommended the proposal to the Board 5–0.
Staff said they will work with the county attorney’s office to finalize program documents and record the deed of trust and forgivable note structure if the Board approves the program.
