West Chester council adopts one-year Goose Creek sewer connection policy limiting new allocations to 20 EDUs

The Public Works Committee considered and approved a one-year connection management policy for the Goose Creek restricted area that places a temporary limit on new sewer connections while the borough advances its phased infrastructure plan.

"We are permitted to allow up to 20 equivalent dwelling units for the next year in that area," wastewater director Sean Mitchell told the committee, describing the policy and the reservation process. The policy includes a map of the restricted area and rules that cap per-parcel requests (Mitchell said owners "may request reservations of up to a total of 3" but the committee discussed limiting most to 1 to preserve capacity for multiple owners).

Under the policy, reservations are requested in writing by postage-paid, signed return application, will remain in effect for one year from the reservation date, and may be extended only if the owner begins paying sewer rental rates during the reservation period. In the event of cancellation, the policy states the owner will not get their tap fee back unless they voluntarily relinquish the reservation.

Committee discussion clarified the policy is intended to be temporary and tied to a phased construction plan; phase 2 and phase 3 elements (including a possible pump station) would expand capacity later. The policy will be reexamined next year with the potential to increase allocations after phase 1 work completes.

The committee recorded a 3–0 approval on the policy at the meeting and directed staff to bring the implementing resolution to council for formal adoption.