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Planning commission approves ordinance to let lift stations serve smaller parcels to speed housing
Summary
The commission approved an ordinance lowering the minimum acreage for temporary pump (lift) stations from 500 to 150 acres, adds density and affordable-lot provisions, and requires developer-funded capital with user service fees; vote was 7-0.
Lincoln — The Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission on Oct. 15 approved an ordinance amending municipal code chapters 26 and 27 to update the city’s temporary pump-station (lift station) policy, a change staff says will allow some housing projects to proceed earlier than waiting for gravity sewer infrastructure.
David Carey, director of Planning and Development Services, told the commission the existing policy “is very unusable” and staff drafted an ordinance to make the policy “a much more usable policy” to accelerate housing development in appropriate locations. Planning staff recommended approval.
Steve Dush, Planning Development Services, outlined the ordinance’s key provisions: it would lower the minimum assemblage requirement from 500 acres to a minimum of 150 acres; require developers to demonstrate with engineering that downstream gravity-sewer capacity remains available for existing or planned users; require an average density of 5 dwelling units per acre across a project; require 10% of single-family lots to be 4,000 square feet or smaller; and allow accessory dwelling units by right. Dush said capital costs for pumps and force mains would be borne by the development and ongoing service provided through a chapter 17 service fee.
Supporters, including Dene Kalkowski representing the applicant Madadol LLC and Anne Post for the Homeowners Association of Lincoln, said the change would unlock specific projects and expand opportunities for housing while retaining protections for the city. Neutral testimony from developer Mark Hunsicker urged further flexibility, arguing “A 150 acres is way too big” for many feasible developments and questioning how small-lot and ADU requirements relate to the lift-station policy.
Commissioners asked whether exceptions or phased approaches could accommodate smaller, initial phases of projects. Staff responded the ordinance reduces the threshold and that the city could work with applicants on phased development tied to available downstream capacity. Several commissioners called the ordinance a first step likely to be adjusted over time.
Commissioner Campbell moved approval and the measure passed by roll call, 7-0. The ordinance will proceed according to city processes for adoption and any implementing code language for chapter 17 service fees.
The commission characterized the vote as the start of a broader set of code and policy discussions to expand housing options; staff said it expects further feedback from builders and may revisit details after using the new ordinance in practice.
