Durham Council Approves Water Connection for Pine View Property, Rejects Full Annexation for Now

Durham City Council authorized a utility extension agreement (UEA) to allow a water connection at 3600 Pine View Circle but did not complete full annexation. The motion to authorize the city manager to enter into the UEA passed 6-0.

Applicant Gurdeep Sidhu told council the family wants a second water meter to build a second house on the 1.88-acre lot next to a son’s home and that a recorded UEA requires the applicant to bear the costs of extension. "I respectfully petition for your recommendation of approval," Sidhu said, noting the parcel is already surrounded by city water lines in the neighborhood.

Council members raised a budget and service‑delivery question after staff provided a cost‑benefit analysis showing negative net impacts in some years because of additional service costs (for example, solid-waste routing). Multiple council members said they were uncomfortable approving annexation without further detail on long‑term city service costs, but supported authorizing the water connection alone. Staff and the planning director confirmed council can approve a standalone utility extension agreement in lieu of annexation in this case; the clerk then called a roll‑call vote and the UEA authorization passed 6-0.

Mayor Williams noted the applicant’s gratitude after the vote. The authorization allows the owner to request the water connection while leaving annexation and zoning matters unapproved; any future annexation would require a separate council vote and consistency statement.