Charlotte County Board approves pump‑and‑haul ordinance for properties that fail to perk

At its Oct. 8 meeting, the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to adopt a Pump & Haul Ordinance intended to provide a wastewater disposal option for properties where soil conditions prevent conventional septic systems.

Deputy County Administrator Margaret Ann Elder presented the ordinance during a public hearing, telling the board the measure is meant to address parcels that "will not perk" and therefore cannot practicably install standard well/septic systems. Vice‑Chair Hazel Bowman Smith asked about the draft’s requirement for a letter of credit or escrow; Elder said those financial‑guarantee terms are comparable to other localities and will be set by county administration on a case‑by‑case basis. She also said that if land later percolates, the health department would require owners to install a conventional well and septic system and the pump‑and‑haul solution would no longer apply.

There were no public comments at the hearing. Derek Toombs moved to approve the ordinance; Vice‑Chair Smith seconded and the motion carried on a roll call with all seven supervisors voting in favor.

The ordinance gives county staff and the health department discretion to determine eligibility and any escrow or letter‑of‑credit requirements. The board did not adopt an ordinance number or publish specific escrow amounts during the meeting; Elder said those details will be determined administratively.

The board’s approval takes effect according to the ordinance language and the board’s administrative procedures; staff will implement the local application and financial‑guarantee processes described at the hearing.