School addition seeks septic and well to avoid half‑million‑dollar municipal hook‑up costs

Victory Christian Academy presented an informal request April 23 to use an on-site septic system and well for a proposed classroom addition, citing large costs to connect to municipal utilities.

Kevin Coroz of McMahon Associates told the committee the nearest water connection would cost “roughly just over half $1,000,000” and the nearest sewer connection “just under half $1,000,000” (as stated on the submitted cost-opinion sheets). Coroz said a new septic to serve the addition and to upgrade existing systems is valued at roughly $91,000. He said the property currently has an existing well and septic system in use.

Staff clarified the April 23 meeting was informal and said engineering/stormwater review would take place when a formal package is submitted. Soils consultant Tanya Coleman said borings were performed in undisturbed soils and that the state had approved the borings and system specifications; the county will issue permitting after state review and inspect installation.

Committee members urged the applicant to coordinate with the local fire chief about fire suppression and water-supply/fire-flow planning because wells typically lack the fire flow available from municipal water. Staff also asked the applicant to ensure calculations for required parking are shown on the final site plan (the applicant’s sheet reported 72 spaces).

The item will proceed to the Board of Zoning Appeals on the special schedule and to further county review once formal submittals are provided.