Planning board approves language allowing wells or public water for Arya at Weddington subdivision

The planning board on Oct. 27 approved amended conditional-zoning language for CZ 2025-03 (the Arya at Weddington nine-lot subdivision) to allow the developer the option to use private wells or connect to public water. The motion to accept the planner’s proposed language was moved by Scott and passed by voice vote; no numerical roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.

Town planner Greg explained that the original conditional zoning had required public water lines as shown in Exhibit B, but after the ordinance was passed the applicant raised concerns about easement acquisition and cost for a water-line extension. "If this were 10 or more homes, staff would not recommend this request because you have an existing water line within a half mile," Greg said, noting that because the project is nine lots the ordinance does not strictly require public water connection. The proposed amendment would allow the exhibit to reference either public water lines or private wells.

An Arcadia Homes representative told the board there are already a few operational wells on the site, including one serving an existing house, so if the board allows private wells the developer would expect to drill roughly seven or eight additional wells. The applicant emphasized the group’s desire for flexibility while pursuing easements for possible public-water extension.

Board members discussed technical and safety considerations. Greg and others confirmed that public sanitary sewer would remain part of the project and that septic systems would be removed or abandoned in accordance with state and county requirements; the existing house would be connected to public sewer if public sewer is constructed. Board member Scott raised a fire-safety concern, noting that a decision against public water could mean there are no hydrants in the subdivision; he estimated the nearest hydrant would be roughly 1,400 feet from the site. The applicant and staff said private wells could supply domestic water and irrigation, and emergency water sources such as tanker trucks or pond drafting remain options if hydrants are not installed.

After discussion, Scott moved to accept the language presented by the planner; a second was offered and the board approved the motion by voice vote. The motion’s text was recorded as "accept the language as presented by the planner in our packets." The transcript does not identify the second by name or record a numerical vote.

Next steps: The amendment will proceed through any remaining administrative steps required by the conditional-zoning process and then to the town council for final action as needed. The board’s recommendation modifies only the conditional-zoning exhibit language; it does not change the approved lot layout, road or sewer conditions that remain as previously approved.