Council approves sewer extension agreement for Trailside Apartments, adds condition for downstream capacity upgrades

Gig Harbor City Council voted to approve Resolution 13-49, adopting a utility extension agreement to serve the Trailside Apartments development and increasing the previously authorized sewer allocation from 112 equivalent residential units (ERUs) to 121.

Public works director Jeff Langham told the council the city's wastewater treatment plant has capacity to serve the urban growth area but identified a potential constraint on a downstream sewer main on Burnham Drive. Langham said the agreement requires the developer to pay a pro rata share of construction costs if the project is found to exceed that segment's capacity. "The request for you tonight actually is simply increasing the previously approved 112 ERUs to 121," Langham said.

Langham explained the city may provide sewer service outside city limits under state and city code and emphasized that the council's decision should consider only impacts to the city's sewer system. He said planning review for land-use aspects is handled by Pierce County and that approvals should not address non-sewer impacts.

A council member clarified that properties served by extensions outside the city pay higher connection fees; Langham confirmed out-of-city fees are set at 150% of the in-city rate and that the developer has agreed to the pro rata payment requirement.

Council member Stone moved to approve Resolution 13-49; Council member Martin seconded. The motion passed by voice vote.

No additional staff reports were presented following the vote. The agreement now authorizes the utility extension on the terms discussed; any required capital work on the downstream main would be identified and apportioned if subsequent capacity analysis shows upgrades are necessary.