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Planning workshop flags septic-permit language; board asks staff to confirm A2 equivalency with county improvement permits
Summary
During the Nov. 6 Weddington planning workshop members raised that third‑party A2 septic permits (engineer/soil‑scientist sealed approvals) are frequently used and asked staff to confirm whether the UDO should accept an "improvement permit or equivalent A2 approval" to avoid permitting delays; staff to follow up with county and report back.
At the same workshop, members discussed Appendix 2B septic requirements and developer practice regarding county improvement permits and third‑party A2 engineering approvals. The group heard that developers commonly obtain A2‑level engineering permits from licensed soil scientists or engineers, which are typically submitted to and accepted by the county for issuing the formal improvement permit.
A participant summarized that county improvement permits are the permit the UDO currently references, but third‑party A2 permits are effectively equivalent in many cases and speed review. The board asked staff to confirm with county officials whether an A2 (third‑party) approval is consistently accepted before the UDO is revised. If county practice shows A2 submissions are reliably accepted, the UDO language could be revised to allow "improvement permit or equivalent A2 approval" to reduce developer delay while maintaining review standards.
Members emphasized two guardrails: the town must require county acceptance as the ultimate check, and applicants should understand the exact submittal the town will accept to avoid rework. Staff will invite county/soil‑scientist representatives (or summarize county practice) for council-level discussion if the council wants to consider a text amendment.
Ending: Staff to check whether the county accepts A2 third‑party approvals as equivalent and report findings to the planning board and council.
