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Council amends CZ2025-03 to allow small subdivision option for well water
Summary
The Weddington Town Council unanimously amended zoning ordinance CZ2025-03 to permit a nine-lot subdivision the option to use well water rather than mandatory public water, the planner said the change corrects ordinance language to reflect existing UDO thresholds.
Weddington Town Council unanimously approved an amendment to CZ2025-03 on Dec. 8 to allow the applicant the option to use either domestic well water or Union County public water for a nine-lot subdivision.
Jeremy, representing Arcadia Homes, told the council the developer seeks flexibility because the cost to extend public water can threaten the financial viability of small developments. “We think for the financial viability of the community there’s quite possibly the need for to go with wellwater versus the public water,” Jeremy said, adding the company has built similar communities with wells and public sewer in the region.
Town planner Greg explained that the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) requires connection to public water for subdivisions of 10 or more lots; because this project is nine lots it does not trigger the mandatory connection. He characterized the council action as an amendment to correct the ordinance exhibit (Exhibit 2B) so it accurately reflected the allowable option rather than an exception or waiver. “This is saying that because they’re such a small subdivision … they are able to do [wells],” Greg said.
Council members asked clarifying questions about onsite wells for existing homes and whether the amendment constituted precedent for future projects; staff emphasized that the UDO threshold — not an ad hoc exception — governs the outcome.
The amendment was moved and approved unanimously.
What it means: the developer retains the option to install domestic wells for new homes in this nine‑lot subdivision, subject to all code and technical requirements for well siting, testing, and maintenance. Any future change to require public water would require a separate legislative change or when projects meet the UDO threshold for mandatory connection.
