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Fairhope staff propose fixed sewer service territory, council tentatively backs two-units-per-acre limit outside city
Summary
City staff introduced an ordinance that would define a finite sewer service territory, stop new sewer connections outside that territory, and limit density outside city limits to two units per acre; council asked clarifying questions and supported posting a proposed territory map for public review.
City staff presented a proposed ordinance to define a service territory for the Fairhope sanitary sewer system, repeal two prior resolutions (4950-23 and 4986-24), and restrict new connections and availability letters outside the territory.
Staff explained the proposal would require developers outside contiguous corporate limits to annex to receive sewer service in order to match the water ordinance, while properties within the defined territory but not contiguous to the city could face a units-per-acre limit (staff proposed two or three units per acre) to limit demand on treatment capacity. "Outside of the proposed territory there would not be allowed any new connections or new availability letters," staff said, adding the city would continue to serve existing customers.
Council and staff discussed exceptions for developments that align with long-range planning and the importance of not guaranteeing availability solely by being inside the proposed territory: availability letters would still depend on capacity or on a developer funding necessary infrastructure. Staff recommended the territory be relatively fixed and cautioned changes would be infrequent but possible if capacity changes.
Several council members described the proposed territory as "generous" and expressed support for two units per acre outside the city limits. Staff said they would post a draft map of the proposed territory on the city website for public information after council's agreement to do so; the ordinance itself would not be effective until it is adopted, published and becomes law. No final ordinance vote occurred at the work session.
Next steps: staff will post the proposed territory map for public review and return to council for formal introduction/consideration (two-week layover and required publication before the ordinance can take effect).
