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Commission debates subdivision rules and septic system risks; several members back 15,000‑sq‑ft minimum
Summary
St. Clair County attorneys and commissioners discussed proposed subdivision regulation changes May 21, including a likely 15,000 sq ft minimum lot size, concerns about engineered 'injection' septic systems and long‑term maintenance, and proposals for cash bonds or proof of developer expenditures before grandfathering existing projects.
County Attorney Kurt Walker led a detailed discussion of proposed revisions to the county's subdivision regulations and related policy issues at the May 21 work session.
Walker outlined several personnel‑manual items first, then the conversation moved into subdivision rules and septic permitting. Commissioners expressed concern that modern engineered or injection‑style septic systems can fail and impose long‑term maintenance obligations the county may ultimately confront. Multiple commissioners advocated a minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet (usable area) as a threshold that would reduce reliance on complex engineered systems; one commissioner said a larger lot size increases the chance of installing a standard septic system rather than an engineered injection system.
The group also discussed grandfathering rules for projects already underway and suggested requiring documented proof of money expended (e.g., a cash bond or invoice documentation) before a project could be exempted from new standards. Commissioners discussed using cash bonds to guarantee remediation if a private engineered system fails. Concerns were raised about the independence and long‑term accountability of engineers and installers on private systems. Kurt said staff will convene a meeting with developers' attorneys and interested parties in early June to resolve legal questions before posting a formal subdivision work session for public review.
No regulation was adopted at the work session; commissioners agreed to a lawyer‑to‑lawyer meeting and further drafting work. Several members signaled support for returning to a 15,000‑sq‑ft minimum as the draft progresses.
