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Planning commission defers text amendment requiring county facilities to connect to nearby water/sewer lines
Summary
The Planning Commission deferred a proposed text amendment that would require county-owned facilities within 300 feet of public water or sewer to connect, asking staff to revise language to exempt irrigation and clarify whether functioning systems must immediately be abandoned.
The Calvert County Planning Commission on May 21 deferred action on a Department of Public Works proposal to amend the Water & Sewer element of the comprehensive plan to require county‑owned facilities within 300 feet of public water or sewer lines to connect to the system.
James Rehrer, deputy director for Public Works, told the commission the amendment (Case 25‑01) aims to promote efficient use of infrastructure and reduce reliance on private wells and septic systems. "By mandating connection to available public water and sewer services within 300 feet, the county can improve public health and environmental protection," Rehrer said.
Commissioners pressed staff for details about how many properties would be affected and whether the text would force abandonment of fully functioning private systems. Rehrer replied that none are currently affected under the proposed language but acknowledged that at least one park bathroom and related facilities are within 300 feet of lines and that the policy as drafted could be read to require connection when service becomes available or if systems fail.
Commissioners repeatedly requested explicit language exempting irrigation systems from mandatory tie‑in. Rehrer noted irrigation systems typically receive an MDE non‑potable exemption and said staff would draft clearer language. One commissioner summarized the concern: the text should not obligate the county to spend taxpayer dollars to abandon a fully functional septic or well system.
Given the outstanding wording issues, a commissioner moved to defer the amendment, leave the record open, and ask staff to address two concerns: (1) whether the 300‑foot mandatory tie‑in should be conditioned on failing or failing/functional systems, and (2) explicitly exempt irrigation systems. The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Commissioners directed Public Works to work with counsel to return with revised wording for a future meeting.
The deferral leaves the proposed amendment under review and gives staff direction to reconcile the policy’s intended environmental benefits with practical implementation and fiscal concerns.
