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Windsor council forwards proposed subdivision rule changes to allow limited septic systems
Summary
Council voted unanimously to send proposed revisions to Subdivision Ordinance Sec. 160-84.a to the Planning Commission; the amendments would permit septic systems on certain lots of record and require Conditional Use Permits for larger subdivisions, in part because county sewer capacity is limited.
The Windsor Town Council voted Dec. 9 to forward proposed revisions to the town’s Subdivision Ordinance (Sec. 160-84.a) to the Planning Commission for review, a step that would allow private septic systems under defined conditions if the Planning Commission and council later approve the change.
Interim Planning & Zoning Administrator Maxie Brown presented the amendments, which are intended to balance flexibility for development with limits on large-scale septic use. Under the draft language presented: septic tanks would be allowed on existing lots of record created for single-family dwellings where sanitary sewer is not available; subdivisions of fewer than 15 lots with a minimum lot size of 1 acre would be eligible to use septic systems; subdivisions of more than 15 lots with the same minimum lot size would be required to obtain a Conditional Use Permit under Section 160-43. All private onsite septic tanks and drain fields would have to be sited outside wetlands, floodplains and resource protection areas (RPAs).
Town Manager William G. Saunders IV told council the change is meant to prevent large subdivisions from relying on septic systems in lieu of required infrastructure — the CUP requirement gives staff and council a tool to review extenuating circumstances, particularly where lots are far from existing force mains. Saunders also noted that County sewer is at capacity in some areas, and the proposed language would provide a path for previously approved developments that cannot now connect to county sewer to seek CUP approval and Health Department septic clearance. Town Attorney Fred Taylor said the CUP approach gives the Town flexibility to approve or deny specific requests.
Councilman Marlin Sharp moved to submit the proposed revisions to the Planning Commission; Councilman Walter Bernacki seconded and council approved the motion unanimously (motion #5). The Planning Commission will review the draft at its January meeting before any final council action.
