Fire chief warns commissioners that Spillman Road subdivision poses fire-safety risks

Fire Chief Todd Naylor told the Davie County Board of Commissioners that a proposed class‑3 subdivision on Spillman Road could endanger residents and first responders because the site lacks public water and places homes close together. "This type of high density development should not be allowed in RA zone districts that do not provide for public water supply," Naylor said, describing 40 lots where homes would rely on individual wells and where the nearest hydrant is almost a mile away.

Naylor, speaking during the public‑comment period, said recent subdivision ordinance changes increased minimum lot size but reduced a minimum width requirement from 100 feet to 80 feet, allowing houses to be built as little as 30 feet apart at the building lines. He warned that narrower lots and only one entrance create conditions that increase required fire flow and make tanker‑shuttle operations difficult. He requested three changes: require local fire chiefs to be part of the Technical Review Committee (TRC) for such developments, restore a 100‑foot minimum lot width, and avoid approving high‑density subdivisions in areas without public water.

County planning staff responded that the fire marshal is already represented at TRC meetings and that the newly adopted subdivision ordinance sets a 40,000‑square‑foot minimum and an 80‑foot minimum width across the board. "If you've seen fit to change the ordinance, we can change the ordinance," said the planning representative, noting that developers may choose to provide public water, drill a community well, or have individual wells and that current approvals require the developer to show wells meet separation and health requirements.

Commissioners said Naylor raised valid safety concerns and agreed to put the item on a future agenda for more detailed discussion. The board did not take formal action on an ordinance change at the meeting; planning staff said any change would require a public hearing and follow the county's ordinance amendment process. The planning representative also noted that developments that meet the existing ordinance are "permitted by right" and follow the old rules until any new ordinance takes effect.

The discussion clarified that, under current procedure, utilities and public‑water hookups are not universally mandated as part of subdivision approval; developers must demonstrate compliant water sources and septic separation distances. Commissioners asked staff to explore options and said they would engage with utilities, the fire marshal and local chiefs as part of any ordinance review.