Council directs Harringtons to remedy detached-garage sewer connection; Planning Commission cites Fairfax County sewer policy

The Clifton Town Council voted Aug. 4 to send a letter giving Mona and Mark Harrington 30 days to remedy an apparent sewer-connection issue at a detached garage built on adjacent Lot 42. The motion, made by Councilmember Steve Effros and seconded by Councilmember Darrell Poe, passed by roll-call.

The Planning Commission reported that Fairfax County records show a final permit for “Install Plumbing /Rough In for Detached Garage” and that the auxiliary building sewer appears connected to the main building’s sewer lateral. The Commission noted the Town’s adopted County Sewer Policy (approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 1991), which states that auxiliary buildings may be connected to a main building’s sewer lateral only when the auxiliary and main buildings are on the same lot and the total plumbing fixture count does not exceed specified limits.

The minutes quote the Policy language: "If all other requirements of law are met ... auxiliary buildings on lots with an existing sewer connection may be connected to the main building’s sewer lateral ... if both the auxiliary and main buildings are on the same lot." The Planning Commission asked the Town and County to coordinate an interpretation that will ensure consistent handling of similar cases.

Council accepted the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve the final use permit for the Harringtons’ shed but directed staff to notify the property owners and request correction (lot consolidation or other remedy) within 30 days. Council members indicated the simplest compliance path would be to consolidate the lots; failure to remedy may trigger County enforcement.

The Council’s action is administrative and directed follow-up with the property owners and Fairfax County to determine whether the current condition complies with the County Sewer Policy or requires permit or land-records changes.