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Commission debates subdivision minimums and risks of engineered septic systems as development grows
Summary
Commissioners discussed proposed updates to subdivision regulations, including a recommended minimum lot size (about 15,000 sq ft), grandfathering of in‑progress projects, risks of engineered injection/tankless septic systems, and potential cash bonds or other remedies to ensure long‑term maintenance and remediation.
Saint Clair County commissioners spent substantial time at the May 21 work session debating proposed changes to subdivision regulations and how to limit future problems from engineered sewage systems.
Chair and other commissioners argued that a 15,000‑square‑foot minimum lot size would allow traditional, proven septic systems rather than engineered injection systems that require pumps, filters and ongoing maintenance. “If it fails, who fixes it? If it fails, who does it affect and what's the remediation?” the chair asked, describing a gap county officials have encountered when maintenance or discharge permits fail and costs fall to nearby residents or the county.
Commissioners discussed grandfathering for developers who already spent money on projects, with suggestions to require evidence of documented expenditures as part of any grandfathering exception. Several members raised the possibility of requiring cash bonds or other financial guarantees to provide a remediation pool if engineered systems fail in future years.
County attorney Kirk Walker and staff said they will meet with interested parties (including developers and home‑builders representatives) to refine regulatory language and exceptions. Commissioners indicated they want clear drainage‑based criteria (curb and gutter, valley gutters, riprap on steep slopes) tied to density thresholds rather than purely aesthetic rules.
Next steps: staff, the county attorney and interested stakeholders will meet in early June to work on draft regulations and clarifications; commissioners signaled intent to consider a version with a 15,000‑square‑foot baseline and specific grandfathering rules, and to return the proposal for further review and a future vote.
