Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission debates 15,000 sq. ft. minimum and engineered septic systems in subdivision rules
Summary
Commissioners discussed a proposed minimum lot size (15,000 sq. ft.) for subdivisions in unincorporated Saint Clair County, concerns about reliance on engineered/injection septic systems, grandfathering standards for in‑progress developments, and tools such as cash bonds to ensure maintenance and remedy of failures.
Commissioners spent significant time examining draft subdivision regulations and how to address modern, engineered septic systems. Chair (speaker 1) said the county must consider requirements that ensure long‑term functionality and avoid leaving the county to remediate failed systems. “If it fails, who fixes it?” the Chair asked, underscoring the central worry that state‑approved engineered systems with discharge permits might create future liabilities for the county and neighboring communities.
Several commissioners expressed support for a 15,000‑square‑foot minimum lot size as a baseline that would allow conventional septic systems in most cases; they discussed grandfathering criteria for projects already underway, and whether to accept proof of money spent as the basis for grandfathering. Kirk Walker, the county attorney, and staff agreed the draft regs should include clear grandfathering language, proof‑of‑expenditure thresholds and possible bonding or maintenance requirements so the county would not face open‑ended remediation obligations. Commissioners also discussed how cumulative discharge permits for engineered systems could affect future municipal sewer expansions.
Next steps: staff and county legal counsel will continue drafting the regulations; the commission indicated willingness to pursue a work session with attorneys and bring a formal subdivision‑regulation package forward after addressing environmental and septic maintenance language.
