Trappe council pauses Lakeside building permits over water-capacity concerns

The Trappe Town Council voted unanimously on April 2, 2025 to halt issuance of building permits for new structures in the Lakeside development amid concerns that the town water system is approaching capacity.

Commissioner Michael Sullivan moved “to cease issuing building permits for new structures in Lakeside until the Town is able to confirm that there is adequate water capacity because they are in the process of constructing the water facilities that are necessary.” President Schmidt seconded the motion; the vote was 5–0 in favor. The council recorded that the Town Engineer issued a letter to the developer in April 2024 and has not received a response.

Town Engineer Katherine McAllister and President Schmidt warned that continued permit approvals could outpace available water infrastructure. The action places a temporary procedural hold on permitting in the Lakeside area until the town verifies additional water capacity or the developer demonstrates progress on required facilities. The council did not specify a timeline for lifting the hold or additional conditions that must be met before permits resume.

Next steps: the council’s directive requires staff and the Town Engineer to confirm capacity and report back; no vote was taken to require a specific upgrade or funding source at this meeting.