The Clayton Town Council on Aug. 19 refused a developer request to allocate wastewater treatment capacity early in the planning process for Ramblewood Village.

Background: The applicant asked for an allocation tied to a previously approved rezoning that envisioned a mix of detached and attached homes (154 units total). Town staff told council the typical practice is to reserve allocations later in the approval cycle — when subdivision or site plans and building permits are closer at hand — because an allocation is valid for one year and the project is not yet at the stage where the allocation would be used. Staff recommended denial.

Applicant comment: Lee Lambert, the applicant, asked council to re‑approve an allocation and noted earlier interactions with staff in which he was encouraged to reapply; he also said the town’s new gravity line design is complete and funded. "Whatever y'all wanna do, I am content," Lambert said, asking the council to consider his project’s practical financing and marketing needs.

Council action: After discussion, council voted to deny Resolution 2025‑71, which would have granted the allocation. Councilmembers cited the town’s typical practice to avoid early allocation of capacity and the risk that the one‑year allocation would expire before building permits were sought. The motion to deny carried.

Next steps: The applicant may reapply for allocation when the project reaches a later phase — for example, when final plans or permit applications are submitted or when the town’s gravity line construction is complete — and the council retains discretion to grant allocations or extensions at that time.