Commission approves sewer-connection waiver request after applicant cites $275,000 cost to tie into public sewer

The Planning Commission approved a waiver application to allow a new sewer connection beyond the city’s 500-foot requirement after the property owner and applicant presented cost estimates for running public sewer to their site.

The owner, Louis Miermont, said a contractor’s estimate to bring gravity sewer to serve three buildable lots would run roughly $275,000 and could require boring under a public road and temporary road closures. He said one of the four parent lots would remain as non‑buildable green space. Miermont told the commission he initially sought multiple quotes and could supply copies of the estimate.

Planning staff characterized the engineering and construction process as complex and costly and confirmed the waiver is for a back‑connection to public sewer for the property on Frenchtown Road, approximately 15215 Frenchtown Road. Staff also noted a typographical error in the agenda materials (case number in the packet) and clarified the correct docket number for the waiver.

Commissioners discussed precedent, comparing a 2019 subdivision a short distance away where private septic systems were allowed. Several commissioners said they understand the hardship argument when infrastructure would be prohibitively expensive for a private landowner, and recognized the distinction between a waiver (administrative relief tied to specific criteria) and a variance. One commissioner said the city should not be expected to pay for bringing sewer lines to private development in all cases, but acknowledged the equity question for individual landowners who purchased large tracts prior to city sewer expansion.

A motion to approve the waiver carried on roll-call after discussion of costs (estimating $80–$100 per foot in ordinary conditions) and precedent. Commissioners recorded their votes in favor and noted the applicant’s option to pursue further Council action if desired. The commission’s approval allows the property owner to connect to public sewer beyond 500 feet under the terms discussed and with the conditions the commission and staff outlined.

Commissioners asked staff to note that a waiver is not a variance and does not require demonstrating a non-monetary hardship; staff confirmed that monetary hardship can be considered for a waiver. The approval does not commit city funds to build the line; it allows the administrative waiver and the applicant to proceed with the connection under the conditions discussed.