Agenda - 06-03-1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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r 35 disposal systems and individual wells have important consequences for an agricultural area. As a general rule, when public sewer service is provided, the development of that land area for urban purposes is almost assured. Likewise, on -site sewage disposal systems commonly become inoperative or produce health hazards after a period of time, especially when the development utilizing these systems is on closely spaced lots. Public sewer service must then be built out to these developments. The availability of sewer for the intervening farm land commits that land to eventual additional development. While public sewer can accommodate greater increases in density, the availability of public water can create similar results. Where such service is available, maintaining a minimum distance of 100 feet between a well and septic tank/ nitrification field is not essential, and density increases of as much as 25 -30 percent can result. Just as sewage disposal systems can experience problems, groundwater contamination or depletion can result in the extension of public water service to correct such situations. Distance to Public Water Sewer Service Points Service more than 1.50 -1.99 miles 1.00 -1.49 miles 0.5 -0.99 miles 2.0 miles from site Service within 0.5 miles of site 10.0 7.5 5.0 2.5 0.0 Assigning points based on the distance of a farm from public water and sewer service is complicated by the grange County Water and Sewer _Policy. That policy generally limits public water and sewer extensions to designated urban growth.areas except to provide service in an emergency situation; e.g., failing septic systems, or to an essential public service such as a school. Extensions may be sized according to the policies of the utility provider, but development must occur at permitted zoning densities. However, even if densities are not increased, the potential for rural subdivision development is greatly enhanced by the availability of such services. Thus, distance from public water and sewer service does become a factor in the conversion of agricultural land to nonfarm purposes.. The points assigned above and the distances associated with each were based on actual or contemplated extensions of public water and /or sewer service to rural developments. The highest number of points (10) were awarded to farms located more than one and one -half miles from existing service. No points were given to farms where service already existed at or was within one -half mile of the site. The developments considered in deriving the points system included Oak Rise Subdivision (0.5 miles), Woods Edge Mobile Home Park (0.75 miles), and University Station (1.75 miles). Lines to which property owners could not connect were not considered in awarding points.