TITLE: Title
Discussion of Watersheds in Relation to Water and Sewer Service and Town Zoning Boundaries
PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is to provide information on the boundaries of the Bolin, Morgan, and University Lake watersheds that provide the framework for water and sewer services areas and Town zoning districts within the Town’s jurisdiction.
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DEPARTMENT: Planning
CONTACT INFORMATION: Trish McGuire, pmcguire@townofcarrboro.org <mailto:pmcguire@townofcarrboro.org>, 919-918-7327
INFORMATION: This item has been developed in response to a request from members of the Board of Aldermen following consideration of amendments to the Water and Sewer Management, Planning, and Boundary Agreement. Possible changes to the boundary have been suggested where the watershed edges shift eastward and westward of the roadways that establish the principal water and sewer service and zoning boundaries.
A map showing the watershed boundaries in relation to Town zoning and the water and sewer service areas is attached (Attachment A). The operational effect of the boundary is that properties within the University Lake watershed are not included in the primary service area, though there are two exceptions related to development that was permitted decades ago - in these instances services were provided to improve conditions for existing homes where onsite septic systems could not continue to support occupancy. The Town of Carrboro has planning and zoning jurisdiction over properties on both sides of the watershed boundary from just south of the Old Fayetteville Road/Hillsborough Road intersection to just south of Woodcrest Drive/Smith Level Road. North and south of these locations, one side of the boundary is controlled by either Orange County or the Town of Chapel Hill. The Morgan Creek watershed lies to the east of the University Lake (upper Morgan Creek- above the dam) watershed along the entirety of this boundary. Where a road is present in proximity to the watershed boundary, specifically Old Fayetteville Road and Ray Road, the road serves as the boundary of Town zoning and OWASA’s primary service area. There are a few locations where the watershed boundary is either east or west of the road locations. In these locations approximately 2.7 acres of land zoned Watershed Residential and 10.5 acres of land zoned Conservation (University of North Carolina property around University Lake) is part of the Morgan Creek watershed. The current service area and zoning boundary, which is based on the natural ridge and road locations, is clear and rational and staff recommends no changes at this time.
The Water and Sewer Management, Planning and Boundary Agreement was signed in 2001 between Orange County, the Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA), and the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough. The agreement (Attachment B) provides a comprehensive county-wide system of utility service areas upon which signatory entities could rely when making decisions related to issues such as planning, land use, annexation, zoning, and growth management. The recent change related to the Economic Development District near Hillsborough is not yet reflected in the agreement, as it will not become effective until accompanying land use plan amendments are adopted.
Amendments require approval of all five signatory parties (Orange County, OWASA, and the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough) through the regular agenda/decision process. A formal public hearing is not required.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: No staff and fiscal impacts are anticipated with discussion of this matter.
RECOMMENDATION:r It is recommended that the Board of Aldermen discuss the information provided.