SANFORD — Sanford leaders are developing a new system for evaluating annexation and development requests as the city prepares for continued growth in Lee County and surrounding communities.
The Sanford City Council reviewed a draft growth strategy during an Aug. 25 workshop. The strategy includes a tiered map and scoring system intended to help council members determine whether proposed developments can be supported by existing city services.
Sanford has worked with the consulting firm Freese and Nichols for approximately six months to create the planning tools.
The draft map divides potential growth areas into two primary tiers. Tier One includes areas where fire protection, water, sewer service and appropriate buffers are more readily available.
Tier Two includes areas where water or fire service may be available but extending wastewater infrastructure could be more difficult or expensive.
The scoring system will consider the cost of providing utilities and emergency services, possible effects on schools and whether a proposal is consistent with the city’s broader land-use plans.
City officials said approximately 5,700 acres within Sanford’s current limits remain available and represent the most practical areas for development.
Once completed, the map will allow developers to evaluate potential projects before submitting formal requests. City staff also recommended updating the map annually as infrastructure, service availability and community needs change.
Council members could vote on adopting the growth strategy as city policy during their Sept. 1 meeting.
During the same workshop, attorneys reviewed a proposed 25-year wastewater agreement with Chatham Park Investors.
Under the proposed agreement, Sanford would acquire an existing treatment facility for approximately $1.9 million and pay another $1 million for additional land that could support future expansion and a water tower.
The arrangement would provide wastewater capacity intended to support development in Pittsboro and Chatham Park while strengthening Sanford’s position as a regional utility provider.
Up to 100,000 gallons per day of additional capacity could be made available annually, although unused capacity would not accumulate from year to year.
The land transactions are expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The wastewater agreement is also expected to come before the Sanford City Council for a vote at its Sept. 1 meeting.
Source: Sandhills News
