Utility Extension Policy

On April 16, 2024, City Council approved and adopted the Utility Extension Policy for Areas Outside the City Limits. The policy has been updated to provide clear guidance for private utility extension and requests for connections to the City's public utilities. The updates also include:

• Purpose statement
• Overview of the history of utility expansion in Greensboro
• Identification of roles and responsibilities of City departments
• Guidance for interlocal government agreements
• Exceptions to the policy, which require City Council approval.

City Council approval is required to adopt further updates to the policy.  

A previous version of the policy became effective in April 2012 and was amended in May 2014 and January and June of 2023.

Background

Water and sewer services are intended and necessary for urban development. These services range from public safety to parks and recreation and library facilities. To provide and extend these services, the City needs to be able to expand its tax base. This process must occur in a routine fashion to allow for proper planning and implementation. And, extensions of public utilities should be provided in a rational manner to ensure efficient and effective delivery of City services. It is the City’s primary intent to extend water and sewer services only to those areas that can be immediately annexed.

Utility Extension Policy for Areas Outside of the City Limits
The Comprehensive Plan GSO2040
GSO2040 Growth Strategy Map

Property Located Inside Growth Tier 1

To extend public utilities in a rational manner, the City recognizes Growth Tier I of the Comprehensive Plan as the area where it is currently able to extend all City services along with water and sewer services in the Water Sewer Service Area (WSSA). As a result, property located within Growth Tier 1 will be annexed into the City prior to extending or connecting onto City utilities.

For more information about the annexation process, call Luke Carter, planner, at 336-373-4342.

Property Located Outside of Growth Tier 1 and Upon Annexation

Water and/or sewer service may be permitted or provided outside Growth Tier I, but within the WSSA for properties that can be annexed immediately.

Property Located Outside of Growth Tier 1 Without Annexation

Water and/or sewer service may be permitted or provided outside Growth Tier I, but within the WSSA for properties that cannot be annexed immediately in the following categories:

1. Economic development projects, which are: 

• An existing industry expansion or new investment that helps stimulate the economy through either primary job creation or significant financial investment, and which increases the tax base and is eligible for an economic development incentive from the City. The Economic Development Incentive Program (Financial Assistance Guidelines) does not apply to residential uses or small commercial businesses, such as but not limited to apartments, single-family homes, gas stations, convenience stores, restaurants, or small-scale retail operations.
• Development within the boundary of an area that has been designated as a mixed-use area through a planning process with public participation, adoption of a small area plan, and for which development is subject to regulations, above and beyond that normally required to ensure an integrated and complementary pattern of development with features related to architectural standards, landscaping, tree conservation, signage, lighting, driveways and pedestrian facilities. All projects that connect to City water and sewer will be required to comply with the City's Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations. 

2. Extensions determined by City Council to address a significant public necessity.

3. Existing properties adjacent to existing lines but not annexable:

• Properties existing as of January 1, 2011 that are adjacent to existing utility lines, but presently not annexable will be allowed to connect to lines under any of the following conditions:
• Property requesting a water service connection not greater than one inch

• Property requesting a sewer lateral not greater than four inches
• Property receiving utility service prior to January 1, 2011 and needs to relocate, add or enlarge a connection under the zoning in place as of January 1, 2011.

Property Located Outside of WSSA

Residential properties existing as of January 1, 2011, that are adjacent to existing lines will be allowed to connect under the following circumstances:

• The County Public Health Director has declared a public health hazard due to contaminated wells or failing septic tanks.
• The property is adjacent to the existing utility line.
• The property is not requesting a water service connection greater than one inch or a sewer lateral greater than four inches.