Commissioners open and close Federalsburg sewer‑map hearing; planning staff says change will let renovated house connect to town sewer

The Caroline County Board of Commissioners opened a public hearing on May 5 to consider a comprehensive water and sewer map amendment that would change a parcel adjacent to the Town of Federalsburg from S‑1 to S‑3, allowing sewer service earlier than currently scheduled.

Crystal from the Department of Planning and Codes explained that the property, which sits next to the municipal boundary, recently sold and the new owner is renovating the house from three to four bedrooms. “This is a category change for the water sewer plan, from an S‑1 to an S‑3,” she stated, and said the county health department determined the existing on‑site sewage disposal system could not be upgraded to accommodate the renovation. The adjacent house already receives town water and sewer.

Crystal told commissioners the Planning Commission reviewed the request and recommended that it is consistent with county plans and programs and the comprehensive water and sewer plan. The board opened the hearing, invited public comment and received none; the chair then moved to close the hearing and the motion carried on a voice vote.

Because no members of the public spoke, commissioners did not take further action at the meeting; staff noted the proposed amendment and the record will be available on the county website and staff provided hearing‑notice contact information for Planning and Codes.