Affordable housing is a fundamental component of the Mayor & Commission's strategic commitment, which strives to build shared prosperity and create a healthy, livable, and sustainable Athens-Clarke County (ACC). To encourage the development of such housing options, the Public Utilities Department (PUD) may recommend to M & C to waive water and sewer connections to make these projects more cost-effective.

A builder or developer pays water and sewer connection fees representing the share of the capital costs of the water delivery and collection system proportionate to the developer's demand. Connection fees help to establish equity in the water and wastewater infrastructure with respect to existing ratepayers. ACC will consider waivers of the connection costs for qualifying affordable developments to provide more affordable housing options in our community.  Commercial development is not eligible for connection fee exemptions. 

To be considered, developers submit an application for the waiver to the PUD Engineering Division. Waivers are processed and then presented to the Mayor and Commission for review on a case-by-case basis. The current ACC Ordinance allows the Mayor and Commission to exempt fees specified in Code Section 5-3-76 Water Connection Fees and Code Section 5-3-79 Wastewater Connection Fees.

Request form for water/sewer connection fee waiver
The ACC Mayor & Commission give final determination whether the affordable housing development qualifies for an exemption of the water/sewer connection fees.  Expect a minimum of 60 days before approval and notice to proceed is granted by the Mayor & Commission.