Costs of Sewer vs Septic on a Development

[Sean Campbell]

I’m under contract for 20 acres in my area, a small town that is growing quickly. I’m looking to self-develop and build four fourplexes. The property is already zoned R2 correctly, 3in and 6in water mains are on the corner of the property, and the electric and gas are already on site. My only issue seems to be whether I build sewer or septic.

Sewer is 2/10th of a mile down the road. The city is discussing expanding to extend sewer for our development and other building in the coming year or two, but it’s not guaranteed. They are also asking me to pay half and they will do it sooner. I’ve already got a soft quote for septic, but I have no idea what sewer would cost. I’m reading online that it might be anywhere from $100-200 a foot.

Can anyone help with this? How much did sewer cost you to tie into existing sewer? What did pay per foot?

FYI, we are in mid America. So construction costs are not as high as a Boston or San Francisco. What is a reasonable expectation for sewer construction?

Also, I have done some homework and I’m somewhat familiar with the future costs of maintenance on septic vs sewer.