MOORE HAVEN -- Septic tanks are not an option for the Lakefront Estates development planned off State Road 78 west of Buckhead Ridge.

At the March 12 meeting of the Glades County Commission, commissioners unanimously approved amendments to the development plan. The Planning and Zoning Board had recommended approval of the changes.

The development will have a privately owned and maintained wastewater collection and treatment system, explained County Attorney Richard Pringle.

No certificates of occupancy will be issued until the wastewater treatment facility is functional.

According to information shared at the meeting, the developer would like to eventually hook up to Okeechobee Utility Authority. There has been discussion of a grant to expand OUA capacity.

Model homes may be built, but model homes cannot be connected to water until they are also connected to a functioning wastewater treatment system.

Lakeside Estates and Villas will include up to 1,300 homes as well as schools, restaurants, stores and public buildings.