SAC Frequently Asked Questions

What is SAC?
What is a SAC determination?
Who needs to get a SAC determination?
Who should I contact when a determination is needed?
What is the procedure and process for SAC determinations?
How long does it take to get a SAC determination?
Do I get credit for existing buildings/uses?
What is the cost of a SAC unit?
Who do I pay the SAC fee to?
Are there any other fees involved with SAC?
Does the "outdoor spaces" discount apply to existing outdoor patios?

What is SAC?

SAC or Service Availability Charge is a one-time fee imposed by Metropolitan Council Environmental Service (MCES) to Local Government Units for their portion of reserve capacity costs of the Metropolitan Disposal System (MDS). The program has been in place since 1973 for new demand or increased volume use in the system. SAC is not a connection fee. It is for sewer capacity availability in the MDS. Local Government Units often charge a local SAC or add-on for capacity in the local sewer system.

What is a SAC determination?

A SAC determination is a computation of SAC unit(s) assigned to a given property. This represents the maximum capacity likely to be used by the development.

Who needs to get a SAC determination?

Any commercial, institutional, or industrial property connecting to the MDS for the first time or if the business use changes or is modified needs to get a SAC determination. All residential properties shall be assigned 1 SAC per dwelling unit and therefore do not need to apply to MCES for a determination. The Local Government Unit is able to complete the determination.

Who should I contact when a determination is needed?

MCES makes all determinations for Industrial Properties. Local Government Units may make Commercial determinations based on MCES criteria. MCES will assist Local Government Units with determinations and conduct them upon request. For determination requests by MCES, please see our contact information.

What is the procedure and process for SAC determinations?

Anyone requesting a determination by MCES needs to fill out (and submit) a SAC Commercial/Institutional & Industrial Determination Transmittal (Transmittal-A) as well as the items listed on the Transmittal form. (i.e. Floor plan, seating plan, fixture layout, etc.) There are some determinations that require more than a floor plan. Please see the submittal application forms for further details. Once MCES receives all the required documents to complete the determination, a determination letter goes to the Local Government Unit official stating the amount of SAC due or credited. A copy of that letter will go to the applicant as well.

How long does it take to get a SAC determination?

Determinations generally take approximately one week once all required documents are submitted.

Do I get credit for existing buildings/uses?

MCES grants credits to the Local Government Unit for permanent reduction in the capacity needs of individual properties within the Local Government Unit. These credits include “grandparent” credits (the amount of capacity used by the Local Government Unit at the inception of the SAC program in 1973) or the amount of capacity that has been paid previous for that property. Each Local Government Unit has its own rules on the use of those credits. Contact the Local Government Unit for further details.

Please note: effective January 1, 2010, the SAC Credit system will change substantially.

What is the cost of a SAC unit?

Please view the current MCES SAC rates on our rates and charges page.

Who do I pay the SAC to?

The Local Government Unit collects SAC from the applicant during the permitting process. MCES collects their SAC from the Local Government Unit.

Are there any other fees involved with SAC?

Local Government Units may charge additional SAC, WAC and/or connection fees. Please contact the Local Government Unit directly to find out what additional fees may be involved.

Does the "outdoor spaces" discount apply to existing outdoor patios?

No, not if the Local Government Unit officially knew about the existing use prior to the October 1, 2009 effective date of the adoption of the discount.