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?
- How do I apply for a SAC Determination?
- 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 space" discount apply to existing outdoor patios?
- Who do I call for questions?
What is SAC?
SAC, or Sewer Availability Charge, is a one-time fee imposed by Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) on Local Government Units and other communities with building authority for their portion of reserve capacity costs of the Metropolitan Disposal System (MDS). The program has been in place since 1973 for new capacity demand (made available) 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 to property and/or business owners.
What is a SAC determination?
A SAC determination is a computation of SAC unit(s) assigned to a given property. This represents the maximum potential 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 host Local Government Unit or community 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 or conduct them upon request. For determination requests by MCES, please see our contact information.
How do I apply for a SAC Determination?
Anyone requesting a determination by MCES needs to fill out (and submit) a SAC Determination Application Form (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. 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 to two weeks once all required documents are submitted.
Do I get credit for existing buildings/uses?
MCES grants credits to Local Government Units or communities for permanent reduction in the capacity needs on individual properties. SAC Credit will be based on the highest paid capacity demand in the Look-Back Period. If SAC history is not known, documentation of the highest demand in the Look-Back Period must be submitted as part of the SAC Determination process (i.e. Building permit, dated building plans, business license, etc.). If documentation is not provided, and MCES has no SAC history, the Credit will be determined based on a minimal wastewater demand (warehouse, office, and/or retail) at 80% usable space. The Look-Back Period is the seven full years prior to the year when the permit is paid and that portion of the current year up to the permit payment.
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 or community may collect SAC from the applicant during the permitting process. MCES collects the metropolitan SAC from the Local Government Unit.
Are there any other fees involved with SAC?
Local Government Units or communities may charge local SAC, WAC and/or connection fees to cover their costs of infrastructure. Please contact the Local Government Unit or community directly to find out what additional fees may be involved.
Does the "outdoor space" 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. However, all demand that can be proven to be in use during and before the Look-Back Period and for which SAC was properly paid in the Look-Back Period will generate MCES credit for the site.
Who do " I call " for questions?
Please call your Local Government Unit officials about all building or wastewater matters. If they refer you to MCES, call one of the SAC staff representatives.
Last Update on 11/15/10.