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?

What is SAC?

SAC is a one-time fee imposed by Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) to Local Government Units for their portion of reserve capacity costs of the Metropolitan Wastewater System. 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 metro wastewater system. Local government units often charge a local SAC or add-on for capacity in the local sewer system.

What is a SAC determination?

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 Metropolitan Wastewater System for the first time or if the business use changes or is modified. 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 do the determination.

Back to the top

Who should I contact when a determination is needed?

MCES makes all determinations for Industrial Properties. Local Governments may make Commercial determinations based on MCES criteria. MCES will assist Local Governments 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 Determination Transmittal as well as the items listed on the Transmittal form. Once MCES receives all documents, a determination letter is sent to the local government unit official stating the amount of SAC due or credited. A copy of that letter is sent to the applicant as well.

How long does it take to get a SAC determination?

About a week once all required documents are submitted.

Do I get credit for existing buildings/uses?

MCES does give the Local Government “credits” for permanent reduction in the capacity needs of individual properties within the Local Government. Included are “grandparent” credits (the amount of capacity used by the Local Government 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 has its own rules on the use of those credits. Contact the Local Government 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 Units.

Are there any other fees involved with SAC?

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

Back to the top