SAC basics for local governments

SAC Submittals

Please send your SAC determination applications through our online submittal system at metrocouncil.org/SACsubmittal or email the entire submittal packet to [email protected]. Hard copies can be accommodated if necessary.

The Metropolitan Council imposes a fee on its local government customers called the sewer availability charge, or SAC. We charge SAC whenever:

• A residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional property connects to the regional wastewater (sewer) system for the first time.
• When a business grows or changes and creates more potential demand on the wastewater system.

As a local government, you will pass the SAC fee along with possible local fees to the business or property owner, or you may raise the revenue in other ways. Most local governments charge SAC when they issue a building permit for either a new building or a remodel, or when they issue a connection permit for an existing building that is connecting to the wastewater system for the first time.

How is SAC calculated?

One SAC unit equals 274 gallons of maximum potential daily wastewater flow. A freestanding, single-family residence is charged one SAC unit, a base unit. Other types of buildings pay a SAC fee based on the maximum potential demand on the wastewater system.

The rate for one SAC unit is $2,485.

If you know details of the usage of the business (for example, square feet, units, measurements, etc.) and are interested in finding out an estimate of the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services SAC charges (before any SAC credit is applied), we have created an estimation tool for your use:

• SAC Estimation Tool (60 MB; EXCEL)

Local government staff may determine (calculate) SAC on residential and commercial properties or have the Met Council complete determinations on commercial properties. We make SAC determinations on all industrial properties. A description of the industrial waste program can be found here:

• Industrial SAC information (PDF)
• Industrial Capacity Charge Assessment & Payment Options (PDF)

The SAC program and how determinations are made

A brief description of the SAC program, what it is, how to submit for a determination, and possible financing options, can be found in the "What is SAC?" flyer. 

• 'What is SAC?' information (PDF) - to print and distribute to business owners

  • 'What is SAC?' information - Espanol (PDF)
  • 'What is SAC?' information - Hmong (PDF)
  • 'What is SAC?' information - Somali (PDF)

• SAC procedures, policies, and criteria (as well as the history of the SAC program) can be found in the SAC Procedure Manual (PDF) - effective January 1, 2024

  • SAC Criteria (Appendix A) (PDF)

• You can also submit your SAC determination request online.

• A description and copy of our determination forms, required with SAC determination submittals, can be found on the SAC Determination Application Forms and Activity Report Forms page, which also includes our monthly SAC reports.

SAC Deferral Program

The Met Council provides local governments the option to participate in the SAC Deferral Program to defer some SAC payment obligations. The program promotes business development and helps existing residential properties on private sewers that connect to the regional wastewater system.

• SAC Deferral Program Description and Application (PDF)
• SAC Residential Deferral Program Description and Application (PDF)

Questions? Contact Us

Email [email protected] with your name, contact information, business or project name, location of the project, and the question or comment you have. You can also call 651-602-1770 for our frequently asked questions. At the end of the message you will also have the option to press 0 to leave a voicemail for a SAC representative. In the voicemail please leave your name, business or project name, your phone number, location of the project, and the reason for your call. Someone will get back to you within 1 business day.