Staff

DiMaggio, Samantha
Economic Development Manager
- (952) 227-1148
- sdimaggio@chanhassenmn.gov

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Sewer (SAC) and Water (WAC) Availability Charge

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Overview

Sewer Access Charges (SAC) and Water Access Charges (WAC) are fees that municipalities charge to cover the costs of building and maintaining the infrastructure needed for sewer and water services.

How the Charges Work:

The Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) manages wastewater services for the metro area and charges the SAC fee to cities. The city then passes this fee on to property owners.
In addition to the MCES SAC fee, the city charges its own SAC and WAC fees to fund local utility infrastructure.

When Are SAC and WAC Fees Charged?

These fees are typically applied when a building permit is issued for new construction or when an existing building is connected to the city’s sewer or water system.
The fees can also be triggered if the use of a property changes in a way that increases demand for sewer and water services, such as during a commercial remodel.

How Are the Fees Calculated?

The MCES calculates SAC units based on factors like the number of toilets and sinks in a building or business.
The city then uses this information to determine how many SAC and WAC units to charge.

Purpose of These Charges:

SAC and WAC fees are crucial for maintaining and expanding the infrastructure that ensures reliable sewer and water services.
By implementing these fees, the city aims to support economic growth, making it easier for small businesses to expand or relocate in Chanhassen.

Community-Wide Credit Program

The city established a SAC and WAC Community-Wide Credit Program to assist businesses with their sewer and water access charges. This program was implemented as part of the Sewer (SAC) and Water (WAC) Availability Charge Policy, effective June 24, 2024. Here’s a summary of how it works:

Using Excess Credits: If a business ends up needing fewer credits than initially assessed, they can apply to use credits from the city’s community-wide pool.
Eligibility: Businesses in sectors like retail, food, beverage, entertainment, and manufacturing can participate.
Credit Limits: Eligible businesses can apply for up to five credits or 80% of the credits they need, whichever is less.
Unused Credits: If credits assigned to a specific site go unused, they will remain available for five years before being reallocated to the community-wide credit pool.

Community-wide credits are intended to support small businesses already in the city or to attract new small businesses to Chanhassen.

Program Details:

Eligible Businesses: Small businesses in retail, food, beverage, entertainment, or manufacturing can apply if they:
1. Are opening a new business in the city, or
2. Are expanding existing operations that require additional SAC.
Application Timing: Applications must be submitted before a building permit is issued. The program does not reimburse previously paid credits.
Credit Limits: Businesses can apply for a maximum of five credits or 80% of the total credits needed, whichever is less.
Consultation: Before applying, businesses should consult with Samantha DiMaggio, Economic Development Manager, to check credit availability.

SAC/WAC Fee Waiver Request

Water Access Charge (WAC) and a Sewer Access Charge (SAC) Fee Waiver Request

The City of Chanhassen charges property owners a Water Access Charge (WAC) and a Sewer Access Charge (SAC) when they connect to the city’s water and sanitary sewer systems. These fees help the city recover the costs of its initial investment in water and sewer infrastructure over time.

Chanhassen aligns its local SAC and WAC charges with the unit determinations set by the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES). Under the Sewer (SAC) and Water (WAC) Availability Charge Policy, effective June 24, 2024, the city will waive the first five (5) SAC/WAC charges if a commercial or industrial building is renovated and incurs higher charges. This initiative aims to foster economic growth by making it easier for small businesses to expand or relocate in Chanhassen.