SF4870
North Oaks authorization to connect to the sanitary sewer system of the Metropolitan Council and be included within the Metropolitan Urban Service Area
Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026)
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill aims to expand the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) to include all or parts of the City of North Oaks and require the Metropolitan Council to allow a connection to its sanitary sewer system for properties within MUSA. It directs the Council to approve North Oaks’ application if it seeks inclusion in MUSA as part of a comprehensive plan amendment or the city’s 2050 comprehensive plan.
Main Provisions
- The Metropolitan Council shall, upon North Oaks submitting a comprehensive plan amendment request (or as part of the city’s 2050 comprehensive plan), allow any portion or all of North Oaks to be located within MUSA and permit connection of all properties within MUSA to the Council’s sanitary sewer system.
- The Metropolitan Council must approve such an application even if it conflicts with any existing Council policy, state statute, or rule.
- North Oaks must pay wastewater rates, fees, or costs for infrastructure capacity that are not substantially different from those paid by similarly situated MUSA communities.
- This section does not exempt North Oaks from other permitting processes required by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) under section 115.07 subdivision 3.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new statutory provision in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 473, specifically Minnesota Statutes section 473.8711, City of North Oaks Sanitary Sewer.
- This provision authorizes expanding MUSA to include North Oaks and mandates connection of applicable properties to the Metropolitan Council’s sanitary sewer system, with required Council approval regardless of conflicting policies or rules.
- Sets a requirement that North Oaks’ wastewater infrastructure costs align with those paid by similarly situated MUSA communities.
- Maintains MPCA permitting requirements, ensuring North Oaks still goes through the required environmental permit process.
Relevant Terms - Metropolitan Council - Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) - sanitary sewer system - City of North Oaks - comprehensive plan amendment - 2050 comprehensive plan - Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) - Minnesota Statutes chapter 473 - section 473.8711 - infrastructure capacity rates/fees - rates, fees, or costs - permitting process - section 115.07 subdivision 3
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 26, 2026 | Senate | Action | Introduction and first reading | ||
| March 26, 2026 | Senate | Action | Referred to | State and Local Government |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill references Minnesota Statutes section 115.07, subdivision 3 (the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency permitting framework), in connection with the city's sanitary sewer permitting requirements.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "115.07",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
}
]