DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Schedule Public Hearing To Receive Comments On And Adopt Proposed Amendments To Dakota County Ordinance No. 113, Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the scheduling of a public hearing for 9:00 a.m. on June 9, 2026, to receive comments on and adopt the proposed amendments to Dakota County Ordinance No. 113, regulating subsurface sewage treatment systems, commonly known as septic systems.
SUMMARY
Ordinance 113 regulates the construction and maintenance of septic systems for the protection of public health and water quality. The ordinance was most recently updated in 2018. The proposed amendments include several clarifications and updates to align ordinance language with Minnesota regulations. The proposed updates also shift the variance approval process from the County Board to the County’s Zoning Board of Adjustment to improve efficiency for homeowners, contractors, and staff, and to align the process with the existing variance procedures under Dakota County Ordinance 50, Shoreland and Floodplain Management.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends scheduling a Public Hearing for 9:00 a.m. on June 9, 2026, in Conference Room 3A, Dakota County Administration Center, 1590 Highway 55, Hastings, MN, 55033 to receive comments on and adopt the proposed amendments to Dakota County Ordinance No. 113.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Dakota County has enacted Dakota County Ordinance No. 113, Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (County SSTS Ordinance 113), which meets and, in some cases, exceeds the minimum state standards for subsurface sewage treatment systems required in Minn. Stat. § 115.55 and Minn. Rules Chapters § 7080-7083; and
WHEREAS, County SSTS Ordinance 113, previously amended in 1996, 1998, 2009, 2016, and 2018; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments were developed with input from County staff and septic program representatives from Dakota County cities, townships, realtors, septic contractors, citizens, and state agencies; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments establish uniform and consistent standards, guidelines, and regulations for the compliance and enforcement of proper siting, design, construction, installation, operation, maintenance, repair, inspection, and permanent abandonment of septic systems in Dakota County; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County staff recommends amendments to this ordinance that will provide additional protection to groundwater and the health and safety of residents and to ensure that best practices toward long-term maintenance of these septic systems; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments include several clarifications and updates to align ordinance language with Minnesota regulations; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County staff recommends amending the ordinance to authorize the Zoning Board of Adjustment to review variances; and
WHEREAS, amendments to County ordinances must be approved by the Dakota County Board of Commissioners.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby schedules a public hearing for 9:00 a.m. on June 9, 2026, in Conference Room 3A, Dakota County Administration Center, 1590 Highway 55, Hastings, MN, 55033 to receive comments on and adopt the proposed amendments to Dakota County Ordinance No. 113; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Environmental Resources Department is hereby directed to publish the notice of this public hearing in the official County newspaper.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Proposed Ordinance Amendments
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☒ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Nikki Stewart
Author: Benjamin Hoyt