DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
title
Public Hearing To Receive Comments On And Adoption Of Revised Dakota County Ordinance No. 113, Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Conduct public hearing to receive comments on and the adoption of the proposed revision of Dakota County Ordinance No. 113, Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems.
SUMMARY
Dakota County 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 by Resolution No. 18-046 (January 23, 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 approval of 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 SSTS required in Minn. Stat. § Chapter 115 and Minn. Rules Chapters 7080-7083; and
WHEREAS, County SSTS Ordinance 113, as amended in 1996, 1998, 2009, 2016, and 2018 was developed with significant input from advisory committee members composed of representatives from the County, cities, townships, realtors’ association, septic contractors, and private citizens; and it establishes 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 best practices toward long-term maintenance of these septic systems; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County staff recommends authorizing the Zoning Board of Adjustment to review variances to County SSTS Ordinance 113; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing to consider the proposed amended Ordinance 113 was held during the June 9, 2026, Dakota County Board of Commissioner’s meeting; 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 adopts the amendment to Dakota County Ordinance No. 113, Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems, as presented on June 9, 2026; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Environmental Resources staff shall publish, distribute, and file the amended ordinance pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 375.51.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
18-046; 1/23/18
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Ordinance Amendments
Attachment: Presentation Slides
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