1. What does the SSSC pay for?
The SSSC pays for the operation and maintenance of the city’s storm sewer system and funds programs to improve the quality of storm water runoff as required by the City’s federal storm water permit and local watershed districts.
2. What if I think my charge is incorrect?
If you believe your property is incorrectly classified or the charge is incorrectly calculated, contact Real Estate/Assessments at 651-266-8858.
3. What if I want a review of my charge due to storm water management on my property?
Property owners may seek a review of their storm sewer system charge by filing a written request for review with the Department of Public Works, 25 W. 4th Street, 700 City Hall Annex, Saint Paul, MN 55102.
The request must be filed within thirty (30) days of the mailing of the annual bill and shall explain the grounds for which the review is requested. The payment remains due and payable while the petition is under review. If Public Works determines that a discount is warranted, the storm sewer system charge will be adjusted.
4. When does the City bill me for the SSSC?
The City will mail invoices to property owners at the beginning of July.
5. When is my SSSC payment due?
All payments are due by November 15. If you do not pay by that date, the amount due plus interest will appear on your property tax statement.
6. Why am I sending my payment to a PO Box in Minneapolis?
A few residents have asked if the invoice was actually sent by the City, because they wondered about the return envelope address. Yes, it is.
To ensure a safe and quick processing payment system, the City's return envelopes are addressed to a secure PO Box administered by our financial institution. Their central processing center is located in Minneapolis.
7. What is a Green Infrastructure Stormwater District?
Traditionally, private properties would construct and maintain in perpetuity their own stormwater management facilities to treat water from their immediate sites. This requires dedication of private land to adequately site tanks/ponds/etc. to meet the various requirements. In Green Infrastructure Stormwater Districts, no onsite treatment is required lot by lot, and the resultant stormwater is managed in more “regional” systems combining runoff from numerous private properties and ROW areas. Because the private properties do not have to maintain private stormwater systems, and their land is unencumbered with this infrastructure, they pay a Surcharge to the City to maintain the regional stormwater system.
8. What is the Green Infrastructure Stormwater District charge?
Per Chapter 81.08.2, properties within the Green Infrastructure Stormwater Districts pay an additional Surcharge that is utilized to operate the public storm sewer system specific to that district.
The Surcharge is currently capped at 100% of the Storm Sewer System Charge. It can be below 100% depending on the selected infrastructure and annual maintenance needs. The Green Infrastructure Stormwater Districts in-place both need to collect a Surcharge at 100%. This results in an annual Storm Sewer System Charge double the normal rate.
Questions about Green Infrastructure Stormwater District should be directed to Public Works Sewer Utility 651-266-6234