Special Assessment & Improvement Policy

Special Assessment is a levy on a property to defray the cost of public improvements. Special assessments are not the same as property taxes. There are a wide variety of infrastructure improvements that can be assessed, including but not limited to the construction and reconstruction of:

  • Curb and Gutter
  • Driveway Pavement
  • Retaining Walls
  • Sanitary Sewer
  • Sidewalks
  • Storm Sewer
  • Street Grade and Gravel
  • Street Pavement
  • Utility Service Laterals
  • Water Main

Purpose & Objectives

The primary purpose of the assessment is to have the properties that benefit from public improvements pay as much of the cost of the improvements as is reasonable, thereby reducing the City's reliance on general property taxes. Minnesota States Chapter 429 grants cities the authority to use special assessments as a mechanism to finance a broad range of public improvements. Not all improvements are paid for in this manner, some projects are funded through the City's general revenue fund or general obligation bonds.

The objectives is to promote orderly development, to ensure fair and equitable treatment of benefiting properties and to assure that the City's financial resources are protected. The City of Owatonna's special assessment and improvement policy was adopted by City Council on September 1st, 1981 and was revised on April 2nd, 2012 and January 8th, 2013.

City of Owatonna Special Assessment and Improvement Policy

  1. How does the City determine my special assessment?
  2. What sources of funds are available for street projects?
  3. When are special assessment payments due?
  4. Why does the City use special assessments for street projects?
  5. What are the consequences of not constructing street projects?
  6. How long will a project take?
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