Plan Review
Food, Beverages, and Lodging (FBL)
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) must approve food service and lodging plans before new construction or remodeling may begin. Construction may begin after you receive the plan review approval report.
Areas of Review:
| Kitchens | Bars | Buffets |
| Salad Bars | Wait Stations | Beverage Dispensing |
| Condiment Counters | Warewashing | Mop Sink Areas |
| Hoods & Ventilation | Plumbing Fixtures | Storage Rooms |
| Refuse Areas | Employee Restrooms | Outdoor Bars & Beverage Service |
| Housing With Services Establishment (contact regulatory authority) | Memory Care | 10 & Under Board and Lodging |
Plan submittal Requirements:
Foodservice Construction Guide:
For specific information concerning the construction or remodeling of any permanent foodservice facility, see:
Applications:
Please use the appropriate application below or your plan review approval may be delayed.
- New Construction Plan Review Application
(PDF: 203KB/5 pages)
Use this application if building a food service or lodging establishment, either new or in an existing building that has not yet been licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health..
- Remodel or Addition Plan Review Application
(PDF: 202KB/5 pages)
Use this application if changing equipment, structure or layout of the food service or lodging in an existing building that is currently licensed or has been licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health in the past.
- Temporary/Seasonal Plan Review Application
(PDF: 196KB/5 pages)
Use this application for mobile food unit, seasonal permanent food stand, seasonal temporary food stand or food cart.
Submit plans and other required information along with your plan review application and fee to:
Minnesota Department of Health
Food, Pools and Lodging Services
625 Robert Street North
P.O. Box 64975
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0975
Special Licensing:
For information on mobile food units, food carts, seasonal temporary or permanent food stands, special event food stands, bed and breakfast and lodging.
Plumbing:
Plumbing plans need to be submitted to a separate department:
When will my plans be reviewed?
Plans are reviewed in the order they are received. Once your plan comes up for review you will be contacted by a plan reviewer either by phone or email. After the review is finished, you will be sent a letter reporting the findings of the review. Starting construction prior to approval may result in costly corrections and delayed openings.
MDH is responsible for determining what meets code and standards for construction and materials. For new construction, food may not be brought into the establishment and food preparation may not take place until plans have been reviewed and approved by MDH.
Some remodeling projects may require the facility to close during construction. Please consult with MDH for guidance.
What comes next?
In addition to the plan review fee, there is a separate license fee. An application for license will be mailed along with the plan review letter and report. Prior to requesting an opening inspection, the license fee must be paid.
Pre-Opening Inspections
MDH plan reviewers/sanitarians may make on-site inspections of the facility during construction/remodeling or equipment installation. Please contact us 14 days prior to the intended opening date to schedule an opening inspection. The license applications and fees must be paid and an opening inspection conducted prior to being given approval to operate.
