Lodging in Minnesota
Licensing and Plan Review

  1. A complete set of plans and specifications must be submitted for review prior to new construction. Include a discussion of the facilities to be reviewed (a short paragraph will do). The plans must be approved before starting construction. Submit a completed plan review application along with a check or money order for the required fee made payable to the Minnesota Department of Health via:

    Courier
    Environmental Health Services
    Minnesota Department of Health
    625 North Robert Street
    St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
    651-201-4500

    U.S. Mail
    Environmental Health Services
    Minnesota Department of Health
    P.O. Box 64975
    St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0975
    651-201-4500

  2. New establishments and existing establishments that are adding units must obtain a building permit or statement from the local unit of government granting zoning approval for the use of the land as a lodging establishment. Include a copy of this building permit or statement with the construction plans. Make sure there is contact information for the person authorizing the use.

  3. Plumbing must be installed according to the Minnesota Plumbing Code. Plans for the plumbing must also be included. A separate bulletin covering the details of submitting plumbing plans is available. More information at Plumbing Plan Review. A satisfactory plumbing inspection is required.

  4. All electrical systems must comply with the currently adopted edition of the National Electrical Code (Minnesota Statute, part 326B.36). A satisfactory electrical inspection from the Minnesota Electrical Licensing and Inspections is required.

  5. Plans must be submitted for any individual sewage treatment system. An individual sewage treatment system must be designed by a licensed sewer designer and installed by a licensed sewer installer. A certificate of compliance or a permit to install an individual septic system is required. If the establishment is on a municipal sanitary sewer, indicate this on the plan review application.

  6. The water supply for the establishment must comply with the rules governing public water supplies and water wells. Provide the unique well number(s) for all private wells supplying the establishment. Well locations must be identified on the plans. If the establishment obtains water from a municipal supply indicate this on the plan review application.

  7. After plans are reviewed, a report is sent indicating any changes to be made and any concerns that have been noted. Construction may start after you receive the approval letter. You will also receive a license application and contact information for the sanitarian covering the area for an on-site inspection prior to opening the establishment. Return the completed license application and correct fee prior to opening inspection.

  8. If any food or beverages are provided from the establishment to guests and your establishment does not have a food and beverage license, a food license will be required (See: Food Business Licensing and Definitions). Include a menu and equipment list with the lodging plans. Food and beverage equipment must meet the standards of NSF International.

  9. The plans must include or identify the following:
    1. a completed plan review application;
    2. the layout of the sleeping rooms showing the room size and maximum occupancy;
    3. the exits to hallways or outdoors, fire escapes and window locations;
    4. the descriptions of ventilation and heating equipment;
    5. the floor and wall finishes;
    6. the location of the automatic dispensing ice machine and vending machines for the public; and
    7. the location of the laundry facilities and storage areas.

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Updated Wednesday, 23-May-2012 13:34:12 CDT