Engineering Services for Assisted Living Facilities

Architectural and engineering plans for a new campus building, renovation, addition, or physical changes altering the use of occupancy of a licensed assisted living facility must be submitted to MDH Engineering for review and approval. MDH must be notified within 30 days of completion of construction so that MDH Engineering can plan for a final inspection. For more information about requirements, see Minn. Stat. § 144G.45 Subd. 6.

MDH must be notified of the following types of projects, including but not limited to:

• Building additions
• Remodeling or renovating current spaces, such as updating kitchens, bathrooms, common areas, and/or bedrooms
• Updating mechanicals (e.g., electrical, plumbing, fire suppression, heating, cooling)
• Adding or replacing windows (only if opening sizes are changing)
• Expanding the current service footprint through the acquisition of another building, e.g., creating a campus
• Construction in response to code violations
• Roofing (only if structural changes are required)
• Siding (only if structural changes are required)
• Parking ramps and lots
• Wheelchair ramps
• Decks or patios

The following types of projects do not require notification:

• Roofing or siding changes
• Interior or exterior painting or decorating
• Interior finish replacements (e.g., carpets, painting)
• Repairs/Replacing in kind
• Landscaping
• Parking, including garages

Assisted Living Plan Submittal Package

A complete Assisted Living Plan Submittal Package consists of three (3) components depending on the current licensed resident capacity for the license period.

• Assisted Living Plan Submittal Form (PDF)
• Fee for construction plan review if this review includes construction (details on plan submittal form). If the submittal does not include construction, there is no fee associated with that review
• Plans that are drafted in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 144G.45, and per sections 144G.80 and 144G.81, as applicable.
  • For facilities with five or fewer residents: A PDF copy of clear, legible, and dimensioned final construction plans.
  • For facilities with six or more residents: A certified (signed by a licensed architect) writable PDF copy of the final construction plans in accordance with Minn. Rule 1800.4200.

An incomplete Assisted Living Plan Submittal Package will result in a delay of the review and approval process. Individual construction projects at the same licensed assisted living facility require a complete and separate Assisted Living Plan Submittal Package for each project.

Instructions

Email a complete Assisted Living Plan Submittal form and plans to health.assistedliving@state.mn.us.

If your project/facility is undergoing construction, a construction plan review fee is required. A check payable to the "Commissioner of Finance, Treasury Division" in the amount specified by Minnesota Statutes, section 144.554: Health Facilities Construction Plan Submittal and Fees.

• We do not accept cash or credit cards.
• Fees are not refundable, per Minnesota Statutes, section 144.554.
• Checks must be accompanied by a copy of the Submittal Form.

Send the completed Construction Plan Submittal Form for Healthcare Facilities and the writable PDF copy of the plans to health.assistedliving@state.mn.us.  

Mail the check and a copy of the submittal form to:

Minnesota Department of Health
Engineering Services Section
ATTN: Plan Review
P.O. Box 64900
Saint Paul, MN 55164-0900 

Forms

• Assisted Living Plan Submittal Form (PDF): Use this form if you are required to submit plans for review.
• Licensed Resident Capacity Increase Request (PDF): Use this form if your assisted living plan submittal results in a capacity that is higher than your current licensed resident capacity.
• Sections 144G.45 or 144G.81 Waiver Request (PDF): Use this request form if the assisted living facility licensee or assisted living facility with dementia care licensee is requesting a waiver under Minnesota Statutes, sections 144G.45, subd. 7, or 144G.81, subd. 5.

Contact Information

For questions about the status of your submittal or license, please contact health.assistedliving@state.mn.us or call 651-201-4200.