Steps to Open or Expand a Business

Zoning approval is required for:

• ­building permits
• ­licenses
• ­change in building use
• ­change in occupancy type
• ­signage

Zoning review and approval ensures the desired use is permitted on the property. You may need a variance, re-zoning, a conditional use permit, a non-conforming use permit, and/or request an appeal. Applications may require scaled drawings (with elevations) and a site plan.

Timing: Zoning review for a project can range from same day to three weeks. Variance and other use-change requests can add another three to six weeks. Appeals of decisions also add additional time. Re-zonings and re-platting take three to four months.

Fees: Yes

Site Plan Review and approval is required before permits will be issued for:

• ­any new construction projects
• ­additions
• ­parking lots
• ­major grading

Site Plan Review involves coordinated review by city staff to analyze for zoning, traffic, public utilities, storm water management, landscaping, and fire safety. Submitted site plans must be prepared by an appropriate licensed professional, include a certified survey, and show key site elements such as buildings, parking, sidewalks, driveways, landscaping, fences, lighting, grading, storm water drainage, and utilities.

Timing: Most site plans are reviewed by staff and do not require a public hearing. Allow approximately two to three weeks between submittal and review discussion. Requested revisions will add additional time.

Fees: Yes

Building Plan Review and approval is required before permits will be issued for:

• ­new construction projects
• ­additions to current structures
• ­remodeling or repairing a structure

Building Plan Review entails review of building plans for life safety designs. Submitted building plans must be prepared by an appropriate licensed professional, and include existing use of the space, building type, complete code analysis of the new use, and scaled drawings.

Timing: Four to six weeks for a project not in a heritage preservation district or site. (Historic area approvals take longer due to the need for Heritage Preservation Commission approval.)

Fees: Yes

Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) review and approval are required before permits can be issued for properties in Heritage Preservation Districts or Sites in the following situations: 

• ­construction
• ­demolition
• ­repairs
• ­exterior alterations/signage

Review and approval of heritage preservation applications may be conducted by the HPC staff or the Heritage Preservation Commission to ensure the proposed work complies with the City’s design review guidelines. Application requirements vary and may require photographs and construction level drawings.

Timing: Two to eight weeks, depending on project size. Contact Heritage Preservation staff at 651-266-9078 or AskHPC@ci.stpaul.mn.us. before submitting to ensure your application complies with the guidelines.

Fees: Yes

Business licenses are required to operate many types of businesses, including but not limited to:

• ­building trades
• ­commercial vehicles
• ­auto body and repair
• ­liquor
• ­gambling
• ­entertainment

Application requirements may include business plans, scaled drawings, financials, and ownership information.

Timing: Varies depending on license. Some licenses require public notice, hearings and City Council approval which can mean 90 days or more for a license to be issued. To learn more about the administrative process related to public notices, click here. Depending on the type of business you are opening, you may need additional licenses from the State of Minnesota and/or other government agencies.

Fees: Yes

Construction permits are required for:

• ­new structures
• ­additions
• ­remodeling or repairs
• ­any changes to electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems

Individual permits for building, electrical, plumbing, warm air and mechanical work, and other permitted work are reviewed for life safety issues. Application requirements vary and may require construction drawings.

Timing: Scope of work dictates time to review plans. Small projects may take one or two days while larger projects can take four to six weeks. Approval timeframe is dependent upon inspection requests by permit holder and scope of work.

Fees: Yes

Right-of-Way Permits are required when:

• ­business activities are conducted in the public right of way (e.g., sidewalk café)
• ­construction work is being done in the public right of way 

Right-of-Way permits ensure the safety of the public and that the right-of-way facility (streets, sidewalks, utilities, etc.) is properly restored. Application requirements vary and may require scaled drawings.

Timing: For Obstruction and/or Excavation Permits, a minimum of one week is required to review traffic control plans, utility conflicts, and other considerations as necessary. For sidewalk cafés, a minimum of one week is required to review the scale plans. However, if corrections or changes are required additional time will be necessary.

Fees: Yes

A new Building Certificate of Occupancy is required:

• ­before occupancy of any new building
• ­before an existing building can be occupied for a new use

Building Certificate of Occupancy involves the review of all life safety systems to ensure buildings are safe to be occupied for their designated use. The Building Certificate of Occupancy is issued after all required construction permits are approved.

Timing: Dependent upon amount of construction the project entails.

Fees: No

A Fire Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is required for:

• ­continued use of the space, regardless of owner, after a Building Certificate of Occupancy has been issued

Timing: Frequency of renewal inspections is based on type of use and are typically every two to three years.

Fees: Yes