What should I know before I get started?
Zoning laws establish rules on how property can be used, including the size and location of buildings on a lot. Learn about what’s permitted in zoning districts using this map before buying or considering a change of use of a building or property.
Residential Properties
- All single-family, duplex, condominium, and townhomes are required to have a Truth in Sale of Housing (TISH) evaluation completed before marketing a property for sale. Properties that have three or more units, commercial, and mixed-use buildings do not require a TISH.
- A TISH evaluation is not a substitute for an inspection.
- The Fire Engineering office reviews permits and performs inspections on kitchen hood, fire suppression, fire alarm, smoke control, and special suppression systems. Learn more about Fire Engineering and applications you may need to submit on the Fire Engineering permits page.
- New rental dwellings need a Provisional Certificate of Occupancy. The Provisional Fire Certificate of Occupancy is issued by DSI to owners of one or two-unit rental dwellings to temporarily permit continued occupancy pending inspection of the structure. You can download a PDF of the Provisional Certificate application here, and download a PDF of the Owner's Affidavit here.
- As a general rule, a Site Plan Review is required on all new residential construction except for single-family homes and some smaller projects that are cosmetic or disturb less than 10,000 square feet. For a process overview, view a PDF of the Site Plan Review process.
- For those considering buying sober housing or short-term rental properties there are special considerations. If the available land or building is eligible, you will need to file an application with the Zoning Administrator for a sober house. Sec. 65.160 of the Legislative Code defines a sober house and establishes standards and conditions.
- Short-term rental units are permitted in the City and require annual licenses as well as Zoning and Fire Safety authorizations.
- Home buying and ownership resources offered by the state, county and city of Saint Paul may be found on the Home Buying and Ownership Resources page.
Commercial Properties
- To learn about the Commercial Certificate of Occupancy program, take a minute to watch these short videos.
- Customers need to go through the City’s Site Plan Review (SPR) approval process for any new commercial buildings and additions, or parking lot reconstructions involving more than a partial mill and overlay. For an overview of the Site Plan Review process review this graphic.
- The Fire Engineering office reviews permits and performs inspections on kitchen hood, fire suppression, fire alarm, smoke control, and special suppression systems.
- Depending on the use of your property, the fire engineer may also need to review building plans in conjunction with the building plan review department for life-safety systems, including exiting and separations.
- For general information about commercial properties including Change of Ownership, visit the Commercial Properties page.
Additional Resources
City of Saint Paul Assessment Lookup
Ramsey County Resources
