During the plan review process, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide evidence of compliance with state and local jurisdiction regulations prior to licensing. This may include obtaining written approval from various authorities, including but not limited to:
The local authority must approve the facility's compliance with all associated zoning codes.
If the facility plans to provide water through a well, it must be installed by a licensed well driller and certified by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The applicant can contact the MDH Well Management Unit at 651-201-4600 or 800-383-9808 for verification of well construction and water quality compliance.
If the food establishment is moving to a location with an existing well, an evaluation of the well construction must take place. This involves an on-site review of the well's location and surrounding features, as well as an office review of the well's construction. While the MDA works with the MDH on this evaluation, the final determination on the well construction compliance is made by the MDH Well Management Unit.
To ensure compliance with regulations, a facility that uses a septic system must have it approved by the appropriate regulatory authority. The facility must provide evidence of septic system compliance by obtaining a current Certificate of Compliance. The applicant can contact their county for information on how to verify septic system compliance and obtain a current Certificate of Compliance.
To comply with the Minnesota Plumbing Code, all plans and specifications for new plumbing systems or changes to existing plumbing systems serving a public or commercial building must be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) or delegated local agency for approval prior to construction. Plumbing plans must be submitted by a Minnesota licensed plumber to DLI at: Department of Labor and Industry, Plumbing Plan Review and Inspection, 443 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Your plumbing and/or waste disposal plans must be approved by the appropriate regulatory agency before you can obtain a license from the MDA. In areas without a local inspection department or building official, plumbing inspections are conducted by a DLI plumbing inspector.
Please note that a plumbing review is required for all projects within a food establishment, regardless of the number of fixtures. The five-fixture exemption does not apply to any food establishments licensed by the MDA.
To ensure compliance with building codes, a building permit must be approved by the building official before obtaining a license. In Minnesota, the State Building Code establishes the guidelines for construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings and other structures.
Contact the local electrical inspector for required permits and inspections.
Commercial cooking equipment may require a kitchen hood ventilation system designed to capture and remove contaminants such as grease, smoke, heat, and odors. These systems must comply with the Minnesota Mechanical Code and be approved by the building official. The ventilation hood must be a Type I or Type II, depending on the equipment and activities in the facility. If there is no local building official, the ventilation plans and specifications must be designed and installed by a Mechanical contractor or Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) contractor, that has a Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) mechanical bond. The results of an air balance test must be provided to the inspector prior to approval.
Anticipate up to 30 days to complete the retail plan review process. NOTE: This does not include timelines and/or requirements of other agencies.
