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BUSINESS LICENSING
The City does not issue a general business license, as only certain types of businesses and activities within the city require a license or permit. These businesses and activities are listed below, along with the applicable city ordinance and information on required forms and fees. Prior to beginning the licensing process for a new business, it is helpful to contact the Planning and Zoning Department to ensure your location allows for the proposed activity.
The time frame necessary for completing new and renewal license applications varies. These processes may include but are not limited to: inter-departmental reviews, background investigations, physical site inspections, and/or Council consideration. If you are unable to complete the online application due to lack of access to a computer, please contact us for a paper application.
City Ordinance: Title XI: Business Regulations
Active License Range: January 1 – December 31 (except Temporary)
Renewal Deadline: November 1
BUSINESS LICENSE TYPES
Special note regarding Cannabis/Lower-Potency Hemp: On July 10, 2023, the City of West St. Paul enacted Ordinance No. 23-010 which imposed a moratorium on the operation of cannabis businesses in the city. All previously licensed THC businesses prior to this date are allowed to continue their businesses unless or until preempted by state or local law.
For information and questions regarding cannabis licensing, please see the Office of Cannabis Management.
The City will be implementing a registration process for these businesses pursuant to state statute, and more information will be available in the coming months.
Ordinance No. 24-011
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE XI: BUSINESS REGULATIONS BY ADOPTING CHAPTER 115 REGARDING REGISTRATION OF CANNABIS RETAILERS
Ordinance No. 24-012
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING MULTIPLE SECTIONS OF THE ZONING CODE REGARDING ADULT-USE RECREATIONAL CANNABIS REGULATIONS
West St. Paul, Minnesota Code of Ordinances - Courtesy Benches
A person may not place or maintain a courtesy bench for the convenience of persons waiting for buses or for any other reason at any place in the city without obtaining a license.
- Required City Forms:
- Additional Submittal Requirements (if applicable): None
- Inspections (if applicable): None
- Fees:
- Courtesy Bench: $35.00/each
West St. Paul, Minnesota Code of Ordinances - Farmer Registration
Farmer’s produce or product. Any person or a sponsoring organization representing multiple vendors who sells or attempt to sell any product of a farm or garden occupied, rented or used by the person and cultivated by the person does not require a license; however, the person or sponsoring organization must register with the city pursuant to division (E) and in addition to the information required therein, the person or sponsoring organization must provide the following information:
- Required Forms:
- Landowner Permission: Requires upload of completed Property Owner Authorization form.
- Business License Application - PDF or Business License Application - Word Document
- Tennessen Warning for License Applications
- Additional Submittal Requirements (if applicable): None
- Inspections (if applicable):
- Site Plan/Layout
- Fees:
- Farmer Registration: $95.00
West St. Paul, Minnesota Code of Ordinances - Fireworks
It is unlawful for any person to engage in the business of selling legal fireworks at retail without first receiving a license.
- Required City Forms:
- Additional Submittal Requirements (if applicable):
- Copy of MN Workers Compensation
- Certificate of Insurance
- Inspections (if applicable):
- Inspection by South Metro Fire: Requirements & Forms
- Fees:
- Permit $25.00 + Inspection Fee $75.00 = TOTAL: $100.00
West St. Paul, Minnesota Code of Ordinances - Gambling
While the state’s Gambling Control Board oversees the issuance of permits for lawful gambling activities, no person or organization shall operate gambling devices, conduct raffles, or engage in any other gambling activities permitted by state law without first obtaining approval from the City.
- Required City Forms:
- Additional Submittal Requirements (if applicable):
- Depending on the type of activity the requirements may differ. Please review the MN Gambling Control Board Website.
- Inspections (if applicable): None
- Fees:
- Background Check Fee - Annual: $100.00
- Background Check Fee – Temporary: $25.00
West St. Paul, Minnesota Code of Ordinances - Laundry
No person or business shall engage in the business of operating a self-service laundry facility without a license.
- Required Forms:
- Additional Submittal Requirements (if applicable):
- List of Machine Information (Make, Model & Serial Numbers)
- Certificate of Insurance
- Inspections (if applicable): None
- Fees:
- First 10 Machines: $105.00
- Each Additional Machine: $5.00
West St. Paul, Minnesota Code of Ordinances - Liquor
No person or organization may directly or indirectly upon any pretense or by any device, manufacture, import, sell, exchange, barter, dispose of, charge for possession or keep for sale any intoxicating liquor without a license. License types are: (1) On-Sale Intoxicating; (2) Off-Sale; (3) 3.2 Malt Liquor; (4) Wine and Beer; (5) Temporary
- Required City Forms:
- Additional Submittal Requirements (if applicable):
- Certificate of Insurance
- Certificate of Compliance: MN Workers Compensation Law CC0151
- State Business Registration (DBA's Only): Confirmation from the Secretary of State showing your DBA is properly registered is required.
- Inspections (if applicable): None
- Fees:
- See Fee Schedule
- Background Check Fee: Varies
West St. Paul, Minnesota Code of Ordinances - Live Outdoor Entertainment
Outdoor Live Entertainment: It is unlawful to permit or have dancing, singing, disc jockeys, concerts with music for hire or the use of any musical instruments with or without charge, at any outdoor location where intoxicating liquor or 3.2% malt liquor is served, without a license.
- Carnivals: No person or organization may conduct a carnival in the city without a license.
- Gambling: While the state’s Gambling Control Board oversees the issuance of permits for lawful gambling activities, no person or organization shall operate gambling devices, conduct raffles, or engage in any other gambling activities permitted by state law without first obtaining approval from the City.
*Notice: Before issuance of a live entertainment license, the city shall notify property owners within 350 feet of the proposed event at least ten days prior to the City Council meeting. *
- Required City Forms:
- Additional Submittal Requirements (if applicable):
- Site Plan Diagram
- Security & Road Plan
- Inspections (if applicable): None
- Fees:
- Consumption & Display Permit (Annual): $300.00
- Consumption & Display Permit (One-Day): $25.00
- Live Entertainment: $375.00
- Background Check Fee: $100.00 (Renewal $100.00)
West St. Paul, Minnesota Code of Ordinances - Massage
It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to own, operate, engage in, or carry on, within the city, any type of massage services to the public for consideration without first having obtained a therapeutic massage license from the city.
- Required City Forms:
- Additional Submittal Requirements (if applicable):
- Certificate of Insurance
- Certificate of Compliance: MN Workers Compensation Law CC0151
- State Business Registration (DBA's Only): Confirmation from the Secretary of State showing your DBA is properly registered is required.
- Massage Therapist Personal Business License: Copy of the independent contractor or employment agreement, or an executed statement from the business owner that the applicant is authorized to conduct business at the business premises.
- NEW APPLICANTS ONLY: A certified copy of a transcript of academic record from an accredited institution that has been approved by the issuing authority, sent directly from the program or institution to the issuing authority:
City of West St Paul
Business Licensing
1616 Humboldt Ave
West St Paul, MN 55118 - A copy of the diploma or certificate from an accredited program or accredited institution that has been approved by the issuing authority, sent directly from the accredited program or institution to the authority. The accredited program or accredited institution must confirm that the applicant has successfully completed at least 500 hours of certified massage training with content that includes the subjects of anatomy, physiology, hygiene, ethics, massage theory and research, and massage practices from the same accredited program or accredited institution.
- Inspections (if applicable):
- NEW APPLICANTS ONLY: An inspection by the Police Department and Building Official is required. Licenses shall only be recommended for approval if they pass these inspections.
- Fees:
- Business: $100.00
- Personal: $100.00
- Background Check Fee: $150.00 (Renewal $100.00)
West St. Paul, Minnesota Code of Ordinances - Motor Vehicle Related
No person shall engage in the business of keeping, maintaining or operating any gasoline service station, operate a carwash, engage in new or used vehicular or motorcycle sales and/or rentals within the city without a license.
- Required City Forms:
- Additional Submittal Requirements (if applicable):
- Certificate of Insurance
- Certificate of Compliance: MN Workers Compensation Law CC0151
- State Business Registration (DBA's Only): Confirmation from the Secretary of State showing your DBA is properly registered is required.
- Inspections (if applicable): None
- Fees:
- Motor Vehicle Sales & Rentals: $92.00
- Motor Vehicle Related Business: $100.00
- New & Used Motor Vehicle Dealer/Broker: $180.00
West St. Paul, Minnesota Code of Ordinances - Pawnbroker/Precious Metals
No person shall engage in the business of pawnbroker or precious metal dealer within the city unless the person is currently licensed under this section, and in the case of a precious metal dealer, a license must be obtained from both the county and the city.
- Required City Forms:
- Additional Submittal Requirements (if applicable):
- Certificate of Insurance
- Certificate of Compliance: MN Workers Compensation Law CC0151
- State Business Registration (DBA's Only): Confirmation from the Secretary of State showing your DBA is properly registered is required.
- Inspections (if applicable): None
- Fees:*A person conducting both pawnbroker and precious metal dealer activity at the same location shall be required to obtain both a pawnbroker’s license and a precious metal dealer’s license. Only the license fee for a pawnbroker license shall be required. The license fee for the precious metal dealer license shall be waived.
- Pawn Transaction: Modem Transmissions: $2.00/each
- Pawn Transaction: Manual Transmissions: $5.00/each
- Precious Metals Dealer License: $1,900.00
- Pawnbroker License: $7,100.00
- Background Check Fee - Pawnbroker: $1,400.00 (Renewal $100.00)
- Background Check Fee – Precious Metal Dealer: $150.00 (Renewal $100.00)
West St. Paul, Minnesota Code of Ordinances - Peddler/Solicitor/Transient Merchant
No person may conduct business as a peddler, solicitor, or transient merchant in the city without a license.
- Required City Forms:
- Additional Submittal Requirements (if applicable):
- Transient Merchant: Must attach a letter or written statement from the employer certifying that the applicant is authorized to act as the employer's representative.
- Copy of the independent contractor or employment agreement, or an executed statement from the business owner that the applicant is authorized to conduct business at the business premises.
- Certificate of Insurance (Bond or letter of credit requirement in lieu of insurance: In lieu of a certificate of insurance, the applicant shall provide a bond or letter od credit payable to the city in the amount of $3,000.00, which shall be approved by the Finance Director.)
- Certificate of Compliance: MN Workers Compensation Law CC0151
- State Business Registration (DBA's Only): Confirmation from the Secretary of State showing your DBA is properly registered is required.
- Inspections (if applicable): None
- Fees:
- Transient Merchant License: $100.00
- Peddler/Solicitor License: $95.00
- Photo ID Badge: $20.00
- Background Check Fee: $135.00 (Renewal $100.00)
West St. Paul, Minnesota Code of Ordinances - Rubbish Hauler
- Residential: No person may haul, collect or transport rubbish from residences, other than the person’s own residence, within the city without a residential hauler’s license.
- Commercial: No person may collect, haul or transport rubbish or refuse from any multi-family residence, business or industry, other than the person’s own, or collect, haul or transport discarded construction materials or similar rubbish or refuse from any site, other than the person’s own, without a commercial refuse hauler’s license.
- Required City Forms:
- Additional Submittal Requirements (if applicable):
- Provide Rates of Service
- Certificate of Insurance
- Certificate of Compliance: MN Workers Compensation Law CC0151
- State Business Registration (DBA's Only): Confirmation from the Secretary of State showing your DBA is properly registered is required.
- Inspections (if applicable): None
- Fees:
- Rubbish Hauler (commercial & residential): $650.00
- Trucks: $50.00/each
West St. Paul, Minnesota Code of Ordinances - Secondhand Dealer
No person or organization shall sell tangible personal property, excluding a motor vehicle, that has been previously used, rented, owned or leased, without a license.
- Required City Forms:
- Additional Submittal Requirements (if applicable):
- Certificate of Insurance
- Certificate of Compliance: MN Workers Compensation Law CC0151
- State Business Registration (DBA's Only): Confirmation from the Secretary of State showing your DBA is properly registered is required.
- Inspections (if applicable): None
- Fees:
- Secondhand Dealer: $300.00
West St. Paul, Minnesota Code of Ordinances - Special Animal Permit
No person shall keep in their possession more than three dogs or three cats, or a combination of three dogs and cats, that are older than four months, without obtaining a license. (2) No person shall keep in their possession any farm or other small animal in quantities greater than what is set forth in §90.08 without obtaining a special animal permit.
- Required City Forms:
- Additional Submittal Requirements (if applicable):
- Kennel Site Layout/Plan
- Inspections (if applicable):
- Inspection of premises by Police Department
- Fees:
- Exceeding Number of Animals Allowed: $200.00 (Renewal $100.00)
- Exotic Animal Permits: $200.00
West St. Paul, Minnesota Code of Ordinances - Tattoo/Body Art
No person acting individually or jointly with any other person may maintain, own or operate a body art establishment in the city without being licensed. The city will issue no more than two body art establishment licenses at any time.
- Required City Forms:
- Additional Submittal Requirements (if applicable):
- Certificate of Insurance
- Certificate of Compliance: MN Workers Compensation Law CC0151
- State Business Registration (DBA's Only): Confirmation from the Secretary of State showing your DBA is properly registered is required.
- Inspections (if applicable):
- NEW APPLICANTS ONLY: Inspection of premises by a city official
- Fees:
- Tattoo/Body Art – Business: $425.00
- Background Check Fee: $135.00 (Renewal $100.00)
West St. Paul, Minnesota Code of Ordinances - Tobacco
No person shall sell or offer to sell any licensed product (as defined in §113.02) without first obtaining a license.
- Required City Forms:
- Additional Submittal Requirements (if applicable):
- Certificate of Insurance
- Certificate of Compliance: MN Workers Compensation Law CC0151
- State Business Registration (DBA's Only): Confirmation from the Secretary of State showing your DBA is properly registered is required.
- MN Department of Revenue CT102
- Inspections (if applicable): None
- Fees:
- Tobacco: $525.00
- Background Check Fee: $1,400.00 (Renewal $100.00)
CONTACT
Please feel free to contact the Licensing staff to assist you with your licensing questions or with the application process if needed. We can be reached at 651-552-4133 or bbyrd@wspmn.gov.