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Environmental Health Section

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1. I have been asked to provide food for a business meeting in Saint Paul. I have a catering license in a different city. Is a Saint Paul license needed to served the food?

No. Another city's catering license is acceptable in lieu of a City of Saint Paul Catering License. You must complete a Class R City License application and show proof of another city's Catering License by providing a copy of a current license. No fee is required.

2. There is a festival fair happening in three weeks in Saint Paul. We would like to sell hot dogs and hamburgers from a booth. How do I get a license?

Special Event Food Review and License Applications may be downloaded from our website. There is a category for a 1-3 days Special Event Food Sales License with a required fee. Information is to be provided including the name (ingredients) of each food and beverage item to be served, where the food will be purchased from, how it will be transported to keep it cold or hot, where the food is to be prepared, and what equipment will be used onsite to keep food cold, to heat the food, or to keep it hot. There is also a diagram page to be completed with the layout of your booth, including a handwash station. Applications download

3. Do I need to apply for a sound level variance?

It is not strictly required, however a variance should be applied for if any amplified music, equipment or other source of noise are likely to exceed the permitted sound level thresholds listed in chapter 293 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.

4. Do I need a Saint Paul license to see food items from a cart or vehicle?

Yes, all mobile food vehicles and food carts operating in the City of Saint Paul must be inspected and licensed by the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI), even if the vehicle or cart is currently licensed by another municipality, county or the State of Minnesota.

5. If I have a Saint Paul licensed food cart or mobile food vehicle, can I operate anywhere in the city?

No. There may be restrictions, permits or other approvals needed. Depending on the location of your cart/vehicle you will need to contact one or more of the following:
- DSI Zoning Section, (651) 266-9008: any zoning requirements
- Department of Parks and Recreation, (651) 266-6400: operations in Saint Paul Park requires approval from them
- Public Works Right of Way, (651) 266-6151: the operation or parking of your mobile food vehicle / cart on a street, sidewalk, or other public property may require a permit from them.