Department of Safety and Inspections Tips

Contact

Project Facilitators Email 375 Jackson Ave Suite 220 Saint Paul, MN 55101 Phone: 651-266-9103

Hours

7:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday What are the requirements and steps for building, remodeling, expanding, converting and/or licensing a new business in Saint Paul?

  • A review and approval process of the business plan is required
  • The Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) has Project Facilitators
    • They have the knowledge to guide you with your project
    • Call them for an appointment to discuss your plans and options
  • Bring the following documentation for review at your preliminary meeting:
    • Five copies of your business plan (hours of operation, food menu, equipment specifications, work experience, plans of operation; etc.)
    • Five copies of your site plan (detailing lot dimensions, off-street parking, landscaping, streets, etc.)
    • Five copies of your building plan (detailing dimensions of dining, bar, kitchen, storage, entertainment, basement, staircase, exit, restroom, etc.)

Business Plan

  • DSI needs to know certain information about your business, and how you plan to run it.
  • DSI does not need a full blown business plan (for instance, do not need a financial statement), but basic information such as hours of operation, food menu, equipment specifications, work experience, plans of operation, etc.
  • A well-written business plan is a requirement of any lending institution that you may contact for a loan.
  • Even if you don't need a loan, you should prepare a good business plan.
  • This will require you to put a great deal of thought as to the risks and benefits of proceeding.
  • It will generate a lot of questions that you may not consider without this effort.
  • A business plan is the foundation of good business.
  • Here are some links to sites that may be able to help you with your business plan. Note: DSI and the City of Saint Paul have no control over these sites, and is not recommending any information contained in them. We are simply providing them for your reference.

Last Edited: March 2, 2017