Introducing PAULIE: The City's New Permitting and Licensing Platform
PAULIE is the City of Saint Paul's new secure online system for permits, licenses, inspections, complaints, and more. This new platform:
- Provides a secure, mobile-friendly way to submit and track applications.
- Centralizes the licensing and permitting process, from application through inspection and renewal.
Learn how to apply through PAULIE and get answers to common questions.
Business Licenses, Permits, and Registrations
Business licenses required by the City of Saint Paul are listed by category below.
The State of Minnesota and Ramsey County may also require an additional license depending on business type(s).
If you cannot find a license type for your business or have questions about other requirements operating a business within the City of Saint Paul, please contact a Project Facilitator at 651-266-8989.
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For information concerning federal and state alcohol laws and requirements visit the Federal Alcohol Laws and Requirements webpage and review Chapter 7515 Department of Public Safety - Liquor and State Statue 340A Liquor.
City of Saint Paul additional requirements are primarily located within the Legislative Code’s Chapters Chapters 409 Intoxication Liquor, 410 Nonintoxicating Malt Liquor, 411 Entertainment, & State Statue 340A Intoxication Liquor
*A Class N notice requires the City to send public notice to neighboring property owners. To learn more about the administrative process, visit this page.
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Animal Boarding Animal Day Care Animal Foods Manufacturing and Distribution Pet Grooming Facility Pet Shop Veterinary Hospital -
*A Class N notice requires the City to send public notice to neighboring property owners. To learn more about the administrative process, visit this page.
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Please note: Cannabis and Lower-Potency Hemp Edibles city registrations are not currently available in PAULIE. We're working to get these processes up and running, but it will take time. In the meantime, please follow the city registration steps below.
Cannabis Business
Cannabis businesses are required to be licensed through the state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). In addition, licensed cannabis businesses with retail operations are required to obtain local government registration. The OCM license process can be found at https://mn.gov/ocm/businesses/licensing/process.jsp
Helpful Handout: OCM Applicant Guide
During the state licensing process, OCM requests cities to certify that the location of a proposed cannabis business location meets zoning requirements* (including distances from certain properties), as well as local fire and building codes. This worksheet is designed to help guide you on what Saint Paul considers when making location certifications.
Upon being issued a state license, cannabis businesses with retail operations must obtain city registration before beginning sales. We’re currently developing ordinance language for city registration. In the meantime, we’ll utilize state statute to register cannabis businesses with retail operations. To apply for retail registration, you will need to obtain the following and deliver to the DSI office at 375 Jackson St, Suite 220, Saint Paul, MN, 55101:
Copy of approved MN state cannabis license
State form - fill out the top portion of this form
Site and floor plan of your business
Appropriate fee
For general inquiries about cannabis products and cannabinoid products, or zoning inquiries regarding use of property, please contact DSI at 651-266-8989, or email DSI-Licensing@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Businesses
Lower-potency hemp edible (LPHE) businesses must be licensed through the OCM. In addition, LPHE businesses with retail operations are required to obtain local government registration.
MN Statute does not provide a grace period between the existing state registration of LPHE businesses and new state licensing to provide local governments time to review and issue city registrations. Upon state license issuance, businesses must follow MN Statute 342, including the requirement to have city registration to engage in sales.
To prevent businesses from halting sales during the city registration period, OCM will advise LPHE businesses against paying their approved license invoice for their new state license until the business obtains their city registration. This allows LPHE businesses currently operating with a state registration to continue operations until they have obtained city registration and paid their approved license invoice to obtain their state license.
The OCM license process can be found at https://mn.gov/ocm/businesses/licensing/process.jsp
Helpful Handout - OCM Hemp Business Guide
Upon being issued a state license, LPHE businesses with retail operations must obtain city registration before beginning sales. We’re currently developing ordinance language for city registration. In the meantime, we will utilize state statute to register cannabis businesses with retail operations. To apply for City Retail Registration, you will need to:
- Ensure your business is compliant with Saint Paul zoning*, fire, and building codes.
- This worksheet will guide you to ensure business is compliant
- This worksheet will guide you to ensure business is compliant
- Deliver the following to the DSI office at 375 Jackson St, Suite 220, Saint Paul, MN, 55101:
- Copy of approved MN State LHPE license OR unpaid invoice
- City Registration Application
- MN State Form – fill out the top portion of this form
- Site and floor plan of your business
- Appropriate fee (check or cash)
For general inquiries about cannabis and cannabinoid products, or zoning inquiries regarding use of property, please contact DSI at 651-266-8989, or email DSI-Licensing@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Zoning Ordinance Amendments
The adult-use cannabis ordinance was approved by City Council on 9/18/2024 and signed by Mayor Carter on 9/24/2024. These added changes determine distance requirements from certain establishments such as schools, daycares and public parks. The full ordinance can be found in Ord 24-21_Zoning Requirements for Cannabinoids.
For State Statute 342 and amendments of the chapter for cannabis and cannabinoid products, please refer to Ch.342 MN for statutes & Chapter 121 - MN Laws for amendments.
Additional Information for Cannabis Retail Businesses
- Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management: Questions regarding rules and regulations for licensing may be directed tot he Office of Cannabis Management via email:
- General Inquiries: cannabis.info@state.mn.us
- Rulemaking Inquiries: cannabis.rulemaking@state.mn.us
- Medical Cannabis Program Inquiries: medical.cannabis@state.mn.us
- Starting a Cannabis Retail Business and Social Equity Information
- Applications are now being accepted for some cannabis licenses - Instructions for First-Time Applicants
- Cannabis Tax
Complaints for Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Products
If a person suspects that hemp-derived cannabinoid products are being sold in violation of the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 151 and 342, you may report the issue with the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management:
- Overview / Office of Cannabis Management
- To submit a complaint directly to OCM, complete the official Office of Cannabis Management complaint form. Once filled in, don’t forget to click "Submit" at the bottom of the form!
On-Site Consumption at a Business or Outdoor Event
Establishments or retailers that serve THC drinks and lower-potency edibles at a business or an outdoor event must follow the conditions as described in MN Statutes 151.72 subd 3(f). until OCM issues licenses for lower-potency hemp edible retail business and cannabis event organizers. These conditions for outdoor events will be enforced until event coordinator licenses are made available by OCM and new language is introduced for Minnesota Administrative Rules expected later in 2025.
Sale of cannabinoids derived from hemp
Products may be sold for on-site consumption if all of the following conditions are met:
- Must be registered with OCM ( Hemp Derived Cannabinoid Products Business Registration Form )
The retailer must also hold an on-sale license issued under chapter 340A
Products other than products intended to be consumed as a beverage must be served in original packaging, but may be removed from the products' packaging by customers and consumed on site
Products must not be sold to a customer who the retailer knows or reasonably should know is intoxicated
Products must not be permitted to be mixed with an alcoholic beverage
Products that have been removed from packaging must not be removed from the premises
Edible cannabinoid products that are intended to be consumed as a beverage may be served outside of the products' packaging if the information that is required to be contained on the label of an edible cannabinoid product is posted or otherwise displayed by the retailer
Outdoor on-site consumption for special events requires a temporary liquor license or a temporary on-sale liquor catering license. Contact DSI licensing for additional information and requirements at phone number 651-266-8989, or email DSI-Licensing@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
For recent News from the Office of Cannabis Management including reviews of applications for license preapprovals, use the following link: Newsletters / Office of Cannabis Management for information and to sign up for the Cannabis Implementation Insider.
Cannabis Seed
Individual and retailers interested in selling seed must contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for permits.
- Permits - Seed Permits | Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Facts and questions Marijuana Seed Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Differences of Legal Cannabinoids, Hemp, and Cannabis?
- Cannabinoids – Are a group of substances found in the cannabis plant. On July 1, 2022 the State of MN approved the sale, possession and consumption of some cannabinoid products. These products may not contain more than five milligrams of any tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a single serving, and not more than 50 milligrams of any THC per package.
- Hemp – Is a nonintoxicating cannabinoid derived from a hemp plant and does not contain more than 0.3 percent of any THC.
- Cannabis/Marijuana - Refers to all products derived from the cannabis sativa plant. This includes its dried flowers, leaves, stems and seeds. The plant contains over 500 chemical substances. The word “marijuana” refers to parts of or products from the cannabis sativa plant that contain substantial amounts of THC, the substance that’s primarily responsible for the effects of marijuana on a person’s mental state. Some cannabis plants contain very little THC. However, under U.S. law, these plants are considered “industrial hemp” rather than marijuana.
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*A Class N notice requires the City to send public notice to neighboring property owners. To learn more about the administrative process, visit this page.
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*A Class N notice requires the City to send public notice to neighboring property owners. To learn more about the administrative process, visit this page.
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Sidewalk Café-Food Only Short Term Rental Host & Platform What You Need to Know About Selling and Serving Food in Saint Paul Food Truck/Mobile Food Unit Regulations The Minnesota Department of Health licenses food and lodging establishments (e.g., restaurant, mobile food unit, bed & breakfast, hotel, and motel). Please find the Department of Health licensing information here.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture licenses retail food establishments (e.g., grocery and convenience stores, bakeries, and vending machines) and retail mobile food units (e.g., seasonal food stand, mobile food unit, retail food vehicle/cart) that predominantly sell prepackaged food. Please find the Department of Agriculture licensing information here.
City of Saint Paul Zoning and Fire Safety, Certificate of Occupancy requirements still apply to restaurants and retail food establishments. If you have any questions about starting a business in the city, please contact a Project facilitator at 651-266-8989.
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Health/Sports Club Massage Center (Adult) Massage Center (Class A - Commercial Location) Massage Center (Class B - Home Location) Massage Practitioner Public Swimming Pools
Please follow the below link: Minnesota Department of HealthSteam Room/Bath House (Class A and B) Tanning Facility Whirlpools
Please follow the below link: Minnesota Department of Health*A Class N notice requires the City to send public notice to neighboring property owners. To learn more about the administrative process, visit this page.
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*A Class N notice requires the City to send public notice to neighboring property owners. To learn more about the administrative process, visit this page.
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*A Class N notice requires the City to send public notice to neighboring property owners. To learn more about the administrative process, visit this page.
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*A Class N notice requires the City to send public notice to neighboring property owners. To learn more about the administrative process, visit this page.
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Burglar Alarm Permits Courtesy Benches Parking Garage/Ramp Parking Garage (Private) Parking Lot Tag Days Scrapping *A Class N notice requires the City to send public notice to neighboring property owners. To learn more about the administrative process, visit this page.
