Proposed Green Line University Avenue Commercial Development District

Based upon new business and other development occurring along University Avenue, including the Allianz Soccer Stadium, the City of Saint Paul is evaluating the idea of creating small Commercial Development Districts along University Avenue. These districts are geographical areas in which any type of on-sale liquor license can be issued though the number can be limited.

Current ordinance

Saint Paul City Ordinance prohibits the issuance of a new on-sale liquor license to a bar or other non-restaurant type establishment that serves liquor outside of downtown or a City Council approved Commercial Development District. Existing Licensed Liquor Businesses

These districts can be any size and can restrict the number and type of on-sale liquor licenses that can be issued in the district.

Other designated Commercial Development Districts

The community has expressed an interest in allowing liquor licenses to be issued in this area and the Department of Safety and Inspections is supportive of this effort.

Proposed Green Line Commercial Development Districts

Commercial Development Districts in the City include:

  • Downtown Development District
  • Energy Park Development District
  • Can Can Wonderland on Prior Avenue
  • Schmidt Brewery site on West 7th Street
  • 974 West 7th Street
  • 2082 Ford Parkway 
  • Selby Avenue (general boundaries)
  • Midway/1-94 (general boundaries)
  • University and Dale Development District
  • Amtrak Development District

Next steps

The creation of Commercial Development Districts requires a public notification and hearing process and the approval of the Saint Paul Planning Commission, City Council and Mayor.

The City will draft ordinance language defining the geographical boundaries of the district(s) and the number and type of on-sale liquor licenses, after which and the public notification and hearing process will begin.

Last Edited: August 24, 2022