Plan Review for Food Establishments

1. Submit the following:

• Application for plan review (PDF).
• One complete set of building plans drawn to scale, including equipment layout, finishes, plumbing, mechanicals, electrical, ventilation, etc.
• Demonstrated compliance with the smoke-free ordinance.
• List of all food service equipment with specifications (manufacturer and model numbers).
• Room finish schedule.
• Menu (and HACCP plan, if required).
• Plan review fee.

Mail or deliver to:

Ramsey County Environemental Health
2785 White Bear Avenue, Suite 350
Maplewood, MN 55109.

In addition, submit:

• Building plans to the local municipal building official.
• Plumbing plans to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry at 651-284-5005.

2. Receive plan review letter

After reviewing the plans for layout, food flow, equipment and ventilation, the owner will receive a letter listing any changes needed.

3. Conduct site visits

An inspector will conduct site visits to monitor the construction progress and equipment installation.

4. Conduct final inspection

When construction is complete and all food equipment installed, an inspector will conduct a final construction inspection.

5. Apply for food license

An establishment can apply for a food license when:

• The inspector confirms the final construction inspection is satisfactory, and
• The municipal building official and fire marshal have signed off on all construction elements.

To apply for a license, complete and submit a license application (PDF).

Ramsey County requires an equipment plan review for existing food establishment not being remodeled but undergoing significant equipment changes.

The equipment plan review process is the same as for new food establishments. However, a complete set of drawings is generally not required.

Submit the following:

• List of all food service equipment specifications (make and model numbers).
• Drawing showing the new equipment layout.
• List of any other changes, like room finishes and menu changes occurring as a result of equipment changes.

If the plumbing and building structure changes are minimal, check with the local building official and Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry to determine if a building and/or plumbing plan review is needed.

Ramsey County does not require a new food license unless the nature of the business has changed substantially, there has been a change in ownership, or a closed establishment reopens.

Pay license fees online

• Use a checking/savings account or credit/debit card.
• Use the statement number found on your fee statement.
• Create a separate transaction for each fee statement paid.

Pay by mail

Send a check (payable to Ramsey County) or money order to:

Environmental Health Division
P.O. Box 64045
Saint Paul, MN 55164