Pools and spas are licensed and inspected by St Louis County health inspectors, however, all new facilities must go through a plan review and approval process from the Minnesota Department of Health.  All boarding and lodging facilities in St Louis County are inspected by St Louis County health inspectors.  St Louis County requires a plan review for any new facility or a remodel to an existing boarding and lodging facilities.

A Plan Review is required for all new lodging establishments and is also required when remodeling any existing lodging establishments. 

New Lodging Establishment

1. A  Plan Review Application must be submitted with the following items:

       a.   One complete set of building plans (layout, finishes, plumbing, ventilation, etc.)

       b.    List of all food service equipment with specifications (make/model numbers) *

       c.   Menu (if food is served)
       d.   Plan Review Fee
       e.   In addition, a set of building plans must be submitted to the local City Building Official; and
             a set of plumbing plans must be submitted to the Plumbing and Engineering Department,  
             Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

2. Plan Review Letter - This Department reviews the plans for layout, equipment, ventilation and other items, and a plan review letter is sent to the owner.

3. Final Construction Inspection - When all construction is completed a final construction inspection is conducted.

4. Licensing - If the final construction inspection by this Department was satisfactory, and the City Building Official has signed off on all the construction elements, then the establishment may apply for an establishment license.

Remodeling an Existing Lodging Establishment

For remodels, the exact same process as above will apply.  New building plans showing the changes must be submitted, along with a list of any new equipment to be installed, a list of menu changes (if applicable) and a plan review fee.  Building plans must also be submitted to the local building official, as discussed above.

For an existing establishment that is being remodeled, no new license is required, unless the number of rooms has changed substantially.

If an existing establishment has been remodeled, and there has also been a change of ownership, then the new owner must apply for an establishment license.