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Washington County

Washington County Public Health and Environment

In short

Washington County Public Health and Environment issues 9 permits we publish for Washington County, last verified 2026-10-13. Each carries the fee as the agency publishes it, with a link to the schedule it was read from.

What this agency issues

Permits required, with issuing agency, fee, renewal term and the date each record was last verified against its source
Special Event Food Stand Licenseonly if it applies to youWashington County Public Health and Environment$150; $0 for nonprofit organizations (proof of status required); a $30 late fee applies if the application is received three calendar days or less before the eventcovers a stand operating no more than ten total days in the current calendar year2026-10-13
Day Care Centre Food Licenseonly if it applies to youWashington County Public Health and EnvironmentDay Care Center with Food Prep $703; Day Care Center with Limited Food Prep $429calendar year; licenses are valid through December 31 annually (Ordinance 215 §5.7)2026-10-13
Hazardous Waste Generator Licenseonly if it applies to youWashington County Public Health and EnvironmentBilled by the 2026 Hazardous Waste Generator Fee Schedule on the county's Hazardous Waste Generators page, according to the volume of hazardous waste generated in the previous year; the amount for a generator is stated on its renewal invoice. Contact PHE at PHE-HazWaste@washingtoncountymn.gov or 651-430-6655.12 months, May 1 to April 302026-10-13
Public Swimming Pool and Whirlpool/Spa Licenseonly if it applies to youWashington County Public Health and EnvironmentPublic Swimming Facility – Pool: $477 for the first pool, $302 for each additional pool. Public Swimming Facility – Whirlpool/Spa: $398 for the first, $258 for each additional spa.calendar year; licenses are valid through December 31 annually (Ordinance 183 §5.5)2026-10-13
Food Establishment Licenseonly if it applies to youWashington County Public Health and EnvironmentFor Full Service, Deli/Fast Food/Coffee Shop, Caterer/Commissary and Seasonal Food Establishment licenses, the 2026 Fees and Definitions table sets the annual fee in two tiers by number of employees; the amount for an establishment is stated on the invoice PHE emails after the application. Single-figure rows on the same 2026 table: Limited Food Establishment $481; Additional Facility – Bar $214 each; Additional Facility – Kitchen $253 each. Plan review: Equipment Remodeling $152; Minor Remodeling 100% of the annual license fee; Extensive Remodel (including construction of a new food establishment) 150% of the annual license fee; plans submitted less than 30 days before construction pay a late fee of 50% of the original plan review fee. Change of Ownership 50% of the annual license fee. Late renewal: 15% of the total license fee one to seven days late, 25% eight to 30 days late.calendar year; licenses are valid through December 31 annually (Ordinance 215 §5.7)2026-10-13
Mobile Food Unit, Food Cart and Seasonal Temporary Food Stand Licenseonly if it applies to youWashington County Public Health and Environment$174 per year for each Mobile Food Unit, Food Cart or Seasonal Temporary Food Stand; a $30 late fee applies if the application is received three calendar days or less before the eventannual2026-10-13
Tobacco Retail Licenseonly if it applies to youWashington County Public Health and EnvironmentSet annually by the Washington County Board (Ordinance 216 §4); the county's Tobacco Retail Sales page shows only a fee table headed "Fee (2025)". The license fee is invoiced after the application; contact PHE at 651-430-6655 for the current amount.calendar year; the county's page states "Licenses are valid through the end of the calendar year"2026-10-13
SSTS (Septic) Installation, Repair and Soil Review Permitonly if it applies to youWashington County Public Health and Environment2026 Septic Permit Application: Non-Single Family/Commercial installation $1,298; Installation Permit Renewal $186; System Abandonment, Tank Replacement Only or System Repair $148; Compliance – Soil Review $237. The county's Septic page fee schedule lists the soil / site review application fee as "$237, plus $102 per lot". Septic application fees are non-refundable.per permit, for the approved installation at the specified location2026-10-13
Cannabis and Hemp Retail Registrationonly if it applies to youWashington County Public Health and EnvironmentCannabis retail stores: initial registration $500; annual renewal $1,000 (after the first two years). Hemp retail sales: initial registration $125; annual renewal $125. A separate registration is required for each store.one calendar year from the date of issue (Ordinance 219 §3.5)2026-10-13

Fees shown as a range or formula are set that way by the issuing agency — we do not average them into a single number.

About each permit

Special Event Food Stand License

A food stand at a celebration or special event needs a Special Event Food Stand license from Washington County Public Health and Environment. The 2026 Fees and Definitions table defines it as "A food and beverage service establishment that is used in conjunction with celebrations and special events, and which operates for no more than ten total days in the current calendar year" and lists the fee as "$150 / $0 for nonprofit organizations (must present proof of status)." The page asks applicants to read the Special Event Standards, complete the Special Event Food Stand License Application and submit it at least three calendar days before the event; a $30 late fee applies otherwise. It also states: "Application approval and a posted license are still required for nonprofit establishments." The figure is from the "2026 Fees and Definitions" table on Washington County Public Health and Environment's Food Service Establishments page (the county's official fee page), which covers calendar 2026 and is in effect through December 31, 2026. Contact Washington County Public Health and Environment at 651-430-6655 or PHE@washingtoncountymn.gov.

Day Care Centre Food License

A child care centre that serves food holds a food license from Washington County Public Health and Environment in addition to its state child care license. The 2026 Fees and Definitions table covers "Any child-care facility which meets the requirements for licensing by the Minnesota Department of Human Services under Minnesota Rules Chapter 9503 which provides care of six or more children for periods of more than three hours but less than 24 hours," including nursery schools, after school programs and child day care centres. A centre "where food is prepared and served on-site" pays $703; a centre "where food preparation is limited to snacks or catered foods only" pays $429, and on-site preparation of potentially hazardous foods is not permitted in that category. The state child care centre license itself is covered in the Minnesota state records. The figure is from the "2026 Fees and Definitions" table on Washington County Public Health and Environment's Food Service Establishments page (the county's official fee page), which covers calendar 2026 and is in effect through December 31, 2026. Contact Washington County Public Health and Environment at 651-430-6655 or PHE@washingtoncountymn.gov.

Hazardous Waste Generator License

The county's Hazardous Waste Generators page states: "Businesses, schools, and local government agencies in Washington County that produce hazardous waste must be licensed," and "Licenses are issued for a 12-month period from May 1 to April 30 and are required to be renewed annually by January 31 of each year." Ordinance 195 §2.1 states that it "shall be applicable in all incorporated and unincorporated areas of Washington County." Under that statement an auto repair shop, salon, veterinary clinic or contractor that produces hazardous waste is covered; a business without hazardous waste has no generator license. The page states that "Invoices are based on hazardous waste generated in the previous year, according to the volumes and fees" in the 2026 schedule. Renewal is done through the county's Hazardous Waste Generator Portal, where the generator reports its volumes and pays the invoice. Licenses cannot be transferred: a business that closes or moves must call for a close-out inspection and apply for a new license as applicable.

Public Swimming Pool and Whirlpool/Spa License

A gym, studio or other business that operates a public swimming pool or whirlpool/spa needs a license from Washington County Public Health and Environment; a studio without a pool or spa has no pool license. Ordinance 183 §2.1 states that it "shall be applicable to all Public Pools, as defined in Minnesota Rules, parts 4717.0150 to 4717.3970 and Minnesota Statutes, section 144.1222, including all facilities incident thereto, which are located in Washington County," and §5.1 bars operating a public pool without a license for the current year. The county's pools page states that licenses "are not transferable to a person or place," that a new license must be obtained before operation begins, and that public pools must have a certified pool operator (Minnesota Rules, part 4717.0650, subpart 5). Plans for a new pool or spa, or changes to one, go to the Minnesota Department of Health for approval before construction, as the county's page directs. The fee figures are from the county's 2026 Fees and Definitions table, in effect through December 31, 2026. Contact Washington County Public Health and Environment at 651-430-6655 or PHE@washingtoncountymn.gov.

Food Establishment License

A restaurant, coffee shop or other food establishment in Washington County needs a Washington County Public Health and Environment license before it operates. Ordinance 215 §2.1 states that it "shall be applicable to all Food Establishments, as defined in Minnesota Statutes 157.15, Minnesota Rules Chapter 4626.0020, and this Ordinance, which are located in Washington County," and the Minnesota Department of Health's list of local food, pools and lodging contacts names the Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment for Washington County. Ordinance 215 §5.3 provides that fees "shall be established by the County Board of Commissioners." New establishments must complete plan review first: the county's page says to submit the Plan Review Application "at least 30 days before construction or equipment installation begins" and warns that "Submitting a license application before plan review approval will delay processing." Licenses are not transferable, and a new owner must obtain a new license before operating. Ordinance 215 §5.7 states: "Licenses are valid through December 31, annually, except those establishments whose licensing period is defined on the license at time of issuance." The figure is from the "2026 Fees and Definitions" table on Washington County Public Health and Environment's Food Service Establishments page (the county's official fee page), which covers calendar 2026 and is in effect through December 31, 2026. Contact Washington County Public Health and Environment at 651-430-6655 or PHE@washingtoncountymn.gov.

Mobile Food Unit, Food Cart and Seasonal Temporary Food Stand License

The county's Food Service Establishments page states: "Mobile Food Units (MFUs) and Seasonal Temporary Food Stands licensed by any agency other than the Minnesota Department of Agriculture must obtain a Washington County Public Health and Environment license before operating in the county," and "The annual license fee is $174." The 2026 Fees and Definitions table lists $174 each for a Mobile Food Unit ("a vehicle-mounted unit, either motorized or trailered, operating no more than 21 consecutive days annually at any one place"), a Food Cart ("a non-motorized vehicle self-propelled by the operator") and a Seasonal Temporary Food Stand ("disassembled and moved from location to location, remaining no more than 21 consecutive days in one place"). A unit not currently licensed by another Minnesota health department should contact PHE before applying, because a plan review may be required first; after the application, an inspection is completed before operation. The Special Event / Mobile Food Unit late fee is $30 when the application is received three calendar days or less before the event. The figure is from the "2026 Fees and Definitions" table on Washington County Public Health and Environment's Food Service Establishments page (the county's official fee page), which covers calendar 2026 and is in effect through December 31, 2026. Contact Washington County Public Health and Environment at 651-430-6655 or PHE@washingtoncountymn.gov.

Tobacco Retail License

Ordinance 216 §1.2 states: "This ordinance is applicable in any unorganized territory of the county and in any town or home rule charter or statutory city which does not license and regulate retail tobacco sales. Retail establishments licensed by a town or city to sell tobacco are not required to obtain a second license for the same location pursuant to this ordinance." The county's Tobacco Retail Sales page lists the places under the county's jurisdiction: "Afton, Baytown Township, Birchwood, Denmark Township, Grant, Grey Cloud Township, Lake Elmo, Lakeland Shores, Mahtomedi, May Township, Pine Springs, St. Mary's Point, Stillwater Township, West Lakeland Township, Willernie", and directs a business elsewhere in the county to contact the city clerk of its location for licensing information. The page asks retailers to notify the county within 30 days of intent to open; a pre-licensing inspection is scheduled within 7 business days, and licenses are valid only for the premises and person named. Under Ordinance 216 §4, "The license fee will be established annually by the County Board." Contact Washington County Public Health and Environment at 651-430-6655 or PHE@washingtoncountymn.gov.

SSTS (Septic) Installation, Repair and Soil Review Permit

A business whose building is served by a subsurface sewage treatment system (septic system) rather than a public sewer needs a county permit to install new septic tanks or a soil treatment area, to repair or replace a system or any component, or to change the use of, expand or modify the building the system serves, as the county's Septic page states; a business on a public sewer has no septic permit. Development Code Chapter Four §3.1 states: "This chapter shall apply and be in effect in all areas in Washington County other than cities and towns that have adopted ordinances that comply with Minnesota Statute Section 115.55, Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7082, and are as restrictive as this Chapter." The figures are as printed on the county's 2026 Septic Permit Application, which also states that "Septic application fees are non refundable" and that checks are payable to Washington County; the same amounts appear in the fee schedule on the county's Septic page. Applications can be filed through the county's online permitting portal or on paper. Installation inspections must be scheduled 24 hours before the work, and sewage tanks serving commercial establishments require an in-person inspection. Contact Washington County Public Health and Environment at 651-430-6655 or PHE@washingtoncountymn.gov.

Cannabis and Hemp Retail Registration

A store selling cannabis, lower-potency hemp edibles, THC beverages or any consumable product containing THC or CBD registers with the county after obtaining its state license or endorsement from the Office of Cannabis Management. The county's Cannabis and Hemp Retail Sales page states: "Washington County handles cannabis and hemp retail registration for businesses located in the following cities and townships: Afton, Denmark Township, Landfall, Marine on St. Croix, May Township, West Lakeland Township" and "If your business is in any other city in Washington County, you must apply directly with that city." The same page states: "Washington County does not review or provide any zoning certification." Ordinance 219 §4.1 sets the fees "pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 342.22, subd. 2." The county's figures equal the caps in that subdivision: an initial fee of "$500 or up to half the amount of the applicable initial license fee under section 342.11, whichever is less" and a renewal fee of "$1,000 or up to half" the renewal license fee; Minn. Stat. §342.11 sets the lower-potency hemp edible retailer's initial and renewal license fees at $250 each, so the hemp cap is $125. Under §342.22 subd. 2 the initial fee includes the first annual renewal. Sales must occur from a fixed, permanent retail location. Contact Washington County Public Health and Environment at 651-430-6655 or PHE@washingtoncountymn.gov.

Contact

Jurisdiction
Washington County
Phone
651-430-6655

Contact details are taken from the agency’s own site or its published fee schedule. Where we have not verified a phone number we leave it blank rather than guess.

Sources

Every fee and term above was read from one of these government pages on the date shown.

  1. 2026 Septic Permit ApplicationWashington County Public Health and Environment · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-13
  2. Cannabis and Hemp Retail SalesWashington County Public Health and Environment · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-13
  3. Cannabis Ordinance #219 (adopted December 17, 2024 by the Washington County Board)Washington County, Minnesota · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-13
  4. Food Service Establishments — Licensing & Plan Review Requirements; 2026 Fees and DefinitionsWashington County Public Health and Environment · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-13
  5. Hazardous Waste Generators — 2026 Hazardous Waste Generator Fee ScheduleWashington County Public Health and Environment · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-13
  6. Minn. Stat. §342.11, FeesMinnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-13
  7. Minn. Stat. §342.22, Retail registrationMinnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-13
  8. Minnesota Department of Health — Local Food, Pool, and Lodging Licensing JurisdictionsMinnesota Department of Health · primary source · retrieved 2026-09-08
  9. Ordinance No. 215, Food Code Ordinance (approved October 18, 2022; published October 26, 2022)Washington County, Minnesota · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-13
  10. Public Swimming Pools and SpasWashington County Public Health and Environment · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-13
  11. Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) — Permits & Inspections; Fee ScheduleWashington County Public Health and Environment · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-13
  12. Tobacco Ordinance #216 (adopted October 17, 2023 by the Washington County Board)Washington County, Minnesota · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-13
  13. Tobacco Retail SalesWashington County Public Health and Environment · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-13
  14. Washington County Development Code Chapter Four, Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Regulations (Ordinance No. 206, effective June 5, 2018)Washington County, Minnesota · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-13
  15. Washington County Hazardous Waste Management Ordinance #195Washington County, Minnesota · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-13
  16. Washington County Public Pool Ordinance (Ordinance #183)Washington County, Minnesota · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-13

Other offices serving Washington County

The full permit list for this jurisdiction

Industry permit lists that include this agency

Minnesota jurisdictions

Commercial Compliance Hub publishes information, not legal advice. Requirements change — confirm anything you rely on with the issuing agency before you file.