What permits do you need to open a restaurant in Anoka County?

Food Establishment License (Classes I–IX)

Anoka County Public Health and Environmental Services licenses and inspects food service establishments under Ordinance 2022-2, adopted by the County Board on September 13, 2022 and listed on the county's current ordinance page. The ordinance requires a license (§2.7), sets a license year of February 1 through January 31 (§2.8) and sorts establishments into Classes I to IX (§2.9), beginning with Class I for beverage service only and with mobile food units, seasonal food stands and food carts in Class VII. Under §2.10 the fee depends on the establishment's size and license class; contact Environmental Services at 763-324-4260 for the current figure. The county's Food Service Establishments page states that grocery stores, convenience stores, bakeries, meat processing and candy-making businesses are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture rather than the county. Under the ordinance, plans for new construction or a remodel go to the county for review before work begins. The city where the restaurant or coffee shop sits runs its own business license, zoning and building permits in addition to this county license.

Retail Tobacco License (where a city or town does not license)

Anoka County's Tobacco Sales Ordinance (Ordinance 2018-10, adopted October 9, 2018, and listed on the county's current ordinance page) applies, under §1.3, "to those portions of the county in which a city or town does not license retail tobacco sales." Section 4.1 states: "Unless a location is licensed by the city or town to sell tobacco, no person shall sell or offer for sale, or otherwise distribute, any tobacco, tobacco product, or tobacco related device at any location in the county without having a valid license from the county." A store, restaurant or coffee shop selling tobacco therefore holds either its city's or town's tobacco license or, where the city or town does not license, the county's. Under §4.5 only fixed-location businesses are eligible. The license year runs September 1 to August 31 (§4.4) and renewals are due by July 31 (§4.7). Current state law in Minn. Stat. §461.12 governs retail tobacco sales; check with the county office or your city for which license applies at your address.

Shared with other businesses in Anoka County

• 10-Day Temporary Food Stand License — Anoka County Public Health and Environmental Services, Environmental Services, The county's page says "Please call Environmental Services for the appropriate fee for your event" (763-324-4260). The county's application states that "A $25 late fee may be assessed if the application is received less than 14 days in advance.", up to 10 days within the licensing period February 1 through January 31. Also required for coffee shops; what it involves is set out on the coffee shops page.
• Access (Driveway) Permit — County Roads — Anoka County Highway Department, Permits Office, As published on Anoka County's Access Permits page: New Development/Commercial Driveway $400; Street Access/Connection $400; Temporary Construction Access $250., per access; a change in use of the adjacent property can trigger a new review and permit. Also required for contractors and trades and retail stores; what it involves is set out on the contractors and trades page.
• Certified Food Protection Manager — Minnesota Department of Health, Food, Pools and Lodging Services, $45 certification or renewal, plus a $5 technology fee, 3 years. Also required for coffee shops and food trucks; what it involves is set out on the coffee shops page.
• Food and Beverage Establishment License — Minnesota Department of Health, Food, Pools and Lodging Services, $300 base plus a category fee of $185 low risk, $430 medium or $670 high, plus a $50 statewide hospitality fee and a $5 technology fee — or a delegated county's own schedule, annual. Also required for coffee shops and food trucks; what it involves is set out on the coffee shops page.