Welcome New Businesses

The City of Bloomington is excited you chose our community for your business! Before you open your doors, make sure you comply with all City codes and state laws.

Are you a new business moving into an existing space?

The City of Bloomington requires a Building Permit for all new tenants moving into a new or vacant space, EVEN if you are not changing ANYTHING, a Building Permit is required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy, verifying that the space is safe for all occupants and visitors.

All new businesses require the following:

• A SAC (Sewer Availability Charge) Determination Letter (from the Metropolitan Council) 
• Building Permit (from the Bloomington Building and Inspections Department) 

Additional approval and permits may be required for the following:

• Exterior building materials or façade changes
• Building/Business signs
• Permits for Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing work
• Environmental Health Plan Review application – for any business providing food services, such as restaurants, commercial kitchens, cafes, etc.
  Food Service Information

Additional licenses may be required for the following:

• Business License (from the State of MN or Bloomington City Clerk’s office)
  Business Licensing
• Environmental Health License for businesses providing food services and services such as tattoo parlors, massage therapy, tanning beds, pools, hotels, pet hospitals, or nursing care.
  Business Licensing

Is your business a different use from the one previously in the space?

For example, a restaurant moving into a space previously occupied by a clothing store. If so, a fire suppression system may be required per MN State Statute.

Call the Bloomington Building and Inspections Department before you sign a lease! 952-563-8930.
Permits are submitted online through the City of Bloomington Portal.

1. All plans must be electronically submitted and include:
   • A floor plan with dimensions
   • Location and size of all exits
   • Label each room
   • Restroom location and layout
   • Identify if the building is sprinklered or non-sprinklered
   • Show location of any storage racking (shelving) and provide details as to the height and what items are being stored.
2. A registered design professional (i.e., architect) is required when:
   • There is a change of use from the previous tenant
   • There is a change to the entry/exit system
   • Structural modifications

Items to Note

• SAC (Sewer Availability Charge) is a one-time fee charged by the Metropolitan Council whenever a business or residence connects to the regional wastewater (sewer) system. The Metropolitan Council also charges a SAC when a business expands or changes use of its space which may create a potential increase in demand on the system. The SAC determination letter is required before a building permit can be issued. 
  • Metropolitan Council
• Building Codes adopted by the City of Bloomington
• Bloomington City Code of Ordinances
• MN Food Handling Information:
  • MN Administrative Rules – Food Code; Food Managers
    MN Food Code
  • Bloomington City Code – Odor Control
  • Environmental Health – Food and Lodging Safety Program