A Resident's Guide to Saint Paul's Local Ordinances

Saint Paul is a mid-sized city in Ramsey County, Minnesota, with about 312000 residents. Like most cities its size, it has a set of local rules that may differ significantly from neighboring municipalities. Here is an overview of 208 ordinances across 43 categories that affect daily life in Saint Paul.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Safety Rules: Saint Paul pools must comply with the federal VGB Act for drain safety and MN Rules Ch. 4717 for public pool standards.

Also covered: Above-Ground Pools (strict), Hot Tub Rules (moderate), Fencing Requirements (strict). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Saint Paul for details.

Accessory Structures

ADU Rental Restrictions: ADUs in Saint Paul can be rented long-term subject to Certificate of Occupancy under Legislative Code Chapter 40 AND the Saint Paul Rent Stabilization Ordinance (Code Ch. 193A) — a 3% annual rent cap adopted by ballot in 2021 and amended in 2022 with new-construction and small-landlord exemptions.

Also covered: Carport Rules (moderate), Garage Conversions (moderate), Tiny Homes (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Saint Paul for details.

Parking Rules

RV & Boat Parking: Saint Paul prohibits street parking of RVs 22+ ft long and 7+ ft wide for more than 30 minutes (Sec. 157.11).

Also covered: Overnight Parking (strict), EV Charging (moderate), Street Parking Limits (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Saint Paul for details.

Fire Regulations

Smoke Detectors: Saint Paul requires hard-wired smoke detectors with battery backup in all homes, per its 1988 ordinance. At least one unit is required outside each sleeping area..

Also covered: Brush Clearance (permissive), Outdoor Burning (strict), Wildfire Zones (permissive). See the full fire regulations guide for Saint Paul for details.

Noise Ordinances

Leaf Blower Rules: Saint Paul regulates leaf blowers and power tools under Chapter 293. Equipment noise restricted to 65 dBA daytime, 55 dBA nighttime in residential areas.

Also covered: Construction Hours (moderate), Outdoor Music (moderate), Barking Dogs (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Saint Paul for details.

Landscaping Rules

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Saint Paul requires a Forestry permit for boulevard tree removal. In the Tree Preservation District, removing trees 12+ inches in diameter needs a $273 plan with 1:1 to 3:1 replacement ratios..

Also covered: Native Plants (permissive), Rainwater Harvesting (permissive), Artificial Turf (permissive). See the full landscaping rules guide for Saint Paul for details.

Animal Ordinances

Exotic Pets: Saint Paul prohibits wolf hybrids, large cats, and roosters outright. Exotic and wild animals need a Keeping of Animals Permit ($76 initial, $28 annual).

Also covered: Chickens & Livestock (moderate), Dog Leash Laws (moderate), Breed Restrictions (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Saint Paul for details.

Fence Regulations

Pool Barriers: Saint Paul requires all pools to be enclosed by an obscuring fence with self-closing, self-latching gates. Minimum height is 4 feet for 1-2 family homes and 5 feet for multi-family..

Also covered: Height Limits (moderate), Material Restrictions (moderate), Fence Requirements (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Saint Paul for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits: Saint Paul caps STR units per building by property type: 1 unit for single-family homes, up to 4 for owner-occupied fourplexes, and 50% (max 4) for larger buildings without a CUP..

Also covered: Night Caps (permissive), Parking Rules (moderate), Noise Rules (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Saint Paul for details.

Home Business

Customer Traffic Restrictions: Saint Paul limits home occupation customers to appointment-only visits for fine arts, crafts, and personal services. Walk-in retail and wholesale traffic are prohibited..

Also covered: Home Occupation Permits (permissive), Cottage Food Operations (moderate), Home Daycare (moderate). See the full home business guide for Saint Paul for details.

Building Safety

Lead Paint: Saint Paul enforces strict lead paint rules due to its older housing stock. The city follows EPA RRP rules and MN Stat.

Also covered: Pest Control (moderate), Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed (strict), Elevator Maintenance (strict). See the full building safety guide for Saint Paul for details.

HOA Rules

Assessment & Dues: HOA assessments in Saint Paul are governed by MN Stat. Ch.

Also covered: Board Procedures (moderate), Dispute Resolution (moderate), CC&R Enforcement (moderate). See the full hoa rules guide for Saint Paul for details.

Rental Property Rules

Rent Control: Saint Paul voters approved a rent stabilization ordinance in November 2021, making it one of few U.S. cities with rent control outside of California and New York.

Also covered: Security Deposit Rules (moderate), Tenant Anti-Harassment (moderate), Relocation Assistance (moderate). See the full rental property rules guide for Saint Paul for details.

Hotels & Lodging

Hotel Worker Retention: Hotel and hospitality workers in Saint Paul accrue paid sick and safe time at one hour per 30 worked, capped at 48 hours annually, under the city's 2017 ordinance now reinforced by Minnesota's 2024 statewide law..

Also covered: Transient Occupancy Tax (moderate), Hotel Living Wage (strict). See the full hotels & lodging guide for Saint Paul for details.

Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules

Obstruction Rules: Saint Paul prohibits obstructions on public sidewalks under Leg. Code Ch.

Also covered: Sidewalk Repair (strict). See the full sidewalk & pedestrian rules guide for Saint Paul for details.

Homelessness & Encampment Rules

Sit-Lie Rules: Saint Paul does not have a sweeping sit-lie ban, but city code restricts obstruction of public sidewalks, blocking building entrances, and lodging in public places, mostly enforced through warnings and outreach rather than criminal arrests..

Also covered: Encampment Sanitation (moderate), Bridge Housing Siting (moderate). See the full homelessness & encampment rules guide for Saint Paul for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Dispensary Zoning: Saint Paul adopted cannabis zoning amendments in September 2024 establishing where cannabis businesses may locate. Cannabis retail requires a 300-foot separation from schools, with downtown exempt from the buffer.

Also covered: Commercial Cannabis Zoning (moderate), Buffer Zones (moderate), Cannabis Delivery Rules (moderate). See the full cannabis regulations guide for Saint Paul for details.

Public Health Rules

Restaurant Grade Cards: Saint Paul food establishments are inspected by Ramsey County Public Health under the Minnesota Food Code. Inspection reports are public, but Saint Paul does not use a letter-grade placard system like Los Angeles or New York City..

Also covered: Food Handler Certification (moderate), Rodent Control (moderate), Bed-Bug Rules (moderate). See the full public health rules guide for Saint Paul for details.

Single-Use Items

Polystyrene Foam Rules: Saint Paul prohibits food establishments from using polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) cups, plates, clamshells, and trays for prepared food and drinks. The city's ordinance predates state action and is enforced by DSI through licensing..

Also covered: Plastic Bag Rules (moderate), Plastic Straw Rules (permissive), Utensils-On-Request (permissive). See the full single-use items guide for Saint Paul for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Saint Paul participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and regulates development in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. The Mississippi River and its tributaries present the primary flood risks.

Also covered: Climate Emergency Mobilization (moderate), Cool Roof Requirements (permissive), Sustainable Procurement (moderate). See the full environmental rules guide for Saint Paul for details.

Tobacco & Vaping

Tobacco Age Restrictions: Minnesota law sets the legal age to purchase tobacco, vape, and nicotine products at 21 under Minn. Stat.

Also covered: Flavored Tobacco Bans (strict). See the full tobacco & vaping guide for Saint Paul for details.

Tree Protection

Tree Removal Permits: Saint Paul regulates tree removal through its forestry program. Boulevard and street tree removal requires city approval through the Parks and Recreation Department.

Also covered: Urban Forest Equity (moderate), Heritage & Protected Trees (moderate), Tree Replacement Requirements (moderate). See the full tree protection guide for Saint Paul for details.

Water Use Rules

Lawn Watering Restrictions: Saint Paul Regional Water Services enforces odd-even outdoor watering by address from May through September to protect Mississippi River withdrawals and maintain treatment plant capacity during peak demand..

Also covered: Turf Replacement Rebates (permissive), Recycled Water Rules (permissive), Leak Reporting Duty (permissive). See the full water use rules guide for Saint Paul for details.

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses

Specific Plans Overview: Saint Paul implements neighborhood-level zoning through small area plans and Green Line LRT station area plans adopted as chapters of the Comprehensive Plan 2040, layered on Title VIII zoning..

Also covered: Density Bonus Law (moderate), Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) (moderate). See the full zoning overlays & bonuses guide for Saint Paul for details.

Mobility & Curb Rules

Shared E-Scooter Rules: Saint Paul licenses dockless e-scooter vendors under a city pilot, requiring permits, geofencing on Mississippi River parkways, and parking corrals downtown to keep sidewalks clear and accessible..

Also covered: Bike Lane Rules (moderate). See the full mobility & curb rules guide for Saint Paul for details.

Employment Preemption

Paid Leave Preemption: Saint Paul's 2017 Earned Sick and Safe Time ordinance predates Minnesota's 2024 statewide law and remains in force where it offers stronger protections, requiring all employers to provide accrued paid leave..

Also covered: Minimum Wage Preemption (strict). See the full employment preemption guide for Saint Paul for details.

Immigration Policy

Sanctuary Policy Preemption: Saint Paul's Separation Ordinance bars city employees and police from inquiring about immigration status or assisting federal civil immigration enforcement except where required by state or federal law..

Also covered: E-Verify Mandates (permissive). See the full immigration policy guide for Saint Paul for details.

Business Licensing & Operations

Tobacco Retail License: Tobacco and vape retailers in Saint Paul need a city license under Legislative Code Chapter 324, with flavored-tobacco restrictions limiting menthol and fruit flavors to adult-only tobacco shops, plus federal Tobacco-21 enforcement..

Also covered: Massage Establishments (moderate), Pawnbrokers (strict). See the full business licensing & operations guide for Saint Paul for details.

Public Conduct

Public Marijuana Use: Despite Minnesota's 2023 cannabis legalization, public consumption remains prohibited in Saint Paul streets, sidewalks, parks, and other public spaces, with violations treated as petty misdemeanors under state law..

Also covered: Public Alcohol Use (moderate), Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (moderate), Aggressive Panhandling (moderate). See the full public conduct guide for Saint Paul for details.

Local Taxes & Fees

Vacancy Tax: Saint Paul does not tax vacant homes per se but imposes escalating Vacant Building Registration fees on properties left empty over 30 days, with annual fees reaching thousands of dollars to discourage neglect..

Holiday Decorations

Holiday Light Rules: Saint Paul has no citywide ordinance restricting residential holiday lights at single-family homes. Restrictions arise principally from HOA and condo covenants under Minnesota's Common Interest Ownership Act (Minn.

Also covered: Inflatable Display Rules (permissive), Lawn Ornament Rules (permissive). See the full holiday decorations guide for Saint Paul for details.

Outdoor Cooking

BBQ & Propane Rules: Saint Paul enforces the Minnesota State Fire Code (Minn. Rules Ch.

Also covered: Outdoor Kitchen Permits (moderate), Smoker Rules (permissive). See the full outdoor cooking guide for Saint Paul for details.

Solar Energy

Panel Permits: Saint Paul requires building and electrical permits for solar panel installations through the Department of Safety and Inspections. The city supports renewable energy through its Climate Action and Resilience Plan.

Also covered: HOA Restrictions (permissive). See the full solar energy guide for Saint Paul for details.

Property Maintenance

Property Blight: Saint Paul enforces property maintenance standards through the Department of Safety and Inspections. Properties must be maintained free of rubbish, debris, overgrown vegetation, and structural deterioration.

Also covered: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (strict), Trash Bin Storage (moderate), Vacant Lot Maintenance (strict). See the full property maintenance guide for Saint Paul for details.

Trash & Recycling

Bin Placement Rules: Saint Paul requires trash and recycling bins to be placed at the curb with lids closed on collection day. Bins must not block sidewalks or create obstructions.

Also covered: Recycling Requirements (moderate), Bulk Item Disposal (moderate), Pickup Rules & Schedules (moderate). See the full trash & recycling guide for Saint Paul for details.

Drone Rules

Commercial Drones: Commercial drone operations in Saint Paul require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Due to proximity to MSP International Airport, LAANC authorization is required for flights in controlled airspace.

Also covered: Recreational Drones (moderate). See the full drone rules guide for Saint Paul for details.

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

Food Truck Permits: Saint Paul requires food trucks to obtain a mobile food vendor license from the city and a food license from the Minnesota Department of Health or Ramsey County. Food trucks must operate from an approved commissary and pass health inspections.

Also covered: Vending Zones (moderate). See the full food trucks & mobile vendors guide for Saint Paul for details.

Garage & Yard Sales

Time Restrictions: Saint Paul restricts garage sales to reasonable daytime hours. Sales must not create noise disturbances or excessive parking congestion.

Also covered: Garage Sale Permits (permissive), Frequency Limits (moderate). See the full garage & yard sales guide for Saint Paul for details.

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Setback Rules: Saint Paul establishes building setback requirements through its zoning code. Setbacks vary by zoning district and include front, side, and rear yard requirements.

Also covered: Lot Coverage Limits (moderate), Structure Height Limits (moderate). See the full building setbacks & zoning guide for Saint Paul for details.

Curfew Laws

Park Curfew: Saint Paul city parks are generally closed from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM unless otherwise posted. The Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department manages park hours.

Also covered: Juvenile Curfew (strict). See the full curfew laws guide for Saint Paul for details.

Outdoor Lighting

Dark Sky Rules: Saint Paul does not have a dedicated dark sky ordinance. Outdoor lighting is regulated through zoning code provisions.

Also covered: Light Trespass (moderate). See the full outdoor lighting guide for Saint Paul for details.

Sign Regulations

Political Signs: Saint Paul allows political signs on private property subject to First Amendment protections. Minnesota law (MN Statutes §211B.045) specifically protects the display of political signs on residential property during election periods.

Also covered: Garage Sale Signs (moderate), Holiday Displays (permissive). See the full sign regulations guide for Saint Paul for details.

Soliciting & Door-to-Door

Solicitor Permits: Saint Paul requires door-to-door solicitors and peddlers to obtain a license from the city. Applicants undergo a background check.

Also covered: No-Knock Registry (moderate). See the full soliciting & door-to-door guide for Saint Paul for details.

What to Do With This Information

This overview covers the big picture, but the details matter. Each ordinance page for Saint Paul includes the full text, violation penalties, and frequently asked questions. Use those pages when you need specifics.