Home Business in Saint Paul, MN (2026)
6 verified home business rules for Saint Paul, Minnesota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning Restrictions
Saint Paul permits home occupations as accessory residential uses if the business remains incidental to the dwelling. A Home Occupation Affidavit must be filed with DSI.
Saint Paul Home Occupation Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsSaint Paul Zoning Code - Home Occupation Regulations, Standards and Conditions (a)-(e)
Home Occupation Regulations An occupation carried on in a dwelling unit by a resident thereof, provided that the use is limited in extent, incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling unit for residential purposes and does not change the character thereof. Standards and Conditions: (a) A home occupation may include small offices, service establishments or homecrafts which are typically c...
Signage Rules
Saint Paul allows home occupations one identification sign no larger than two square feet. It may not be in a required yard setback. Illuminated or electronic signs are prohibited.
Saint Paul Home Occupation Signage Limits
Some RestrictionsSaint Paul Zoning Code - Home Occupation Regulations, Standard and Condition (i) (Identification Sign)
Home Occupation Regulations An occupation carried on in a dwelling unit by a resident thereof, provided that the use is limited in extent, incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling unit for residential purposes and does not change the character thereof. Standards and Conditions: [...] (i) A home occupation may have an identification sign no larger than two square feet in area, which s...
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.
Saint Paul Home Business Customer Traffic Restrictions
Some RestrictionsSaint Paul Zoning Code - Home Occupation Regulations, Standards and Conditions (f), (g), (h)
Home Occupation Regulations An occupation carried on in a dwelling unit by a resident thereof, provided that the use is limited in extent, incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling unit for residential purposes and does not change the character thereof. Standards and Conditions: [...] (f) Service and teaching occupations shall serve no more than one party per employee at a time and sh...
Cottage Food Operations
Minnesota Stat. 28A allows Saint Paul residents to sell homemade non-hazardous foods directly to consumers, capped at 78,000 dollars annually. MDA registration required.
Saint Paul Cottage Food Production Rules
Some RestrictionsMinnesota Department of Agriculture - Cottage Food Law Guidance (Sales Locations and Inspection)
Can I sell my cottage food from my own store or a friend's store? No, cottage foods cannot be sold from a retail location or store, even if you are present or have set up a separate table (e.g., a "pop up"). The only exception is if a farmers' market or community event is taking place at the retail location. The event must meet the definition of farmers' market or community event. How can I sel...
Home Daycare
Saint Paul home daycares need a MN Family Child Care license under Rule 2. Standard license allows up to 10 children; group license up to 14 with a second caregiver.
Saint Paul Home Daycare Licensing Requirements
Some RestrictionsHome Occupation Permits
Saint Paul requires a Home Occupation Affidavit filed with DSI to certify zoning compliance. No fee if standard conditions are met. Applications go through the PAULIE platform.
Saint Paul Home Occupation Permit and Affidavit Process
Few RestrictionsSaint Paul Zoning Code Sec. 65.141 (Home Occupation)
Sec. 65.141. - Home occupation. An occupation carried on in a dwelling unit by a resident thereof, provided that the use is limited in extent, incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling unit for residential purposes and does not change the character thereof. (a) A home occupation may include small offices, service establishments or homecrafts which are typically considered accessory to...