Ramsey County, MN Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- County permit
- None: city process
- St. Paul process
- Home Occupation Affidavit
- Max persons (under 4,000 sq ft)
- Two (one resident)
- Structural changes
- Not allowed for the business
- Service occupations
- One party per employee
Summary
There is no county home-occupation permit. In St. Paul you certify a home occupation by filing a Home Occupation Affidavit; the business must be run by no more than two people (one of whom lives there), with no structural alterations for the business.
All home occupation activities in dwelling units of less than four thousand (4,000) square feet of total living area, excluding a cellar and attic, shall be conducted by no more than two (2) persons, for one (1) of whom the dwelling unit shall be the principal residence.
Full Breakdown
Home occupations are certified at the city level. In St. Paul you complete a Home Occupation Affidavit with the Department of Safety & Inspections rather than obtaining a county permit. St. Paul limits the activity: in a dwelling under 4,000 sq ft it may be conducted by no more than two persons, one of whom must have the dwelling as their principal residence (up to three persons in a dwelling of 4,000+ sq ft). No structural alterations or enlargements may be made primarily to conduct the business, and service or teaching occupations may serve no more than one party per employee at a time (no groups or classes). Suburban Ramsey County cities have their own permit or registration process.
Violations & Fines
Operating a home occupation that exceeds St. Paul's standards without certification is a zoning violation, enforced by Safety & Inspections through correction orders and citations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license from Ramsey County?
How many people can work in my home business?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ramsey County
How Ramsey County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Ramsey County to another location·View the Minnesota home business overview
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