City Licenses

The City of Austin requires your cat or dog to be licensed.  Licensing is required for animals three months of age or more.  Licenses may be obtained at the City Clerk’s Office.  You will need to provide proof of rabies shots.  You may provide proof of spaying or neutering for the discounted fee.

Spayed or neutered                 $10.00 (discounted fee)

Not spayed/neutered               $25.00

Code Requirements

• 10.10

This license is for a person or business selling or offering to sell any tobacco, tobacco products, or tobacco-related device.  The application fee is $10, and the annual fee is $150.  The license must be approved by the City Council.

Code Requirements

See §6.34

You must submit the following:

Cigarette License

$150

This license is for a person or business selling or offering to sell edible cannabinoid products . The application fee is $10, and the annual fee is $1,000. The license must be approved by the City Council.

Code Requirements

See §6.34

You must submit the following:

Edible Cannabinoid License

$1000

A special event permit is required for any event including the following:

• A street, sidewalk, park or other public area is closed for the benefit of the event attendees
• Food trucks being requested in parks or on public property
• Parades or running events
• The event will adversely impact a considerable number of members of the public
• A temporary liquor license is required as part of a Community Festival, Street or Special event

The special event permit shall be authorized by the Police Chief, City Engineer and City Clerk. Click on the following link to submit a special event permit: Special Event Permit Application

This license is for anyone who operates a food service establishment.  The application fee is $10, and the annual fee is $75.  The licensee must provide proof of state licensing.  The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §6.47

You must submit the following:

Food License

$75

Proof of Minnesota licensure

This license is for persons who operate gas stations.  The application fee is $10, and the license is $75. The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §6.45

Applicants should submit the following:

Gas Station License

$75

 Code Requirements

See §6.39

Residential Hauler

This license is for hauling residential garbage or other refuse.  Licensees shall agree to hold the City harmless and name the City as an additional insured, providing the City with a certificate of insurance.  Applicants shall provide a list of vehicles used, along with a schedule of proposed rates.  The application fee is $10, and the license fee is $50 per vehicle.  The license must be approved by the City Council.

Applicants should submit the following:

Residential Hauler License
Hauler vehicle information
Schedule of proposed rates
Certificate of insurance
$50 x number of vehicles + $10

Commercial Hauler

This license is for hauling commercial garbage or other refuse.  Licensees shall agree to hold the City harmless and name the City as an additional insured, providing the City with a certificate of insurance.  Applicants shall provide a list of vehicles used, along with a schedule of proposed rates.  The application fee is $10, and the license fee is $50 per vehicle.  The license must be approved by the City Council.

Applicants should submit the following:

Commercial Hauler License
Hauler vehicle information
Schedule of proposed rates
Certificate of insurance
$50 x number of vehicles + $10

This license is for a business operating or maintaining a kennel.  Hospitals and clinics operated by licensed veterinarians are exempt from this license.  The application fee is $10, and the annual fee is $125.  The license must be approved by the City Council.

Code Requirements

See §6.48

Kennel License

3.2 Beer On-Sale

This license is for the retail sale of 3.2% malt liquor. The manager is required to live within 50 miles of the City of Austin. An investigation must be performed on the applicant, officers and manager. The investigation fee for an individual is $100, $200 for a partnership, or $300 for a corporation/LLC. The license fee is $400 annually. The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §5.20 – §5.25

See Chapter 5 for complete liquor code.

Applicants should submit the following:
3.2 Beer On-Sale License Application
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Certification of On Sale Liquor License, 3.2% Liquor License or Sunday Liquor License
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Release Authorization
Officer & Manager Investigation Application Form
Affidavit of Limited Gross Sales

$400 + investigation fee

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3.2 Beer Off-Sale

Applicants for the sale of 3.2 malt liquor off-sale must have an on-sale license for 3.2 or Hard Liquor. The license fee is $5 annually. The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §5.20 – §5.25

See Chapter 5 for complete liquor code

Applicants should submit the following:
3.2 Beer Off-Sale License Application
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Certification of On Sale Liquor License, 3.2% Liquor License or Sunday Liquor License
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Release Authorization

$5

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Club On-Sale

This license is for on-sale liquor sales by clubs. The manager is required to live within 50 miles of the City of Austin. Clubs must have been in existence for at least three years, have more than 50 members, have owned or leased a building for more than a year, and be conducted by a board of directors. An investigation must be performed on the applicant, officers and manager. The investigation fee for a club is $300. The annual license fee is $300 for a club with under 500 members or $500 for a club with over 500 members. The license must be approved by the City Council.

The license fee for Sunday liquor on-sale license is $200. The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §5.01 Subd 15

See Chapter 5 for complete liquor regulations

Applicants should submit the following:
Club On-Sale License Application
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Application for Club On Sale Retail Liquor License
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Application for Retailer’s (Buyer’s) Card
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Release Authorization
Officer & Manager Investigation Application Form

Articles of Incorporation
Certificate of insurance with liquor liability for entire license year
$300 OR $500
$300 investigation fee
$200 (Sunday license fee)

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Hard Liquor On-Sale

This license is for hard liquor on-sale. The manager is required to live within 50 miles of the City of Austin. An investigation must be performed on the applicant, officers and manager. The investigation fee for an individual is $100, $200 for a partnership, or $300 for a corporation/LLC. The license fee is $2250 annually. The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §5.30–§5.34

See Chapter 5 for complete liquor regulations.

Applicants should submit the following:
Hard Liquor On Sale License Application
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Certification of On Sale Liquor License
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Release Authorization
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Application for Retailer’s (Buyer’s) Card
Officer & Manager Investigation Application Form

Certificate of insurance with liquor liability for entire license year

$2250 + investigation fee

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 Liquor Off-Sale

This license is for off-sales of liquor. The manager is required to live within 50 miles of the City of Austin. An investigation must be performed on the applicant, officers and manager. The investigation fee for an individual is $100, $200 for a partnership, or $300 for a corporation/LLC. The license fee is $560 annually. The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §5.30–§5.34

See Chapter 5 for complete liquor regulations.

Applicants should submit the following:
Liquor Off-Sale License Application
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Application for Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Application for Retailer’s (Buyer’s) Card
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Release Authorization
Officer & Manager Investigation Application Form

Certificate of insurance with liquor liability for entire license year

$560 + investigation fee

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Liquor Catering

The Liquor Catering license is incidental to food catering. The applicant must possess a Minnesota State Caterer’s license; see Minnesota Department of Public Safety Application for Caterer’s Permit link to apply. To obtain a City of Austin Catering License, applicant must have an on-sale liquor license for a restaurant. The license application must be approved by the police chief. The applicant must provide a certificate of insurance showing off-premises coverage. The license fee is $200. The license must be approved by the City Council.

Liquor caterers need to submit a Catering Event Notification at least five days in advance to the City Clerk to receive approval of each catering event. Email the completed form to: licensing@ci.austin.mn.us.

 Code Requirements

See §5.66

See Chapter 5 for complete liquor code.

Applicants should submit the following:
Liquor Catering License Application
Catering Event Application
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Application for Caterer’s Permit

Certificate of insurance with liquor liability showing off-premises coverage

$200

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 On-Sale Wine

This license is for the sale of wine by the glass not exceeding 24 percent alcohol by volume for consumption on the licensed premises where sold. A Food Establishment License is required in conjunction with all On-Sale Wine Licenses. The restaurant must have seating for at least 25 people. If licensed to sell 3.2% malt liquor at on-sale and gross receipts are at least 60% attributable to the sale of food, licensee is authorized to sell intoxicating malt liquor at on-sale without receiving an additional license and without paying an additional fee. The manager is required to live within 50 miles of the City of Austin. An investigation must be performed on the applicant, officers and manager. The investigation fee for an individual is $100, $200 for a partnership, or $300 for a corporation/LLC. he license fee is $1125 annually. Applicant must apply for a special Sunday Wine On-Sale license to serve on Sunday. The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §5.60–§5.64

See Chapter 5 for complete liquor regulations.

Applicants should submit the following:
On-Sale Wine License Application
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Application for County/ City On-Sale Wine License
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Application for Retailer’s (Buyer’s) Card
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Release Authorization
Officer & Manager Investigation Application Form
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Certification of On Sale Liquor License, 3.2% Liquor License or Sunday Liquor License
Wine Affidavit for Food Sales

Certificate of insurance with liquor liability for entire license year

$1125 + investigation fee

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Sunday Liquor On-Sale

Applicant must have a Hard On-Sale Liquor License. The primary business must be selling food and you must provide a menu. The seating capacity must be at least 30 people. The license fee is $200 annually. The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §5.65

See Chapter 5 in its entirety for all liquor regulations.

Applicants should submit the following:
Sunday Hard Liquor On-Sale License Application
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Certification of On Sale Liquor License

$200

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Sunday Wine On-Sale

Applicant must have an On-Sale Wine license. The primary business must be selling food and you must provide a menu. The seating capacity must be at least 25 people. The license fee is $150 annually. The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §5.65

See Chapter 5 in its entirety for all liquor regulations.

Applicants should submit the following:
Sunday Wine On-Sale License Application

$150

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Temporary Liquor

Applicant must be one of the following:

• non-profit organization for at least 3 years
• club
• charitable organization
• religious organization
• political committee registered under state law
• state university
• certain brewers

Temporary liquor licenses may be used up to four consecutive days but no more than 12 days total for the year. Applicant must provide liquor liability showing the City as additional insured if the event is held on city property. The license must be approved by the City Council and then sent to the State for approval. The State requires notice 30 days prior to the event. The temporary license fee is $75 per day.

 Code Requirements

See §5.01, Subd. 34

See Chapter 5 in its entirety for all liquor regulations.

Applicant should submit the following:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Application for a Temporary One to Four-day Temporary Liquor License

$75 per day

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Temporary 3.2 Beer

Applicant must be one of the following:

• non-profit organization for at least 3 years
• club
• charitable organization
• religious organization

Temporary 3.2 Beer licenses may be used no more than 20 days total for the year. Application must state exact days to be used and place to be used. Applicant must provide liquor liability showing the City as additional insured if the event is held on city property. The license must be approved by the City Council. The temporary 3.2 Beer license fee is $25 per day.

 Code Requirements

See §5.22

See Chapter 5 in its entirety for all liquor regulations.

Applicant should submit the following:

Temporary 3.2 Beer License Application

$25 per day

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Community Festival

A Community Festival is a large scale event where a special liquor license is required. Licensee must hold a current On-Sale Liquor or On-Sale 3.2 Beer license. The City Council may impose additional restrictions. Please contact Ann Kasel at 437-9943 with questions. Licensee must submit Special Event Permit online prior to this Supplement.

Applicant should submit the following:
Community Festival Supplement

Certificate of general & liquor liability insurance naming the City of Austin as an additional insured

$100 per day

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Brew Pub On-Sale

This license is for brew pub on-sale. A brew pub may be issued an on-sale intoxicating liquor license by a municipality for a restaurant operated in the place of manufacture. The manager is required to live within 50 miles of the City of Austin. An investigation must be performed on the applicant, officers and manager. The investigation fee for an individual is $100, $200 for a partnership, or $300 for a corporation/LLC. The license fee is $2250 annually. The license must be approved by the City Council.

The license fee for Sunday brew pub on-sale license is $200. There is a minimum seating capacity of 30 people. The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §5.80 – §5.84

See Chapter 5 for complete liquor code.

Applicants should submit the following:
Brew Pub On-Sale License Application
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Certification of On Sale Liquor License, 3.2% Liquor License or Sunday Liquor License
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Release Authorization
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Application for Retailer’s (Buyer’s) Card
Officer & Manager Investigation Application Form

Certificate of insurance with liquor liability for entire license year

$2250 + investigation fee

$200 (Sunday license fee)

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Brew Pub Off-Sale

To obtain this license, the applicant must be a licensed brewer and have a Brew Pub On-Sale License. Retail sales may not exceed 3500 barrels per year, provided that off-sales may not total more than 750 barrels. Brew Pubs may only sell off-sale malt liquor manufactured on the premises. Sales must be in 64-ounce “growlers” or in 750 milliliter bottles. The license fee is $100 annually. The license must be approved by the City Council.

The license fee for Sunday brew pub off-sale license is $25. The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §5.80 – §5.84

See Chapter 5 for complete liquor code.

Applicants should submit the following:
Brew Pub Off-Sale License Application
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Application for Brew Pub Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Release Authorization

$100

$25 (Sunday license fee)

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Brewer Tap Room

This license is for brewer’s tap room license. A brewer taproom license authorizes on-sale of malt liquor produced by the brewer for consumption on the premises. The holder of a brewer taproom license may also hold a license to operate a restaurant at the brewery. Brewer must brew 250,000 barrels or less of malt liquor annually. The manager is required to live within 50 miles of the City of Austin. An investigation must be performed on the applicant, officers and manager. The investigation fee for an individual is $100, $200 for a partnership, or $300 for a corporation/LLC. The license fee is $300 annually; this includes Sunday on-sale. The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §5.80 – §5.84

See Chapter 5 for complete liquor code.

Applicants should submit the following:
Brewer Tap Room License Application
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Certification of an On Sale Brewer’s Taproom License & Sunday License
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Release Authorization
Officer & Manager Investigation Application Form

Certificate of insurance with liquor liability for entire license year

$300 + investigation fee

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Small Brewer Off-Sale

This license is for small brewers without a brew pub. Brewer can only sell product produced on-site. Brewer must brew 150,000 barrels or less annually. Liquor must be sold in 64-ounce “growlers” or in 750 milliliter bottles. Total off-sale sales cannot exceed 750 barrels annually. Brewer has the option for Small Brewer Off Sale – 128 ounces per day License in addition to Brewer Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License provided the brewer produces 7,500 barrels or less of malt liquor annually and follows federal packaging regulations. The license fee is $100 annually. The license must be approved by the City Council.

The license fee for Sunday small brewer off-sale license is $25. The license must be approved by the City Council.

Code Requirements

See §5.80 – §5.84

See Chapter 5 for complete liquor code.

Applicants should submit the following:
Small Brewer Off-Sale License Application
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Application for Brewer Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License
Optional: Minnesota Department of Public Safety Application for Small Brewer Off Sale – 128 ounces
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Release Authorization

$100

$25 (Sunday license fee)

This license allows for the operation of hotels, motels and rooming houses and requires payment of a 3% lodging tax to provide funding for the Austin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. The application fee is $10, and the license fee is $75. The license must be approved by the City Council.

Code Requirements

See §6.55

Applicants should submit the following:
Lodging Establishment License

$75

The lodging establishment is required to submit the Lodging Establishment Tax Return monthly. This must be submitted to City Hall with remittance by the 25th of each month:
Lodging Establishment Tax Return

Massage Therapist

This license is for to perform massage therapy within the City.  Applicants must be investigated and provide a diploma or certificate from a recognized school of massage therapy showing proof that the applicant has had 500 hours of training.  The investigation fee is $55, and the license fee is $100. The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §6.41

Applicant should submit the following:

Massage Therapist License Application

Diploma or certificate from recognized school of massage therapy showing with proof of 500 hours training

$100 + investigation fee

 Massage Establishment

This license is for a place – residential or commercial – where massage is to be practiced.  Applicant must be investigated.  (Only one investigation is required if obtaining both Massage Therapy and Massage Establishment licenses.)  The investigation fee is $55, and the license fee is $100. The application must be approved by the Building Official, the Zoning Administrator and the Police Department.  The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §6.40

Applicant should submit the following:

Massage Establishment License Application

$100 + investigation fee

This license is for anyone who operates a movable business. The application fee is $10, and the annual fee is $75. The licensee must provide proof of state licensing if it is selling food. The license must be approved by the City Council.

Code Requirements
See §6.58

Movable Business License Application
Farmer’s Market Venue Application

The Pawn Shop license helps the police better regulate current pawn businesses, decrease and stabilize costs associated with the regulation of the pawn industry, and increase identification of criminal activities in the pawn industry. The Pawn Shop license provides for the collection and sharing of pawn transaction information.  The applicant must be investigated.  The fee for an investigation is $100 for sole proprietorship, $200 for partnership, or $300 for a corporation.  The license fee is $100.  Licensees must provide a bond. The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §6.56

Please submit the following:

Pawn Shop License

 
$100 + investigation fee

Copy of bond

Articles of Incorporation if applicant is a corporation

Peddler or Transient Merchant

This license is required for any person who goes from house to house, business to business, or temporarily sets up business out of a vehicle, trailer or other portable shelter for the purpose of offering for sale, displaying for sale, selling or attempting to sell, and delivering immediately upon sale, goods or products. Applicants must be investigated prior to license approval. The investigation fee is $30. The license is $10 per day or $25 per week. The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §6.35

Please submit the following:

Peddler or Transient Merchant License

Copy of identification
$30 investigation fee + $10/day or $25/week

 Solicitation Registration

Solicitation is the practice of going house to house or business to business with the purpose of obtaining orders for goods or products.  Solicitors need not be licensed but are required to be registered.  Solicitation does not require approval by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §6.35 Subd. 7

Please submit the following:

Solicitor Application

Copy of identification

This license is for anyone who owns a business operating in the right of way, including excavators and concrete contractors. The application fee is $10, and the annual fee is $75. The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See § 7.08

You must submit the following:

Right of Way Contractor License Application

Right of Way Rules & Regulations Signed
Certificate of Insurance
Surety bond
$75

Sandwich board permit are required for businesses who wish to advertise via a sandwich board in the public right-of-way.  Applicant must provide a certificate of insurance naming the City as an additional insured.  The annual fee is $30.

 Code Requirements

See §4.50 Schedule IV, 1 and 2

Please submit the following:

Sandwich Board Permit

Certificate of Insurance

$30

Sidewalk Café

The Sidewalk Café license is auxiliary to a City of Austin food license or on-sale liquor, wine, or beer license, brewer tap room license, or brew pub on-sale license. The license allows these establishments to sell in a public right-of-way directly adjacent to their establishment. There is a $75 annual fee. Applicant must provide a sidewalk diagram. Applications will be approved by the Engineer and Police Departments, and the license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §6.59

Applicants should submit the following:

Sidewalk Cafe License Application

Certificate of Insurance
Sidewalk Diagram

$75

This license is for individuals engaged in the business of sign installation. The applicant must provide a certificate of insurance and minimum of $8,000 bond. The application fee is $10, and the license fee is $75. The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §6.44

Please submit the following:

Sign Installer License Application

$75

Certificate of insurance

Surety Bond

Driver

This license is for anyone driving a small vehicle passenger service (or shuttle) vehicle.  This license varies from a taxi cab license in that the shuttle service may start in the City and end in a location outside of the City or start in a location outside of the City and end in the City.  This license is not for service exclusively within City limits.  Applicants must be investigated by the Police Department, and the health of the applicant must be approved by a licensed physician.  The investigation fee is $30, and the license is $50. The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §6.61

Please submit the following:

Small Vehicle Passenger (or Shuttle) Driver License

Owner

This license is for anyone who owns a small vehicle passenger (or shuttle) service.  Inspections on each vehicle must be performed by a certified competent and experienced mechanic or a local law enforcement official.  Applicant must provide a certificate of insurance.  Applicant must also provide a schedule of proposed maximum rates to be charged during the license year.  The investigation fee is $30, and the license fee is $50 per vehicle.  The license must be approved by the City Council.

Please submit the following:

Small Vehicle Passenger (or Shuttle) Owner License

Utility task vehicles or UTV’s (also known as side-by-sides) may operate on City streets with a yearly permit from the City.  A UTV is a side-by-side, four-wheel drive, off-road vehicle that has four wheels, is propelled by an internal combustion engine with a piston displacement capacity of 1,200 cubic centimeters or less, and has a total dry weight of 1,800 but less than 2,600 pounds.

And must have (1) at least two headlamps; (2) at least two tail lamps; (3) front and rear turn-signal lamps; (4) A rear-view mirror to provide the driver with adequate vision from behind as required by Minn. Stat. § 169.70 (5) a windshield, and if no windshield no person shall operate or ride in a UTV without wearing an eye-protective device and (6) a seat belt for the driver and front passenger.  ATV’s, golf carts and mini trucks are not permitted.

Code Requirements

See § 8.30

Please submit the following:

Special Vehicle (UTV) Permit Application

Driver’s License

Certificate of insurance

$50

Taxicab Driver

This license is for anyone driving a passenger vehicle on-call or on a scheduled or unscheduled route for hire, excluding mass transit.  Applicants must be investigated by the Police Department, and the health of the applicant must be approved by a licensed physician.  The investigation fee is $30, and the license is $50. The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §6.36

Please submit the following:

Taxicab Driver License

$50

 Taxicab Owner

This license is for anyone who owns a taxicab service.  Inspections on each vehicle must be performed by a certified competent and experienced mechanic or a local law enforcement official.  Applicant must provide a certificate of insurance.  Applicant must also provide a schedule of proposed maximum rates to be charged during the license year.  The investigation fee is $30, and the license fee is $50 per vehicle.  The license must be approved by the City Council.

Code Requirements

See §6.36

Please submit the following:

Taxicab Owner License

$50

Schedule of proposed maximum rates

Cab inspection signed by a certified competent & experienced mechanic or local law enforcement official.

The application fee for a theatre license is $10, and the license fee is $100.  The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §6.31

Please submit the following:

Theatre License

$100

This license is for anyone engaged in the business of tree removal or tree trimming. A City of Austin Tree Service License requires a certificate of registration from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The applicant must provide a certificate of insurance.  The application fee is $10, and the license fee is $75.  The license must be approved by the City Council.

Code Requirements

See §6.46

Please submit the following:

State of MN Tree Care Registry Certificate

Tree Service License

Certificate of insurance

$75

This license is for anyone engaged in the business of installing water conditioning or water filtering equipment.  Applicant must provide a proof of Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry licensure.  The application fee is $10, and the license fee is $50.  The license must be approved by the City Council.

 Code Requirements

See §6.38

Please submit the following:

Water Conditioning License

Copy of Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry licensure

Certificate of insurance

Surety bond

$50