Business Licenses and Permits

Licenses help ensure that businesses are safe for the public and for business operations. The following is a list of business licenses and registrations required by the City of Ramsey, along with their current fees. Some licenses require a background check, which includes an additional fee.

Business licenses and/or ID badges are issued upon application approval by the City Council and completion of a background check. The review and approval process may take up to 15 days (120 days for therapeutic massage licenses). Refer to City Code Chapter 26 - Licenses, Permits & Misc Business Regulations. Businesses that do not fall under the Business License types listed below need only a Business Registration Certificate (BRC).

All business license applications must be approved by the City Council, which meets on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month. The application deadline is ONE WEEK before the City Council meeting. Approved licenses are issued the day after approval. Liquor, massage & pawn licenses may take longer.

 Note: License fees are reviewed annually and approved by the City Council at a public hearing.
*Requires additional Background Check fee

Apply Online for a Business License

To submit your application and pay online, use eLicensing here.

Food-Based Businesses

For questions regarding licensing a new food-based business, contact the MN Department of Agriculture or Anoka County Environmental Services. Anoka County licenses and inspects food service establishments. MDA regulates areas such as grocery stores, convenience stores, bakeries, meat processing, and candy-making businesses.

Home-Based Businesses

Ramsey residents with a home-based business may require a home occupation permit. More information and the application form are available in the online Home Occupation Permit Guide. Questions may be directed to the Planning Department at planning@cityoframseymn.gov or 763-433-9824.

Animals - License Required

An animal license is required for: 

• Non-Traditional Animal: animals that are not normally considered domesticated but are not wild animals as defined in Ramsey City Code Section 10-119.  
• Private Kennel: a place where a dog owner keeps four or more dogs over six months of age on property occupied by the dog owner for residential purposes, and where the keeping of such dogs is incidental to the occupancy of the premises and may include breeding and selling of dogs as a hobby. 

Animals - License Not Required

A license is not required to keep animals such as chickens or bees. More details can be found in the Backyard Farming Guide.

Anoka County License Requirements

Please check with Anoka County Environmental Services for additional licensing requirements.

Payment Options

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and e-Check.

Credit and Debit Card Payments:
A 3.25% convenience fee applies to all credit and debit card payments over $90.00. Payments under $90.00 incur a minimum fee of $2.95. All convenience fees are non-refundable.

EFT (e-Check):
Avoid transaction fees by paying online using the EFT (e-Check) payment method.