Business Licensing FAQs

Q: What type of business licenses are required in the City of Ramsey?

A: You can view a list of licenses and permits required in the City of Ramsey in the Code of Ordinances. Chapter 26 (Licenses, Permits and Misc Business Regulations). Business licenses are handled by the Economic Development division.

• Business Registration Certificates (BRC) are handled by the Police Department. Each Ramsey business is required to submit a BRC upon opening a business in the city.
• Fireworks & tent permits are handled by the Fire Department.
• Rental, Beekeeping & Kennel licenses are handled by the Planning Division.
• Gambling licenses are handled by the Finance Department.

Q: How do I obtain a Business License for the city?

A: Complete a license application 30-60 days before an event or license is required. All license applications must be approved by the City Council, which meets on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month. See the list of all licenses and registrations.

Q: How do I renew a Business License for the city?

A: License renewal applications are sent to the current license holders on file. 

• Liquor license renewals are mailed in early May by the Economic Development department.
• Massage, Pawnbroker, Tobacco & Trash Haulers are mailed or emailed in November by the Economic Development department.
• City-registered Cannabis businesses renewals are emailed by the Economic Development department one month before the state expiration of licensee.
• Business Registration Certificates are mailed or emailed by the Police Department in January.

Q: Do I need a Special Events license for a wedding on my property?

A: Public outdoor events such as church/religious, community, marathons, etc., require a Special Event License. Private events such as outdoor weddings or graduations do not require a permit, though notifying the Ramsey Police Department at 763-427-1212 of large private gatherings is beneficial in case a complaint is received. Be aware that there is a noise ordinance between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Guests should park so as not to block roads or neighbors’ driveways.

Q: Do I need a Peddler/Solicitor’s license in the city?

A: Anyone going door-to-door in the City of Ramsey selling goods or services will need a Peddler/Solicitor’s permit and ID badge issued by the City. Apply for a license. Non-profits (religious, education, political organizations, etc.) may use the Non-Profit Soliciting Registration Form.

Q: Am I required to be licensed to sell food, canned, baked goods or have a lemonade stand in the city on private property?

A: Mobile Food Unit licenses are required only if selling to the public. For private events on private property, no license is required. Non-profit lemonade stands or non-profit groups selling items such as Girl Scout cookies, please fill out the Non-Profit Peddler/Solicitor/Transient Merchant form and submit to businesslicensing@cityoframseymn.gov.

Q: How can I get a Temporary On-Sale Liquor license for my event?

A: To qualify for a Temporary On-Sale Liquor license, applicants must be a non-profit (at least 3 years) or brewery sponsoring a social event or other qualifying organization (see MN Statute 340A.404 Subd 10). Apply for a Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating license.

Q: Can I get a reduced fee on license applications submitted later in the year? Are license fees prorated?

A: Business License application fees may be prorated for first time for applicants who have not held a license in the city during previous year (Sec 26-25). Liquor license application fees may be prorated per quarter (Sec. 6-64).