Licensing

The City of Forest Lake requires businesses and residents to obtain licenses or permits for certain activities. All solicitors are required to be registered with the City prior to going door-to-door. Below is a list of various permit and license applications. Click on the heading in the left column to select the type of permit or license application you are looking for.

If you have questions regarding what permits or licenses are required for your event, business, or activity, please contact the Deputy City Clerk at 651-209-9732.

NOTE: Applications for permits / licenses should be submitted at least 30 days prior to final issuance

(Alcohol license applications should be submitted at least 60 days prior to final issuance)

Liquor Licensing

The Liquor license requires approval by the City Council and Police Department and final issuance by the State of MN AGE (Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division).

Chapter 119 of the Forest Lake City Code regulates the city requirements of the Liquor license.

Any business in the city which sells alcoholic beverages, either temporarily (event based) or annually is required to be licensed. Licenses vary depending on the type of alcohol and whether sales are on-sale (served for consumption on site) or off-sale.

Liquor licensing can be a complex matter. Please contact the Deputy City Clerk at 651-209-9732 to discuss licensing needs and requirements.

Forest Lake City Code - Chapter 119: Alcoholic Beverages

Massage Therapist Location

The Massage Therapist Location license is an annual license with required approval by the City Council and Police Department. This includes but is not limited to: salons/spas, chiropractic offices, and fitness centers.

Chapter 115 of the Forest Lake City Code regulates the requirements of the Massage Therapist Location license.

Application for Massage Therapist-Location (PDF)

Forest Lake City Code - Chapter 115: Regulation of Massage Businesses and Employees

Outdoor Entertainment

The Outdoor Entertainment permit is an event based permit with required approvals by City Council and Police Department. These events include but are not limited to: outdoor concerts, running races, events with amplified sound or announcers.

If your event features a temporary tent or canopy, fill out the Temporary Tent/Canopy permit application as well. This requires approval by the Fire Department.

Chapter 92 of the Forest Lake City Code regulates the requirements of the Outdoor Entertainment permit.

Application for Outdoor Entertainment with Tent (PDF)

Application for Outdoor Entertainment (online application)
Application for Outdoor Entertainment with Tent (online application)

Forest Lake City Code - Chapter 92: Outdoor Entertainment

Forest Lake City Code - Chapter 90.03: Erection of Structures

Peddler/Transient Merchant

The Peddler/Transient Merchant license is a 14 consecutive day license with required approval by the Police Department. This license must be obtained if:

Selling products door-to-door (Peddler)
Selling products from a stationary location such as a truck or tent on private property only (Transient Merchant)

A Transient Merchant license also requires written permission of the property owner for use of private property. You cannot use City property for transient merchant activities.
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The Solicitor Registration is a 14 consecutive day registration with a completed application on file with the City. This registration must be obtained if:

No products are sold for payment at time of door-to-door
Future business is solicited
Conducting commercial advertising or advocacy

Residents may prevent door-to-door sales by placing a "No Solicitors" sign on or near the entrance to your home. If you have issues with a harassing sales person or have experienced a violation of a "No Solicitors" sign, please contact the Forest Lake Police Department at 651-464-5877.

Application for Peddler Solicitor and Transient Merchant (PDF)

Forest Lake City Code - Chapter 113: Peddlers, Solicitors, and Transient Merchants