FPLS Plan Review FAQ 

Submittal questions

How do I know which agency I need to submit my plans to?

Please see the Licensing Jurisdiction web page for information on which agency will regulate your establishment.

What’s the best way to submit my plans?

Submit your plans, finish schedule, menu, and specifications electronically to fpls.planreview.mdh@state.mn.us Please provide a copy of your completed application as well. Submit your application along with the plan review fee according to the instructions on the application. You do not need to mail a copy of your plans as long as you have submitted the plans electronically. You only need to mail the check (payment) and completed application.

How long will it take to get my plans reviewed?

Plans are reviewed in the order they are received. If all of the information has not been received, your plan will not be placed in the review queue. When your plan submittal is determined to be complete and is up for review, you will be contacted by phone or email. The review of most plans is underway within about 30 days. An email will be sent when the plan review is complete.

What can I do to help speed along the plan review process?

When submitting your plan review application, be sure to include all necessary documents initially. Incomplete or missing documentation will delay the review process. Have a single point of contact for your project. If the plan reviewer has to discuss the plan with multiple people, it can also delay the review process. Be prepared to answer any questions from your reviewer a timely manner.

What are some common reasons plans are considered incomplete?

Foodservice menu is not included or detailed enough  

Please identify:

• Which items will be made in-house from scratch.
• Which items will be cooled and/or reheated later.
• Which items will be held hot during the hours of operation.
• Whether animal proteins will be purchased precooked or are cooked in-house from a raw state.
• Whether menu items containing produce will use fresh, frozen or canned products.
• What toppings, sides, desserts and beverage options will be provided.

Food service layout information is not complete enough  

Please include the following information:

• Location of all food service equipment to-scale. This includes worktables, countertop equipment, ware washing equipment, ventilation hoods and sinks.
• Sinks must be labeled according to their designated use (e.g., hand washing sink, warewashing sink, mop sink, etc.).
• Equipment labels (e.g., item numbers) must correspond to the label on the equipment list provided. For example, the handsink on the layout noted as “1” must be noted as “#1 – hand sink” on the equipment list.

Food service project description is not complete

• Note intentions of menu changes and/or ownership change.
• Note whether equipment will be replaced like-for-like, remain as-is or otherwise.

Lodging information is not complete

Please include the following information:

• Provide room dimensions or square footage of each sleeping area. Measurements must be taken from interior wall dimensions, not center stud or exterior walls. Closet or bathroom square footage cannot be considered as usable square footage in a sleep area; do not include them in the square footage totals for each room.
• When multiple levels are proposed, indicate the levels on the layout.
• Note any levels located below grade and at what percentage.

Lodging project description is not complete

If the project is a remodel or addition, please confirm the following:

• How many sleeping room footprints or lodging units are being removed and replaced with new rooms or units (e.g., cabins).
• How many existing sleeping room footprints or lodging units are being remodeled.
• How many new sleeping rooms or lodging units are being added to the establishment.  

How soon do I need to turn in my plan review application?

A plan review application and required documents must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the construction or remodeling of an establishment, or when adding or replacing equipment. We recommend that you submit your completed plan review application as soon as it is complete. Plans are reviewed in the order they are received. Depending on the volume of submitted plans, reviews may take longer than 30 days.

Can I submit my plans even if I haven’t yet decided on the equipment I want to use?

No. Equipment review is a critical component of the overall review. Plans received without equipment information are incomplete and will not be reviewed until the information is received.

Review questions

How do I find out the status of my review?

Once you have received an email notifying you that your application submittal is complete, your plans are assigned to a plan reviewer, and their contact information is provided. Plans are reviewed in the order they are received. When your plan is up for review, you will be contacted by phone or email. The review of most plans is underway within about 30 days. If it has been more than 30 days, you can call the plan review officer directly to check on the status.

Where can I find equipment specification sheets?

This information can be obtained from the manufacturer’s website. You may also obtain equipment specification sheets from the equipment supplier or from an online search. If used or existing equipment is being used, provide a photo of the equipment and the information label on it.

How can I easily label my equipment on my floorplan?

To easily associate the equipment list with the floor plan, assign a number to each piece of equipment on the list. On the floor plan indicate where the equipment is located by using the number on the equipment list.

Can I get started with construction while I’m waiting for my plans to be reviewed?

No. Plans are required to be submitted at least 30 days before beginning construction. If it has been more than 30 days, you may proceed but know that you will be required to make changes if the work done is not in compliance with the applicable statutes and rules.

Starting construction prior to approval may result in costly corrections and delayed openings.

Can I do the plumbing work myself?

No, a licensed plumber is required to do all plumbing work. The plumber must submit plumbing plans to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for review and approval, but in some cases, plans can be submitted directly to the local municipality. Visit the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s Plumbing plan review agreements (PDF) for more information.

I’m ready for my final inspection so that I can open my business. Who do I call?

Contact information for the inspector was provided in the Report on Plan letter. It is recommended that you schedule the inspection at least 14 calendar days ahead of time.

What if I make revisions after my plans have been approved?

Contact the reviewer who signed your letter. If you have not received your final/licensing inspection, the revisions can simply be considered part of your original submittal and undergo a review. If you have already had your final inspection, contact the reviewer to discuss the revisions. A determination will be made at that time whether or not you will be required to resubmit plans.

Where can I find information on facility and equipment requirements?

Please see the Plan Review web page for construction guidelines and other useful information.

Are there any specific considerations if I want to use a private well?

Contact the Well Management Unit at 651-201-4600 for well construction and water quality compliance verification. Approved well construction and water quality compliance must be verified, prior to licensing. Include a copy of the well log or unique well number with your plan review submittal.

Are there any specific considerations if I want to use my private septic system?

A current Certificate of Compliance must be provided to verify the sewage treatment system is in compliance with Minnesota Rules. Contact the county, city, or township to find out how to obtain the Certificate of Compliance and submit it with your plan review documents.  

If you do not find the answer to your question, please reach out directly to the plan review team at fpls.planreview.mdh@state.mn.us