Opening a Business

The City of Elk River economic environment is thriving. Are you interested in opening a new business or expanding an existing business in Elk River? This page will help you learn about the variety of potential businesses, where they can open, and information to guide you through the process.

Potential Commercial Businesses

(* = description down below)



Business Type
Zoning
Approval Needed - Click HERE to view Permits Chart
Brewer Taproom* (less than 10,000 barrels)Permitted Use or Conditional Use Permit
Brewer Taproom* (more than 10,000 barrels)View MapPermitted Use or Conditional Use Permit
Car Dealership (Motor Vehicle Sales)View MapPermitted Use or Conditional Use Permit
Fitness (Personal Service Establishment)View MapPermitted Use or Conditional Use Permit
Medical/Dental/Optical Clinic (Outpatient)View MapPermitted Use or Conditional Use Permit
Microbreweries*View MapPermitted Use or Conditional Use Permit
Microdistilleries*View Map
Conditional Use Permit
Motor Vehicle Repair (Auto-Repair)View MapPermitted Use or Conditional Use Permit
OfficeView MapPermitted Use or Conditional Use Permit
Religious InstitutionView MapConditional Use Permit
Restaurant* (Class 1 - Sit-Down)View MapPermitted Use or Conditional Use Permit
Restaurant* (Class 2 - Fast Food/Drive-Thru)View MapPermitted Use or Conditional Use Permit
Retail (Sales)View Map
Permitted Use or Conditional Use Permit
Salon/Massage/Tattoo (Personal Service)View MapPermitted Use

Potential Industrial Businesses

(* = description down below)



Business Type
Zoning
Approval Needed - Click HERE to view Permits Chart
Heavy Manufacturing* (raw material used)Conditional Use Permit
Light Manufacturing* (pre-made material used)View MapPermitted Use or Conditional Use Permit
Mini StorageView MapConditional Use Permit
Outdoor StorageView MapConditional Use Permit
Salvage Yard (Junkyard)I3 Zoning District
View Map
Conditional Use Permit
Truck TerminalI2 and I3 Zoning Districts
View Map
Conditional Use Permit
WarehouseView Map
Permitted Use

If you do not see your business idea in the above chart, please contact us at 763.635.1000 or send us an email to discuss or ask questions. We look forward to hearing from you.

  1. Conditional Use Permit

Conditional Use Permits are reviewed through a public hearing process at the Planning Commission and City Council after submittal of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). If all required information is submitted, and no unforeseen issues arise, the CUP process takes about two months from application deadline to the review at City Council. Once a CUP is approved, site inspections may be required for compliance to City Council-approved conditions and the CUP must be recorded at Sherburne County. All conditions must be met and the CUP recorded before you can start operating your business. The timeline after City Council approval is driven by you the applicant.

CLICK HERE to visit the Permit Portal.

  1. Permitted Use
  1. Definitions
  1. Questions
  1. Signage