Small Business Resources

The City of Lakeville is committed to assisting our local businesses, whether you’re just getting started or ready to take your business to the next level.

Lakeville Zoning Districts

Lakeville has established specific areas for residential, commercial and industrial development. New development in Lakeville must comply with the zoning regulations, including the Zoning Ordinance. The zoning map (PDF) identifies areas available for business use and Title 11 of the City Code outlines the requirements pertaining to those business districts.

Contact the Planning Department at 952-985-4420 with questions.

Lakeville Business Licensing & Permits

Home Occupation Permit

A Home Occupation Permit Application (PDF) is required to operate a business out of a Lakeville residence. Review the City Ordinance for more information or contact the Planning Department at 952-985-4420.

Liquor License Application

The City of Lakeville issues several kinds of liquor licenses, as defined in City Ordinance, including on-sale, special club, and consumption and display permit. Submit the Lakeville Liquor License Application to our City Clerk by email.

Massage Therapy Application

The City of Lakeville requires a license for businesses administering massages, as defined in City Ordinance. Submit the Therapeutic Massage Practitioner License Application (PDF) or Therapeutic Massage Center License Application (PDF) to our City Clerk by email.

Mobile Food Unit License Application

The City of Lakeville requires Mobile Food Units, as defined in City Ordinance, to complete a Mobile Food Unit Permit Application (PDF) and submit to the Lakeville Fire Department for approval.

Tobacco and Cannabinoid Sale License Application

The City of Lakeville requires businesses that sell tobacco and cannabinoid products, as defined in City Ordinance, to complete a Tobacco & Cannabinoid Products License Application (PDF) and submit to our City Clerk by email.

State of Minnesota Licensing

Connection Charges and Development Fees

Sewer Availability Charge

If you start a new business, change location, or change the use of your space in a way that creates more potential demand on the wastewater system, your business is required to submit for a sewer availability charge (SAC) determination with the Metropolitan Council. The number of SAC units charged depends on the potential wastewater demand of your business and the fee is paid with your city building permit. Refer to Lakeville’s Fee Schedule (PDF) for more information about cost per unit.

Watermain Unit Charge

A Watermain Unit Charge was established for the purpose of paying the costs associated with the installation of water reserve capacities for additional facilities to be connected to the system. Refer to Lakeville’s Fee Schedule (PDF) for more information about cost per unit.

Utility Resources for Small Businesses

Technical Assistance

Open to Business Program

The Open to Business Program (OTB) provides free technical assistance to individuals interested in starting or expanding their business. The program also provides loans to start-up and small businesses and larger loans/packages to established businesses.

Lakeville’s OTB Advisor hosts weekly virtual office hours on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. and Fridays from 9:30 a.m.- noon. Appointments are available but not required. For more information, visit opentobusiness.org or contact Natalie Mouilso by using the information below.

Natalie Mouilso, Dakota County Business Advisor
Open to Business
Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD)
3137 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Email Natalie Mouilso
Direct: 952-451-6390

CEO Next Business Institute

The CEO Next Business Institute is designed to help growing companies make a larger impact by offering business research and support at no cost. The Dakota County CDA has funding to sponsor three local businesses’ participation in the program.

CEO Next Business Institute is an eight-month program and participants receive expertise, peer learning and the opportunity to attend monthly forum events. Contact the Dakota County CDA at info@dakotaCDA.org for more information.