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Committee approves ordinance to license mobile saunas, with park board coordination and plan review
Summary
The committee passed a new sauna licensing ordinance after staff said health department plan review will cover construction materials and the Park and Recreation Board described site selection and operational limits (e.g., 300‑foot buffer from residents). Council Member Cashman was added as a co‑author.
The Business, Housing and Zoning Committee voted June 24 to approve a licensing ordinance for saunas, including mobile and temporary operations, and set review standards for health and safety.
Council Member Chris Cashman, who led community outreach with CPED and health staff, said the city is “leading the nation” by setting regulations to ensure safe operations. Cashman asked whether the ordinance would preclude hazardous construction materials; staff said the health‑department plan review requires submission of mechanical schematics, construction materials and equipment model numbers, and that reviewers will evaluate materials for safety.
Shane Stanzo of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board said the Park Board will consider additional permitted activation sites and described operating rules that protect residents, including maintaining a 300‑foot buffer from residences. He also noted the Park Board’s ability to pause operations during poor air‑quality days or wildfires.
Council Member Cashman requested to be added as a co‑author on the ordinance and staff recorded that addition. The committee approved the ordinance and directed staff to continue coordination with the Park and Recreation Board and the health department for plan review and site activation.
