The 5 Most Common Mistakes When Applying for an Assisted Living Facility License in Minnesota

Opening an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) in Minnesota is both an exciting opportunity and a highly regulated process. Since the passage of Minnesota Statute 144G.10 (effective August 2021), every assisted living facility must be licensed to operate legally. Additionally, technical compliance with Minn. Stat. 326B.153, MDH (Minnesota Department of Health), and DLI (Department of Labor and Industry) requirements is non-negotiable.

Yet, many facility owners make preventable mistakes that delay their license approval, cost them thousands of dollars in lost revenue, and cause unnecessary frustration. Based on our experience at R2 Studios Architecture, here are the five most common mistakes—and how you can avoid them.

1. Incorrect Square Footage and Structural Measurements

One of the biggest reasons licenses are delayed is due to inaccurate square footage or measurements that don’t align with Minnesota’s building codes. Ceiling height, hallway widths, and living space dimensions are carefully regulated.

🔹 For example, a ceiling height below 6’4” near stairwells can trigger fire marshal objections, even if the issue seems minor.

Why this matters:An error of just a few inches can force redesigns, contractor modifications, and weeks of lost revenue.

✅ Our Solution: At R2 Studios, we provide architect-stamped plans within 5 business days, ensuring exact compliance with DLI building codes and preventing costly re-reviews.

2. Non-Compliant Windows and Emergency Egress

Minnesota requires that all sleeping rooms have emergency egress windows meeting precise size and height requirements for fire safety. Many facilities fail because windows are either too small, placed too high, or improperly configured.

Requirements (Minnesota Residential Code, R-3 Occupancy, ≤5 residents):

• Minimum net clear opening: 5.7 sq ft (5.0 sq ft if at grade).

• Minimum opening height: 24 inches.

• Minimum opening width: 20 inches.

• Maximum sill height: 44 inches from the floor.

Common mistake: Replacing windows without verifying compliance or assuming old windows are acceptable.

✅ Our Solution: We proactively measure, specify, and design compliant egress windows before submission, ensuring approval and avoiding costly retrofits.

Jardín amplio y accesible en un centro de cuidado asistido

3. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Errors

The MDH requires both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors:

• Installed inside and outside each sleeping room.

• Interconnected, but they may be either hardwired or battery operated.

• Within 10 feet of bedroom doors.

Common mistake: Placing detectors incorrectly, or missing them in hallways adjacent to sleeping rooms.

✅ Our Solution: We include a fire safety checklist in every plan package, guaranteeing full compliance and avoiding re-inspection delays.

4. Incomplete Documentation at Submission

Another frequent cause of delay is submitting incomplete or incorrect documents. Key items that are often overlooked:

• Emergency Evacuation Plans (showing safe egress for all occupants).

• Fire extinguisher placement plans.

• AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) Submittal requirements.

Common mistake: Submitting partial plans to MDH or the city without confirming all regulatory boxes are checked.

✅ Our Solution: R2 provides submission-ready packages that include evacuation plans, safety compliance documents, and all required architectural stamps. This means you don’t waste weeks waiting for feedback only to learn your application is incomplete.

5. Delaying Architect Involvement

Perhaps the costliest mistake is waiting too long to involve a licensed architect. Many owners attempt to start the process independently, only to be told later by MDH or DLI that architect-certified plans are required.

Impact:

• Lost time = lost revenue.

• A 5-bed facility in Minnesota generates approx. $960/day ($192 per bed). A two-week delay = $13,440 in lost revenue.

✅ Our Solution: We get your facility compliance-ready in days, not weeks. By using architect-stamped plans from the start, our clients avoid re-reviews and average $13,666.50 in savings per project.

Conclusion

Opening an Assisted Living Facility in Minnesota is a smart investment, but only if you navigate compliance correctly. The smallest mistake—like a misplaced detector or a window too short—can delay your opening, cost thousands in lost revenue, and create long-term frustration.

At R2 Studios Architecture, we specialize in designing compliance-ready facilities that pass on the first attempt. From window design and egress compliance to evacuation planning and architect-stamped documentation, we make sure you can open faster, safer, and with confidence.

👉 Don’t let avoidable mistakes cost you time and money.

📅 Schedule your free consultation today and see how R2 Studios can help you launch your facility on time and fully compliant.