This website is privately owned. We do not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews. This is based purely on the facts set forth by the State of Minnesota under the Department of Public Safety - Fire Marshal Division and the Department of Labor and Industry (DoLI).
This website is aware there are many items to be inspected for a safe barn venue, but the focus today is on a fire sprinkler system installed, along with floor, snow and wind loads. That the owner has been held to a high standard with the use of the State Building and Fire Codes. Their building official has signed off to ensure they met these standards. We have witnessed building officials have signed off on the un-safe venues too, and this is why the State Fire Marshal and Labor & Industry need to certify and re-certify the inspectors.
We are not promoting the venues listed, but having a sprinkler system, backup generator, certified copies of architect and engineered drawings does make it safer for you and your guests.
The NON-COMPLIANT BARN VENUES is determined by the lack of the owners not having a mandatory sprinkler system for their advertised occupancy load of 100+ persons in their venue while consuming food and alcohol as per State Law and Code.
The Minnesota DPS - Fire Marshal has inspected wedding venues starting back in January 2020. 100% of them did not pass as the critical fire sprinkler system was missing.
Please consider all of this data while booking a venue that is potentially unsafe and at risk due to not being compliant with the sprinkler system AND engineered for floor, snow and wind loads. The venue owners have been informed since 2017 by the State of Minnesota Departments of Fire Marshal and Labor and Industry.
IF IN DOUBT, PLEASE EMAIL them directly:
Fire code questions may be submitted by emailing the Fire Code Team.
Fire sprinkler questions may be submitted directly to the Fire Protection Team.
Things to look for when touring:
- Fire sprinkler system
- Certificate of Occupancy Permit (hanging on wall near main entrance)
- Conditional Use Permit
- Signed and certified architect drawings and engineered plans
Safety is very important for your family and friends attending your wedding! You do not want to be in the news for:
- Explosive fire
- Roof collapse (due to snow loads)
- Venue collapse (due to high winds)
- Floor collapse (due to not being engineering for dancing vs. static hay load)
- ADA accessibility on the inside of the venue (not a ramp outside during weather)
- Exit lighting with push bars to egress going out
Ask the owners for:
- Certificate of Occupancy (should be on wall near main entrance)
- How did you get approval to use this building for a wedding venue?
- Were you required to get a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)?
- Did an architect and engineer approve your building and modifications?
- What is your storm or emergency management plan?