Building & Renovating

According to Minnesota law, all electrical work must be carried out by licensed electrical contractors and their employees. However, under certain conditions, homeowners may perform electrical work on their own homes. Such work must be performed by the owner; the dwelling cannot contain more than two units, and all work must be inspected to ensure compliance with relevant codes.

Note: A building permit does not include trade work. Trades work, such as electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work, requires separate permits.

For details on the permit process, visit the Building Permits webpage. If you're unsure whether your project requires a permit, please contact our department at buildingsafety@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600 during office hours.

Even if a building permit is not required, a zoning certificate may still be necessary to ensure that the property or land use complies with local zoning laws and regulations. A zoning certificate is essential for property sales, leases, and development.  For more details, visit the Planning Applications webpage or contact our department at communitydevelopment@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600 during office hours.

If the retaining wall is less than 4 feet in height, no permit is required.  

For details on the permit process, visit the Building Permits webpage. If you're unsure whether your project requires a permit, please contact our department at buildingsafety@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600 during office hours.

Even if a building permit is not required, a zoning certificate may still be necessary to ensure that the property or land use complies with local zoning laws and regulations. A zoning certificate is essential for property sales, leases, and development.  For more details, visit the Planning Applications webpage or contact our department at communitydevelopment@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600 during office hours.

Above-ground swimming pools with a capacity of less than 5,000 gallons do not require a permit. This includes most pools with diameters under 16 feet. 

For details on the permit process, visit the Building Permits webpage. If you're unsure whether your project requires a permit, please contact our department at buildingsafety@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600 during office hours.

Even if a building permit is not required, a zoning certificate may still be necessary to ensure that the property or land use complies with local zoning laws and regulations. A zoning certificate is essential for property sales, leases, and development.  For more details, visit the Planning Applications webpage or contact our department at communitydevelopment@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600 during office hours.

Fences that are 6 feet or less do not require a building permit as long as it does not interfere with the line of sight for vehicles. Fences may be built up to the property line but not over it. Fences cannot be built in a drainage easement. Please contact the Community Development's Planning & Zoning Division at 507-328-2600 if you are planning to build a fence or wall in a front yard, or along a road, driveway, sidewalk or alley.

Visit the Building Permits webpage for more details on the permit process, including fees, inspections and how to apply.

Detached garages and sheds must meet both building codes and zoning requirements for setbacks, height, square footage, etc.  Sheds under 200 square feet do not require building permits but do require zoning certificates.  Any garage or shed over 200 square feet requires a building permit. If you're unsure whether your project requires a permit or have questions about building code requirements, please contact our department at buildingsafety@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600 during office hours.  

Even if a building permit is not required, a zoning certificate may still be necessary to ensure that the property or land use complies with local zoning laws and regulations. A zoning certificate is essential for property sales, leases, and development.  Please contact our department at communitydevelopment@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600 during office hours with a sketch or a site plan outlining the proposed location of the garage or shed to discuss the zoning requirements with a planner.  For more details on zoning certificates, visit the Planning Applications webpage.

Yes - we will verify that the new portions of the deck meet current codes.

For details on the permit process, visit the Building Permits webpage. If you're unsure whether your project requires a permit, please contact our department at buildingsafety@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600 during office hours.

No, a building permit does not include trade work. Trades work, such as wiring/electrical, heating/mechanical, and plumbing, requires separate permits. 

Visit the Building Permits webpage for more details on the permit process, including how to apply, fees, and inspections.

Work authorized by a permit must begin within 180 days of issuance, progress during each subsequent 180-day period, and undergo a final inspection to avoid the permit from expiring. Expired permits must be renewed before work is completed.

Inspections are completed based on the area of town you live in. The west part of town (NW and SW) is completed in the morning between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. The east part of town (NE and SE) is completed in the afternoon between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. These times are only an estimate as inspections may take longer or finish sooner.