- Circus
- Escort Service
- Escort - Individual
- Fireworks - Display
- Fireworks - Sales
- Ice Cream Vending Vehicles
- Massage Therapist-Individual - available in Citizen Access
- Massage Therapy Business - available in Citizen Access
- Mobile Food Unit - available in Citizen Access
- Outdoor Dog Permit
- Pawnbrokers
- Private Adult Dancer - Individual
- Sidewalk Cafes, Street Cafes and Parklets
- Vending Cart - available in Citizen Access
Business Licenses
There is no general business license required by the City of Rochester. Only certain specific types of businesses are required to obtain a license from the City.
Submitting a New License Application
Applications for Businesses licensed by the City of Rochester can be processed online through the Citizen Access portal. You can submit a new license or a renewal of an existing license directly to this portal. No paper application is required, unless you are unable to use the online system for some reason.
All application materials must be in AND approved by city staff before a license application is approved and a license issued. Please plan accordingly and submit your application in advance to allow time for this review and approval process.
Any paper license applications or other required documents can be submitted by mail or in person to the City Clerk's Office at 201 4th St SE, Room 135, Rochester, MN 55904.
Businesses requiring a license
Definition
Any enterprise, establishment, or operation, whether under the control of an individual or legal entity, providing or offering to provide massage therapy within the city for a fee or other consideration paid either directly or indirectly.
A massage therapy business does not include a health or medical facility, office or clinic operated by a state-licensed medical professional, or any health or medical-related business operated by a state-licensed medical professional, which provides therapeutic massage to its patients.
Fee
- License: $220
- One-Time Investigation Fee: $250
Governing Rochester Ordinance
Application
Please contact licenses@rochestermn.gov for a paper application.
Definitions
Massage Therapist: A person who practices or provides therapeutic massage to another for a fee or other consideration paid either directly or indirectly. A massage therapist does not include a medical doctor, chiropractor, osteopath, podiatrist, licensed nurse, physical therapist, athletic doctor or trainer, or beautician (cosmetologist) or barber who confines his treatment to the scalp, face and neck or the lower leg and feet in the case of a pedicure.
Massage Therapy: The scientific health care or health maintenance techniques or procedures carried out by a massage therapist involving the rubbing, tapping, pounding or kneading of a person's skin, muscles, and tissues or the stretching of body limbs (e.g., Thai massage) for the purpose of easing mental and physical tension, the breaking up of fatty tissues, relaxing muscles, or alleviating muscle spasms, pain relief, aiding in the healing process, promoting health and wellness, and the improvement of circulation through the body.
Cost
- License: $112
- One-Time Investigation Fee: $150
Governing Rochester Ordinance
Application
Please contact licenses@rochestermn.gov for a paper application.
Definition
Mobile food unit means a food and beverage service establishment that is a vehicle-mounted unit, either motorized or trailered, and readily movable, without disassembly, for transport to another location for vending.
Application
Please contact licenses@rochestermn.gov for a paper application.
Cost
$200
Governing Rochester Ordinance
Lunch and Evening Zone Permits
Upon licensure, Mobile Food Units are eligible to serve within the downtown area. However, an additional permit is required for this operation.
Zone Permit Application
Information about license renewals can be found on the Applications, Licenses & Permits page.
Contact Us
Connect with City Services
Whether you have a question, need to report a concern or aren’t sure which department to contact, 311 connects you with the right team quickly and efficiently.