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Applications, Licenses & Permits

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Alcohol & Gambling Licenses

Apply for alcohol and gambling licenses in Rochester, MN — learn requirements, application steps, fees and rules for businesses.
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Animal Control & Licenses

Find information on animal control services and pet licensing in Rochester, including licensing requirements, reporting concerns, and animal safety resources.
residential sidewalk with trees lining the boulevard

Boulevard Permits

Find permit requirements, applications and guidelines for landscaping and tree work in boulevard areas.
A building permit on a table littered with building plans and blueprints

Building Permits

Find building permit information in Rochester, MN, including how to apply, forms, fees and inspection requirements for development projects.
application with a red 'approved' stamp

Business & Contractor Licenses & Permits

Find information on business and contractor licenses and permits in Rochester, MN, including how to apply, renew and meet City requirements.
a clipboard with a piece of paper reading 'business license' and a pair of eyeglasses resting on top

Business Licenses

Find business licensing info in Rochester, MN — learn which licenses are required, how to apply, renewals and City fees for local businesses.
an excavator bucket pulling dirt from the ground

Excavation Permits

Apply for excavation permits in Rochester, MN for work in streets and public rights-of-way — learn requirements, fees and how to submit an application.
red fire truck with "Rochester Fire Dept." on the door

Fire Permits & Inspections

Apply for fire permits, schedule inspections and access safety requirements through Rochester’s Fire Marshal’s Office.
application with a red 'approved' stamp

Forestry Permits

Apply for forestry permits in Rochester—tree removal, planting, encroachment and other public tree work.
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Natural Landscape Permits

Find guidelines and permit requirements for installing and maintaining natural or native landscapes.
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Obstruction Permits

Apply for obstruction permits in Rochester, MN for work that temporarily blocks streets, sidewalks or rights-of-way — see requirements and how to apply.
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Oversized Vehicle Permits

Apply for oversized vehicle permits in Rochester, MN to legally travel or park large vehicles on city streets — see requirements, fees and how to apply.
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Peddler Permits

Apply for a Peddler Permit in Rochester, MN to sell goods or services door-to-door. Learn requirements, fees and route plan rules.
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Planning & Zoning Applications

Find planning and zoning application info in Rochester, MN — forms, submittal requirements, fees and procedures for land use and development reviews.
drone shot of many houses and a water tower

Residential Parking Permits

Get a residential parking permit in Rochester, MN — learn eligibility, types, requirements, fees and how to apply for on‑street permit parking.
a piece of paper with a faded stamp in blue ink

Retail Cannabis Licenses

Learn about retail cannabis licensing in Rochester, MN, including zoning rules, eligibility and the state and county approval process.
application with a red 'approved' stamp

Right-of-Way Permits

Apply for Right-of-Way permits in Rochester, MN for street, sidewalk and driveway work — learn requirements, fees and the application process.
application with a red 'approved' stamp

Special Event Licenses

Apply for a special event license in Rochester, including requirements, timelines, fees, and permits for events that impact public spaces or services.
a person holding a set of blueprints for a house and pointing to a specific room

Trade & Contractor Licenses

Apply for or renew trade and contractor licenses in Rochester, MN, including HVAC, sewer and drain, sign, sidewalk and tree care licenses.
a rear tire on the driver's side of a tan vehicle

Transportation Licenses

Apply for transportation licenses in Rochester, MN, including taxi, bus, rideshare and other vehicle-for-hire services.
application with a red 'approved' stamp

Water Applications, Permits & Plans

Learn about City of Rochester water-related applications, permits and plans.

License Renewals

Find detailed instructions on renewing licenses.

Chicken/Duck Licenses

Chicken/Duck licenses are valid for 2 years. The biannual license fee is $40. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.

*Only submit a paper application if unable to use the online application system

Pigeon License

Pigeon licenses are for one calendar year, and expire each year on December 31. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.

Massage Therapist Licenses

Massage therapist licenses are valid for 2 years. The biannual license fee is $110. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee. 

Massage Therapy Business Licenses

All massage therapy business licenses expire on December 31. The annual license fee is $220. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.

Mobile Food Units 

Current Mobile Food Unit (MFU) Licenses will expire on April 30, 2026.

Sidewalk, Street Café and Parklet Permits

All current sidewalk café permits expire April 30, 2026.

Visit the Parklets & Street Cafés webpage for permit information.

Pawnbrokers

All pawnbroker business licenses expire on December 31. The annual license fee is $700. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.

Please come back soon for information on renewing your annual gambling license.

All Trade & Contractor licenses expire on December 31.

HVAC Contractor Licenses

This is an annual license that expires on December 31. The annual license fee is $125 and is not prorated, regardless of when during the year a license is obtained. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.

HVAC Master Installer Licenses

This is an annual license that expires on December 31. The annual license fee is $60 and is not prorated, regardless of when during the year a license is obtained.  If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.

Sewer and Drain Licenses

This is an annual license that expires on December 31. The annual license fee is $90 and is not prorated, regardless of when a license is obtained during the year. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.

  • Log in to the Citizen Access Portal to complete your Sewer and Drain license renewal.
  • To use a paper application, set up a meeting with our team or request a paper form by emailing licenses@rochestermn.gov
  • NOTE: Your City Performance Bond must now reference RCO, Section 12-2-8, not 76.09. Please notify your insurance provider to update this information.

Sidewalk Contractor Licenses - Asphalt and Concrete

This is an annual license that expires on December 31. The annual license fee is $90 and is not prorated, regardless of when during the year a license is obtained.  If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.

  • Log in to the Citizen Access Portal to complete your Sidewalk Contractor license renewal.
  • To use a paper application, set up a meeting with our team or request a paper form by emailing licenses@rochestermn.gov
  • NOTE: Your City Performance Bond must now reference RCO, Section 9-18-3, not 70.03. Please notify your insurance provider to update this information.

Sign Installers Licenses

This is an annual license that expires on December 31. The annual license fee is $90 and is not prorated, regardless of when a license is obtained during the year. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.

Tree Work Licenses

This is an annual license that expires on December 31. The annual license fee is $90 and is not prorated, regardless of when a license is obtained during the year. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.

Bus

All bus licenses expire on December 31. The annual license fee is $40 per vehicle. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.

Taxicab Driver's License

All taxicab drivers' licenses expire on December 31. The annual license fee is $110. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.

Taxicab Vehicle License

All taxicab vehicle licenses expire on December 31. The annual license fee is $40 per vehicle. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee. 

Transportation Network Company (TNC)

All transportation network company licenses expire on December 31. The annual license fee is $6,000. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.

Minnesota State Tax ID Requirement

Under state law, all business license applications require either a Minnesota State Tax ID number or the social security number of the licensee; the City of Rochester is required to provide this information for all its licensees to the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

Submitting Materials

All required documents can be mailed or dropped off at the City Clerk's Office at 201 4th St SE, Room 135, Rochester, MN 55904. They can also be emailed to licenses@rochestermn.gov. 

Contact Us

City of Rochester

201 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904

PHONE: 507-328-2311
FAX: 507-328-2901

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