Permit Applications:
- Citizen Access (for most types of building and trade applications)
- Demolition Permit application
Building Permits
A building permit is issued by a local government agency as an authorization to start construction or renovation work--including alterations, repairs, moving, enlargement, demolition, or replacement of any gas, mechanical, or plumbing.
Once issued, a permit remains valid during the time of continued work; to ensure the safety of our community, any permit is considered expired after 180 days without inspection or an update (i.e., email or phone call) to our department. If a permit expires, the permit holder must renew or restart the permit process and will be subject to the associated fees.
Apply for a Building Permit
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Permit Guidelines
In the City of Rochester, owners and occupants of single-family homes are required to obtain permits for work they intend to do themselves. The individual who signs the permit is responsible for ensuring the work is completed in compliance with all regulatory standards. If you are planning a Do-It-Yourself project, Community Development offers several Permit Guides outlining the permit process. If you have additional questions, please contact the Community Development Department at 507-328-2600.
Please Note: The City of Rochester Code of Ordinances Chapter 4-1 requires Residential Building Contractors to be licensed with the State of Minnesota. Landlords may do carpentry work on their rental properties; however, professional contractors must be hired to do any trade work.
Re-Roofing, Re-Siding and Window Replacement Permits
Effective May 1, 2025, the City of Rochester will require a building permit and inspections for all residential re-roofing, re-siding and window replacement projects. While these requirements are already in place for commercial and multi-family properties, this update will specifically affect residential properties, including single-family homes, two-family homes and townhouses.
- Re-Roofing Project
- Building Permit Required?
- Yes
- Plan Required
- Simplified roof
- Permit Fee
- Fixed
- Inspections Required
- Roof sheathing
- Underlayment
- Final
- Does a contractor performing work require a State license or registration?
- Yes
- Can a homeowner perform work without a license?
- Yes
- Building Permit Required?
- Re-Siding Project
- Building Permit Required?
- Yes
- Plan Required
- None
- Permit Fee
- Fixed
- Inspections Required
- Wall sheating
- Weather barrier
- Final
- Does a contractor performing work require a State license or registration?
- Yes
- Can a homeowner perform work without a license?
- Yes
- Building Permit Required?
- Window Replacement
- Building Permit Required?
- Yes
- Plan Required
- Simplified floor
- Permit Fee
- Valuation based
- Inspections Required
- Framing
- Weather barrier
- Final
- Does a contractor performing work require a State license or registration?
- Yes
- Can a homeowner perform work without a license?
- Yes
- Building Permit Required?
Licensing Requirements
- Homeowners are not required to hold a state license and registration to perform these tasks.
- Roofing contractors must have a state-issued roofing contractor license.
- A state-issued Residential Contractor’s License is required for contractors performing more than one specialized skill. Siding installation and window installation are considered distinct specialized skills in the State of Minnesota. Therefore, a contractor handling both components of the project must hold a Residential Contractor’s License.
- License and registration status will be verified at the time of permit submittal.
Additional information about applying for permits and scheduling inspections will be added here as it becomes available.
Citizen Access / Permit Guides
We are pleased to offer our citizens, businesses, and visitors access to government information online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through Accela Citizen Access.
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