Permit Required? Required
Typical Fee Range $90–$150 A $90 flat fee plus state surcharge applies for residential maintenance permits.
Fee Method Flat rate
Apply Online Apply at City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development →

What's Required in Minneapolis

  • Building permit required for any reroofing project in Minneapolis
  • Exempt from plan review fees if it is a simple maintenance permit
  • Maximum of two layers of shingles allowed; removal required if adding a third
  • Ice and water shield mandatory per local climate amendments to the MN Residential Code
  • Contractors must be state-licensed and registered with the City of Minneapolis
  • Final roof inspection required to verify venting and perimeter flashing

Do You Need a Permit to Replace a Roof in Minneapolis

In almost every case, yes — a full roof replacement (a tear-off and re-cover, or a complete reroof) requires a building permit in Minneapolis, issued by the City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development. Replacing the roof covering is regulated work because it affects the structure’s weather envelope and, on a tear-off, exposes the sheathing for inspection. A licensed roofing contractor usually pulls the permit, and an inspection may be required after the old material is removed and again at completion. Permit-free roofing is generally limited to minor repairs — not a whole-roof replacement.

Roof Repair vs. Replacement: When You Need a Permit in Minneapolis

The dividing line in Minneapolis is usually the scope of work. Small repairs — patching a leak, swapping a few damaged shingles, or fixing flashing — often don’t require a permit. A full replacement, a tear-off down to the deck, adding a second layer over the old shingles, or any change to the roof structure (rafters, trusses, sheathing) generally does. Some cities also cap how much roof area you can repair before it counts as a replacement. Because that threshold and any wind- or fire-zone rules vary, confirm the cutoff with the City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development — the requirements above list what Minneapolis expects.

How to Get a Roof Replacement Permit in Minneapolis

1

Step 1: Online Application

Submit a 'Building Maintenance' application for reroofing.

2

Step 2: Permit Issuance

Standard maintenance permits are typically issued without plan review.

3

Step 3: Fee Payment

Pay the flat $90 fee plus $1 state surcharge online.

4

Step 4: Installation

Complete the roof installation following current MN code requirements.

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Step 5: Inspection

Schedule a final inspection once the reroof is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a permit is required for any roof replacement project.
The flat fee for a residential reroof is $91.00.
Yes, if it is your primary homestead residence and you perform the work yourself.
Small repairs — patching a leak, replacing a few shingles, or fixing flashing — usually don’t need a permit in Minneapolis, while a full replacement, tear-off, added shingle layer, or structural change does. Some cities cap the repairable area before it’s treated as a replacement; check with the City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development.