What's Required in Minneapolis
- A building permit is required for all re-roofing work except repairs using less than one bundle of shingles.
- Repairs to rafters or trusses need an additional permit and a framing inspection.
- Overlays are allowed over only one existing layer in sound condition, and never over shakes, slate or tile.
- Ice barrier must extend from the eave edge to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line on homes.
- Asphalt shingles need a slope of at least 2:12 and double underlayment below 4:12.
- Rusted, damaged or deteriorated flashing must be replaced; roofing tar cannot substitute for flashing.
- Contractors must hold a state residential roofer, remodeler or building contractor license, or a city specialty license.
- A final inspection is required when the work is complete.
Do you need a permit to replace a roof in Minneapolis?
Yes. Construction Code Services' roofing handout for one- and two-family homes says a building permit is required for all re-roofing work, except repairs involving less than one bundle of shingles, which it defines as 33 1/3 square feet of roof area. Minnesota's list of work exempt from permit has no reroofing item, so a tear-off, a full replacement and an overlay all need the permit. If the rafters or trusses need repair, that takes an additional permit and a framing inspection.
How much does a roof permit cost in Minneapolis?
There is no flat reroof fee. A reroof is a building permit, and building permit fees are based on the valuation of the job, labor and materials included. For a job between $2,001 and $25,000 the schedule charges $104.20 for the first $2,000 plus $20.60 for each additional $1,000 or fraction, and the state adds a surcharge of 0.0005 times the value. The 65% plan review fee applies only to work that requires plans to be submitted and reviewed, and the roofing handout asks for no plans.
- An $8,000 reroof: $104.20 + 6 x $20.60 = $227.80, plus a $4.00 surcharge = $231.80.
- A $20,000 reroof: $104.20 + 18 x $20.60 = $475.00, plus a $10.00 surcharge = $485.00.
| What you are doing | City filing | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing a few shingles, under one bundle | No permit | Less than 33 1/3 sq ft of roof area |
| Full tear-off and new shingles | Building permit | Valuation fee plus state surcharge |
| Overlay over one existing layer | Building permit | Only if the old roof is a sound base |
| Overlay on wood shakes, slate, clay or cement tile | Not allowed | Old covering must come off |
| Repairing rafters or trusses | Additional building permit | Framing inspection required |
| Licensed contractor, existing 1-2 family home | Express permit tool | Reroofs are eligible work |
| Starting before the permit is issued | Permit plus penalty | The city may double your fees |
What does Minneapolis require on a reroof?
Minnesota's climate counts as severe for underlayment, so ice barrier protection is required on homes, though not on detached accessory buildings with no conditioned floor area. It must run from the eave edge to a point at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line, using two layers of felt cemented together or a self-adhering ice and water barrier. Asphalt shingles need a roof slope of 2:12 or more, with double underlayment between 2:12 and 4:12, and at least four fasteners per strip shingle. Rusted or damaged flashing must be replaced; roofing tar is not a substitute. You do not have to add attic ventilation to an existing home when reroofing.
Inspections are light: no underlayment or ice barrier inspection is required, an extra inspection during re-sheathing is optional, and a final inspection is required when the work is complete.
Who can pull a roofing permit in Minneapolis?
A contractor needs a Minnesota Residential Roofer, Remodeler or Building Contractor license, or a city residential specialty contractor license. Licensed contractors who are pre-approved can apply for reroofs on existing one- or two-family homes through the city's express permit tool. Homeowners who live in the home can pull the permit and do the work themselves; state law exempts owners who improve a home they occupy, unless they are building for resale.
How to Get a Roof Replacement Permit in Minneapolis
Confirm the scope
Anything beyond a repair of less than one bundle of shingles needs a building permit; note any framing repairs.
Apply for the permit
Email the building permit application with the job valuation to [email protected], or use the express tool if you are a pre-approved contractor.
Pay the fee
Pay the valuation-based permit fee and state surcharge when the permit is issued, then post it on site.
Install to code
Follow the shingle manufacturer's instructions and the ice barrier, underlayment and flashing rules in the roofing handout.
Call for the final inspection
Call the area building inspector named on the permit to schedule the required final inspection.