There is not a 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 License Application

All license types are being transitioned to a new online licensing system, Accela. Each license type that has been transitioned indicates it is available in Citizen Access. You can access those license applications through the Citizen Access portal and can enter your application for a new license or a renewal of an existing license directly into Accela. No paper application is required, unless you are unable to use the online system for some reason.

Guide to Using the Citizen Access portal for license applications

Unless otherwise indicated, all license applications must be approved by the City Council before a license can be issued by the City Clerk's Office. All materials must be in AND approved by staff in other referral departments as well as the City Clerk's Office before a license application is approved by the City Council. 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. 

Additional information for starting a business can be found here.