2025 License Renewals 

All Trade and Contractor Licenses  will expire on December 31, 2024. Please submit a renewal for your 2025 Trade and Contractor License now! 

Current Citizen Access Users 

You can renew your license through your Citizen Access Portal. Simply log-in and find your license(s) under the “My Records” tab. Then click the “Renew Application” button. This button lets you review your pre-filled application, upload the required documents, and make a payment. There’s no need to retype all your information. Log in to the Citizen Access Portal now to complete your renewal.

Non Citizen Access Users

If you don't have a Citizen Access account, this video can you help you create your account. Once your account is set up, you can find and renew your license(s) on the “My Records” tab.

Complete Instructions for Renewals 

These step-by-step instructions will walk you through renewing your license on the Citizen Access portal.

 HVAC Contractor

Definition: This includes, but is not limited to, systems consisting of any of the following components or performing any of the following functions: chimneys, gas vents, connectors, smoke pipes, warm air heating, steam and liquid systems, hot water heating, chilled water cooling and liquid piping systems, ventilation systems, refrigeration systems, gas burners and gas piping, oil burners and piping, stoker and coal-fired installations, electric space heating, fireplaces, stoves, and incinerators, fire-control regulations, as part of the code.

Requirements: Before a contractor can apply for an HVAC Contractor license, they must have at least one licensed master installer employed full time. An HVAC Contractor license can be submitted at the same time as a Master Installer License application, but will not be approved until the Master Installer license has been approved.

Cost: $112 

Governing City Ordinance: RCO 4-3 

Application: License Application 

 HVAC Master Installer 

Definition: Master Installer means any person who performs or offers to perform the service of preparing plans, laying out and supervising the installation, repair and maintenance of heating, ventilating, gas piping, fireplace, or air conditioning plants,  equipment, or systems as outlined in Rochester Building Code. 

The master installer license is issued to the individual applicant, and is not directly tied to the contractor the master installer is employed by. For that reason, the application must be signed by the individual applicant and the license must be sent directly to the home address of the applicant, not the contractor/business for whom they work.

License Cost: $54 

Rochester Governing Ordinance: RCO 4-3 

Application: License Application 

Pre- Requirements

 Before an applicant can obtain a Master Installer license, they must first have a certificate of competency issued by the City of Rochester. Certificates of Competency must be obtained through the Building Safety Department. The application form for a certificate of competency and an FAQ about HVAC licensing from Building Safety are linked here for the convenience of applicants. The certificate of competency application and required $25 fee for each area of competency must be submitted directly to Building Safety, NOT the City Clerk's Office.

Contact Kirk Luthe in the Building Safety Department with questions or for more information about obtaining a certificate of competency.

• Certificate of Competency Application - return to Building Safety Department with required fee.
• FAQ about HVAC Licensing from the Building Safety Department

Requirements for contractors working on sewers and drains in the city are outlined in Rochester Code of Ordinances Chapter 12-2

This is an annual license, expiring every year on December 31. The annual license fee is $80, 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 now to complete your Sewer/Drain Contractor License Application.
• Sewer and Drain License Application Packet*

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

Sewer/Drain Permits from Public Works

With the completion of a notarized form submitted directly to the Public Works Department, Licensed Contractors can request permits by fax, email, phone or in person. Once your license application has been approved, or anytime you have changes to relevant staff, make sure to complete a new Authorized Permit Requesters Form. Check with the Public Works Department for more information about this form or the permit process.

Requirements for contractors working on sidewalks, curbs, gutters and driveways in the city are outlined in Rochester Code of Ordinances Chapter 9-18.  A separate license must obtained, and a separate application completed, for asphalt and for cement work.

This is an annual license, expiring every year on December 31. The annual license fee is $80, 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 now to complete your Sidewalk Contractor License Application.
• Sidewalks and Driveways License Application Packet - for asphalt or cement

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

Sidewalk/Driveway Permits from Public Works

With the completion of a notarized form submitted directly to the Public Works Department, Licensed Contractors can request permits by fax, email, phone or in person. Once your license application has been approved, or anytime you have changes to relevant staff, make sure to complete a new Authorized Permit Requester Form. Check with the Public Works Department for more information about this form or the permit process.

Requirements for contractors who erect or maintain signs in the city are outlined in Rochester Code of Ordinances Chapter 5-8.

This is an annual license, expiring every year on December 31. The annual license fee is $80, 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 now to complete your Sign Contractor License Application.
• Sign Erector/Contractor License Application Packet

Requirements for contractors who erect or maintain signs in the city are outlined in Rochester Code of Ordinances Chapter 5-17.

This is an annual license, expiring every year on December 31. The annual license fee is $80, 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. Once an application for a tree contractor is complete, it must be approved by the Director of Park & Recreation, or the City Forester as his designee, and will be issued upon that approval.

For questions about licensing requirements for tree contractors, please contact the City Forester, Jeff Haberman, at 507-328-2515.

• Log in to the Citizen Access Portal now to complete your Tree Care Contractor License Application. 
• Commercial Tree Work License Application Packet
  *Only submit a paper application if unable to use the online application system

In some instances, the City of Rochester requires a license from the State of Minnesota in order to do work in the city. This includes electricians and plumbers. The Building Codes and Licensing page has more information about these requirements, including links to state licensing information.