Building Code & Licensing

Building Codes

The City of Rochester adopted the 2020 MN Residential Code as of March 31, 2020. The Building Safety Department enforces this Code during its Plan Review and Inspection phases of permitted work. For projects issued prior to March 31, 2020 the 2015 MN Residential Code is enforced.

Building Codes 101

What are building codes? Why do we have them? Why can't we just build buildings however we want? These are some of the questions that this webinar set will help you to answer. The regulation of the way buildings are built in the United States is unique, compared to other industries and even other countries. It can be a mystery to those who have not yet actively participated in the process. The YouTube™ webinars from the International Code Council (ICC) below will try to provide the big picture, even for those who have no experience with building codes.

Current Codes

Name of Code	Date Code went into Effect
2020 MN Conservation Code for Existing Buildings	March 31, 2020
2020 MN Residential Building Code	March 31, 2020
2020 National Electrical Code	November 17, 2020
2020 MN Residential Energy Code (the 2015 Code remains in effect)	March 31, 2020
2020 MN Mechanical and Fuel Gas Code	April 6, 2020
2015 MN Plumbing Code	January 23, 2016

Minnesota Building Codes

Rochester Code of Ordinances

Licensing Requirements

Additional Information

Electrical

City of Rochester Code of Ordinances Chapter 4-2 Electrical Code requires licensed electricians must provide and bonding and/or insurance to obtain permits.

Contact the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for more information:

Electrical general inquiries and Code information.
Licensing applications, renewal forms and related documents.
Contractor License Lookup--to research current permit holders.

HVAC

HVAC contractors are required to be licensed by the City of Rochester Code of Ordinances per Chapter 4-3 Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Code and Chapter 4-4 Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Board of Review.

Licenses need to be approved by the City Council. Therefore, applications must be submitted with all necessary additional information by 10 a.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Council meeting. If you have questions or need additional information regarding your application, please contact the Clerk's Office.

Download the appropriate license application:

Contact the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for more information:

HVAC general inquiries and Code information.
Licensing applications, renewal forms and related documents.
Contractor License Lookup to research current permit holders.

Plumbing

City of Rochester Code of Ordinances Chapter 4-5 Plumbing Code requires licensed plumbers to provide proof of state license and bonding and/or insurance to obtain permits. No person shall engage in the business of installing plumbing or install plumbing in connection with the dealing in and selling of plumbing material and supplies, unless at all times a master plumber, duly licensed by the State of Minnesota, is responsible for proper installation of such plumbing and in charge of the plumbing work. No person shall engage in or work at the business of a master plumber unless licensed to do so by the State of Minnesota.

Contact the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for more information:

Plumbing general inquiries and Code information.
Licensing applications, renewal forms and related documents.
Contractor License Lookup--to research current permit holders.

Residential Building Contractors

Rochester, MN

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Building Code & Licensing

Building Codes

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