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Do you need a permit to replace a roof?

Whether a roof replacement needs a building permit is decided by the city or county, not by one national rule. Of the 20 large cities whose roof replacement rule we verified, 5 require a permit, 14 exempt smaller or simpler projects and require a permit above a limit and 1 publishes only a general permit rule that does not name roof replacements.

Last checked

On this page
  1. Roof permit rules in major cities
  2. Building permit and zoning are separate
  3. What the model code exempts (IRC R105.2)
  4. What cities charge for a roof replacement permit
  5. Before you start
  6. Sources

Roof permit rules in major cities

Each row is the rule that applies in that city. "Depends" means the city exempts work below a limit; the limit shown is the number in the city's wording, and the conditions that go with it are on the city page.

CityPermit needed?Key limit
New York City, NYDepends on size or scope1Like-for-like replacement exempt? yes1
Los Angeles, CADepends on size or scope2–
Chicago, ILDepends on size or scope3–
Houston, TXGeneral rule only4–
Phoenix, AZDepends on size or scope5Like-for-like replacement exempt? yes5
San Antonio, TXYes6–
San Diego, CADepends on size or scope7Like-for-like replacement exempt? yes8
Dallas, TXDepends on size or scope9Roof area that can be replaced without a permit: 2 roofing squares9
Jacksonville, FLYes10–
Fort Worth, TXDepends on size or scope11Like-for-like replacement exempt? yes12
San Jose, CADepends on size or scope13–
Charlotte, NCDepends on size or scope14–
Columbus, OHYes15Like-for-like replacement exempt? no15
Indianapolis, INDepends on size or scope16Like-for-like replacement exempt? Listed-contractor roof replacement exempt (Sec. 536-201(b)(2)); owner-occupant may overlay one layer of shingles over a single existing layer without a permit16
San Francisco, CAYes17–
Seattle, WADepends on size or scope18Like-for-like replacement exempt? yes19
Denver, CODepends on size or scope20Roof area that can be replaced without a permit: 10% of roof square footage or two roof squares, whichever is smaller (buildings under 25,000 sq ft)21
Oklahoma City, OKDepends on size or scope22Roof area that can be replaced without a permit: 500 square feet23
Philadelphia, PAYes24–
Austin, TXDepends on size or scope25Exempt up to this area: 128 square feet25

Building permit and zoning are separate

A building permit checks how the roof replacement is built; zoning decides where it can go and how big it can be. In New York City, work that is exempt from a building permit can still need zoning approval:

  • New York City. Any exemptions outlined by this rule will not grant authorization for any…1

What the model code exempts (IRC R105.2)

The International Residential Code (IRC) is a model code. It is law only where a state or city adopts it, usually with changes, so the wording below shows how the model reads in published government copies, not the rule where you live.

  • 11. Repairs that are limited to 25 percent of roof covering and building siding within one calendar year.26 As published by Old Lyme, CT (as amended in Connecticut).
  • 11. Roof covering replacement (re-roofing), not including the repair or replacement of the roof sheathing or other structural components.27 As published by Grays Harbor County, WA (IRC with county amendments, § 15.04.030).

What cities charge for a roof replacement permit

Fee lines as each city’s schedule states them, never added up into a total; how permit fees work explains valuation formulas and minimums.

CityFeeAs the schedule states it
New York City, NYAlteration work permit: One-, two- or three-family dwellingMinimum filing fee for the first $5,000, or fraction thereof, of the cost of alteration; plus $2.60 for each $1,000, or fraction thereof, of cost of alterations in excess of$5,000.28
San Antonio, TXResidential Repair Existing Re-Roof FeeResidential Repair Existing Re-Roof Fee $28.7529
Jacksonville, FLRoofing BID permit fee per 1,000 sq ftBID permit fee · $10.00 · Minimum BID permit fee for roofing permits not requiring an inspection · $80.0030
Jacksonville, FLRoofing minimum (permits requiring inspection)Minimum BID permit fee for roofing permits requiring one or more inspections · $150.0030
Fort Worth, TX1. Permit Application Fee, Applicable to All Permit Types, Excluding Signs1. Permit Application Fee, Applicable to All Permit Types, Excluding Signs: 33.0831
Fort Worth, TX3. Technology Fee applicable to all applications/ permits3. Technology Fee applicable to all applications/ permits: 16.8731
Fort Worth, TX2. Reinspection fee2. Reinspection fee: 66.1531
Charlotte, NCTotal Construction Permit Value/Permit Fees (valuation table)$3,001 to $50,000 $59.70 plus $12.19 per $1,000 or part over $3,00032
Columbus, OHRoof, Siding, Windows, and Doors (1, 2, and 3 Family)Roof, Siding, Windows, and Doors (1 inspection) $14033
San Francisco, CARe-roofing Permit Fee, Single-Family Homes and Duplexes$32034
Denver, COBuilding permit fee, valuation $1.00 to $500.00$1.00 to $500.00 $20.00 035
Denver, COBuilding permit fee, valuation $501.00 to $2,000.00$501.00 to $2,000.00 $35.00 035
Denver, COBuilding permit fee, valuation $2,001.00 to $25,000.00$2,001.00 to $25,000.00 $35.00 for the first $2,000.00 plus $8.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000.00 50%35
Oklahoma City, OKRe-roofing permit submittal payment$94.5023
El Paso, TXBuilding Permit: Roofing Permit$118 plus applicable technology fee36
Las Vegas, NVRe-roofing - Residential94 Re-roofing - Residential $68 $11937
Boston, MAShort Form Building$20.00 Primary fee plus $10.00 per $1,000 of the estimated cost of work.38
Detroit, MIBuilding/Residential permit, project cost $2,000 or less$2,000 or less Flat $271.4339
Detroit, MIBuilding/Residential permit, over $2,000 but not over $25,000Over $2,000 but not over $25,000 First $2,000 Base $271.43 Per $1,000 or fraction thereof over $2,000 Per $1,000 $34.0939
Detroit, MIBuilding/Residential permit, over $25,000 but not over $100,000Over $25,000 but not over $100,000 First $25,000 Base $1,055.57 Per $1,000 or fraction thereof over $25,000 Per $1,000 $24.5339
Albuquerque, NMRe-roof permit, residential (R-3 occupancies only)Administrative Fee $30.00; Inspection Fee $40.00; Total $70.0040
Fresno, CARe-roofing - Composition, no tear offComposition - no tear off 102.72 58.8741
Fresno, CARe-roofing - Other roofs (first 10 squares)Other roofs (first 10 squares) 102.72 103.9841
Sacramento, CARe-Roof (flat building permit fee)Re-Roof $175 N/A42
Colorado Springs, COAsphalt Shingle Reroof (existing one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes)Asphalt Shingle Reroof $135.0043
Virginia Beach, VARoofing and siding permit$50.00 plus $5.00 per $1000 of construction value or fraction thereof44
Arlington, TXResidential: ReroofReroof* $325.0045
Aurora, COFlat rate: single family residential roof replacement$350 • Single Family Residential Roof Replacement46
Aurora, COFlat rate: residential roof and siding replacement$424 • Residential Roof and Siding Replacement46
Aurora, COSales and Use Tax deposit (city)--Sales and Use Tax deposit · 3.75% of total construction materials cost47
Austin, TXExpress Residential Plan Review$112.7648
Austin, TXResidential Express Permits/Kitchen Remodels - Inspection$72.9648
Austin, TXResidential Roof Replacement Inspection (Austin Fire fee)$370.0048

Before you start

Find your city’s roof replacement rule with the permit checker. What to check before you buy materials (city limits, limits in the rule, zoning and HOA rules) and the order of the steps are in how to get a building permit; what an exemption does not cover is in work exempt from a permit.

Sources

  1. 1 RCNY §101-14 Categories of work that may or may not require a permitCity of New York, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  2. SEC. 91.106. PERMITS. (LAMC Ch. IX, Art. 1, Div. 1)City of Los Angeles (Los Angeles Municipal Code, hosted by American Legal Publishing)Checked November 7, 2026
  3. What Types of Work Do Not Require a Building Permit? (Full List)City of Chicago, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  4. houston311.powerappsportals.usCity of Houston, Houston 3-1-1 Customer Service (Knowledge Base)Checked November 6, 2026
  5. 2024 International Building Code Administrative Provisions (IBC Chapter 1), Phoenix amendmentsCity of Phoenix, Planning & Development DepartmentEffective August 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  6. Home Remodeling FAQCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentPublished August 1, 2019Checked November 6, 2026
  7. Information Bulletin 123: Minimum Standards for Renewal of Roof CoveringCity of San Diego, Development Services DepartmentRevised September 2026Checked November 6, 2026
  8. SDMC Chapter 12, Article 9, Division 2: Building Permit ProceduresCity of San Diego, San Diego Municipal Code (docs.sandiego.gov, Office of the City Clerk)Revised September 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  9. Chapter 52: Administrative Procedures for the Construction Codes (City of Dallas booklet, current through April 23,…City of Dallas, Planning & Development DepartmentLast updated April 23, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  10. Frequently Asked QuestionsCity of Jacksonville (consolidated City of Jacksonville/Duval County), Public Works Department, Building Inspection DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  11. Residential PermittingCity of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  12. Roofing FAQ'sCity of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 6, 2026
  13. Reroof ProjectsCity of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE)Last updated April 12, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  14. Frank Cappelli Stop Work Order OSFM Decision (appeal under G.S. 160D-1114)North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), Engineering and Building Codes DivisionPublished September 30, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  15. Construction Industry Communication #11: Minimum Construction Document Standards for Roofing/Window/Door Permit…City of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesRevised April 3, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  16. 2016 Building Standards and Procedures of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis (Chapter 536 etc.)City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesEffective January 1, 2018Checked November 7, 2026
  17. Apply for a reroofing permitCity and County of San Francisco, Department of Building InspectionChecked November 7, 2026
  18. Re-Roof Permit - Construction and InspectionsCity of Seattle, Seattle Department of Construction & InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  19. 2021 Seattle Residential Code, Chapter 1 AdministrationCity of Seattle, Seattle Department of Construction & InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  20. Quick Permits - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  21. Roofing Guide and ChecklistCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentLast updated April 11, 2024Checked November 6, 2026
  22. Development CenterCity of Oklahoma City, Development Services Department, Development CenterChecked November 7, 2026
  23. Re-Roofing Permit RequirementsCity of Oklahoma City, Development Services Department, Development CenterRevised July 28, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  24. EZ Permit Standard: Re-Roofing (PB_012_F)City of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and InspectionsRevised July 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  25. Work Exempt From Building Permits | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  26. Work Exempt from Building PermitsTown of Old Lyme, CT, Building DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  27. Development Assistance Bulletin: International Residential Code Work Exempt from PermitsGrays Harbor County, WA, Planning and Building DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  28. 2022 NYC Construction Codes, General Administrative Provisions (Admin. Code Title 28), Chapter 1 AdministrationCity of New York, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  29. FY 2027 Development Fee ScheduleCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentRevised October 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  30. City Fees (Categorized by Departments)City of Jacksonville, City Fees page (Building Inspection Division - Section 320.409)Checked November 7, 2026
  31. Ordinance No. 26-28781City of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  32. Mecklenburg County Government Fee Ordinance, Land Use and Environmental Services (revised July 1, 2026)Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners / Land Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA)Revised July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  33. 2026 Combined Development Related Fee ScheduleCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesPublished 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  34. Fee Schedule Table 1A-G: Inspections, Surveys and Reports (July 2026)City and County of San Francisco, Department of Building InspectionEffective July 12, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  35. Building and Land Development Fees - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  36. City of El Paso FY2026-2027 Adopted Budget, FY 2027 Schedule C Departmental Fee ListCity of El Paso, Office of Management & BudgetAdopted August 18, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  37. City of Las Vegas 2020 Building User Fees (Building & Fee Table)City of Las Vegas, Department of Community Development, Building & Safety DivisionEffective July 1, 2021Checked November 7, 2026
  38. Building Fees 5 15 23 (ISD fee schedule)City of Boston, Inspectional Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  39. City of Detroit BSEED Fee Schedule, Effective January 1, 2024, Modified 7/18/2025City of Detroit, Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)Revised July 18, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  40. 2024 City of Albuquerque Uniform Administrative Code (Exhibit A)City of Albuquerque, Planning Department, Building Safety DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  41. City of Fresno Master Fee Schedule - Planning & Development Fees (effective 07/01/2026)City of Fresno, Planning and Development DepartmentEffective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  42. Building Division Fee Detail: Table A (valuation) and Table B.1 (flat fee building permits)City of Sacramento (Fees and Charges database, Community Development Department)Revised July 19, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  43. Fee Schedule - Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (Appendix B: Fee Schedule, 2023 PPRBC)Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD)Effective June 30, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  44. Roofing and Siding Permit FeesCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Permits & Inspections DivisionRevised July 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  45. City of Arlington Planning and Development Services Fee Schedule, Effective October 1, 2026 (Resolution No. 26-288)City of Arlington, Planning & Development ServicesEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  46. 2026 Flat Rate Fee Permits (Flat-Rate Fee, Revised 08/2026, Form #A175)City of Aurora, Development Services Department, Building DivisionRevised August 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  47. Development Fees Checklist - City of AuroraCity of Aurora, Development CenterEffective 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  48. City of Austin Fee Schedule | Residential Building Plan Review & Inspection Permit FeesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026