Scott County, Minnesota Roofing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Scott County Building & Safety Divisions

The Scott County Building Inspections Department, located within the Community Development Division, is the authority responsible for managing and enforcing the Minnesota State Building Code within the county's jurisdiction. This department handles the permitting process, plan reviews, and inspections to ensure that construction projects meet minimum safety and code standards.

Roofing Permit Requirements for Unincorporated Areas

In unincorporated areas of Scott County—specifically the townships under the county's jurisdiction—building permits are required for re-roofing existing dwellings. The county enforces the Minnesota State Building Code, and all roofing materials must be installed in accordance with the code and the manufacturer's installation instructions. Because permit rules, fees, and specific requirements can change, property owners are advised to contact the Scott County Building Inspections Department or review their official website before beginning any roofing project.

Key aspects of the permitting process include:

Application Process: All permit applications must be submitted, processed, and filed online through the county's ePermit portal.
Jurisdiction Verification: It is important to confirm that the property is within a township jurisdiction served by the county. Some properties with city addresses may still fall under township jurisdiction, which can be verified using the county's Geographical Information System (GIS).
Inspections: Building inspections are required at various stages of the roofing project to verify code compliance.
Documentation: Applicants should review specific handouts, such as the "Guidelines for Asphalt Shingle Roofing" and "Inspection Requirements Residential Re-Roofing," which are available through the county's website.

Resources to Learn More

Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Minnesota, including Scott County.

Minnesota Roofing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

Minnesota State Building Code and Legislation for Roofing

The Minnesota State Building Code serves as the standard for construction across the state, as mandated by Minnesota Statute 326B.121. The code is updated periodically, and local municipalities are required to adopt and enforce the state-level standards. Roofing projects must comply with the specific requirements outlined in the Minnesota Residential Code (for one- and two-family dwellings) or the Minnesota Building Code (for other structures), which incorporate the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) with specific Minnesota amendments.

Key aspects of roofing compliance in Minnesota include:

Code Adoption: Minnesota adopts national model codes with state-specific amendments. For example, the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code is based on the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC).
Installation Standards: Roofing materials must be installed in strict accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions and the relevant chapters of the Minnesota State Building Code (typically Chapter 9).
Permitting and Licensing: Building permits are generally required for re-roofing projects and are issued by local municipal building departments. Furthermore, contractors performing roofing work must hold a valid license issued by the state.
Regulatory Oversight: The primary state agency responsible for setting these standards and overseeing contractor licensing is the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Scott County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

Help Us Improve This Guide

Did you find a dead link, or do you have the direct link to the Scott County permit application portal? Help us keep this information accurate by submitting an update.