# Roofing Company License and Permit Research Checklist

Which licenses and permits to research for a roofing company: state, county and city agencies to check, and questions to ask before opening.

Source page: https://cheapcheapwebsites.com/small-business-guides/industries/roofing/license-and-permit-checklist/
Updated: October 6, 2026

Roofing compliance has three parts: contractor licensing (state and sometimes local), building permits for re-roofs and structural repairs, and workplace safety rules for work at height. Some states also regulate post-storm contracting, deposits and contract cancellation rights for homeowners. Check your state contractor board and your local building department.

## What to research

| Item | Where |
| Contractor license | State contractor or roofing board |
| Re-roof permit | Local building department |
| Fall protection rules | OSHA construction standards |
| Storm contracting rules | State consumer protection or AG office |
| Disposal | Local waste rules |

## Questions for the building department

- Does a full re-roof need a permit?
- Are inspections required mid-job?
- Are there limits on layering over old shingles?
- What wind or code requirements apply?

## Who to ask and what to ask

| Office | Question |
| State licensing board | Which license do roofing contractors need? |
| Building department | Do reroofs need permits and inspections? |
| OSHA resources | What fall protection is required? |
| Manufacturers | What installation rules keep the warranty valid? |
| Insurance agent | What do homeowners and builders require? |

## Storm work cautions

After storms, some states have rules for contractors who help with insurance claims, including restrictions on acting as a public adjuster. Explain your role clearly: you inspect and document damage and provide estimates; the insurer decides on the claim. Never promise a claim outcome.

## Fall protection basics

OSHA requires fall protection for construction work at heights, and roofing is one of the most dangerous trades. Plans commonly include guardrails, safety nets or personal fall arrest systems, training for every worker, ladder safety and protection around skylights and roof openings. Write your plan, train crews, inspect equipment daily and enforce it. Falls are preventable, and a strong safety record also lowers insurance costs over time.

## Rules owners often miss

Some states regulate contractors who interact with insurance claims, and many require written contracts with cancellation rights for home improvement work. Ask your licensing board which contract rules apply.

## What to research

| Requirement | Usually handled by |
| Contractor or roofing license | State contractor licensing board (rules vary widely) |
| Local contractor registration | City or county building department |
| Building permits per job | Local building department |
| Insurance requirements | Often required for licensing and by clients |
| Storm and insurance-claim rules | State rules on contractor claim involvement |

## Free tools

Renewal tracker

## Common questions

### Do re-roofs need permits?

Often yes. Ask the local building department.

### Are deposit amounts regulated?

Some states limit upfront deposits. Check before setting terms.

### What safety rules apply?

OSHA fall protection rules for construction work at height.

### Do roofers need a written safety plan?

OSHA requires fall protection; many companies write a plan and train crews on it to meet requirements and keep crews safe.

### Do repairs need permits?

Some small repairs do not; many replacements do. Ask your building department.

## Sources

- SBA: Apply for licenses and permits: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits
- OSHA: Fall protection: https://www.osha.gov/fall-protection

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