All Permit Guides

Do You Need a Permit to Replace Your Roof?

Yes — re-roofing requires a permit in nearly every jurisdiction in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. This is one of the most commonly skipped permits, and one of the most consequential to skip. An unpermitted roof can void your insurance coverage, create title problems when you sell, and result in fines if discovered during an inspection.

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Free Roofing Permit Check

Enter your address to find your building department, then answer a few questions to see if you likely need a permit.

What's an AHJ?

The specific city, village, or county office that issues permits. Their boundaries don't always match your mailing address.

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We cross-check your coordinates against municipal boundary polygons — not just ZIP codes.

Wrong AHJ = weeks lost

Filing with the wrong building department means your application sits unreviewed.

The Short Answer

A full re-roof (tear-off and replace) always requires a permit. A roof-over (new shingles over existing) also requires a permit, and is limited to two total layers of asphalt shingles — if you already have two layers, you must do a complete tear-off. Minor repairs (under 100 sq ft or less than 10% of roof area) may be exempt depending on your AHJ. In Illinois, the contractor must hold a state roofing license — hiring an unlicensed roofer is illegal and can result in fines for the homeowner.

What Your Jurisdiction Checks

Layer Limits

The IRC allows a maximum of two layers of asphalt shingles. If two layers already exist, all existing material must be removed before re-roofing. Some AHJs only allow one layer (requiring full tear-off every time). Other materials (tile, metal) are typically limited to one layer.

Ice & Water Shield

In the Midwest, all three states require an ice and water shield membrane from the eave edge to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line. This is a self-adhering polymer membrane that prevents ice dam leaks. Skipping it voids most shingle manufacturer warranties.

Underlayment

At least one layer of felt or synthetic underlayment is required over the entire roof deck, in addition to the ice barrier at eaves.

Material Standards

Shingles must meet ASTM D3462 (composition), and wind resistance standards (ASTM D3161 or D7158). Most AHJs require Class A fire rating. Impact-rated shingles (Class 4) may qualify for insurance discounts.

Ventilation

Attic ventilation must meet minimum ratios (1:150 net free vent area to attic floor area, reduced to 1:300 with balanced intake/exhaust). Inadequate ventilation is the #1 cause of premature shingle failure and voids manufacturer warranties.

Flashing

Required at every wall/roof intersection, valley, chimney, plumbing vent, and skylight. Step flashing and kick-out flashing at wall terminations. Chimneys wider than 30 inches on the upslope side require a cricket/saddle.

Contractor Licensing

Illinois requires a state roofing contractor license (225 ILCS 335). Hiring an unlicensed roofer in Illinois is a violation. Wisconsin requires contractor registration with DSPS but has no specific roofing license. Indiana has no statewide roofing license, though local municipalities may require registration.

State-Specific Notes

Illinois

State roofing license required (225 ILCS 335). This is the single most important thing for IL homeowners to verify. Ice barrier required. Most AHJs use IRC 2018 or 2021.

Wisconsin

No state roofing license, but DSPS contractor registration required. UDC applies. Higher snow loads mean structural review of the existing roof deck may be required if adding heavier materials.

Indiana

No statewide roofing license. Local licensing varies. Frost and ice barrier requirements apply in northern counties. Code edition varies by AHJ.

Common Roofing Permit Mistakes

  1. 1Roofing over two existing layers (code violation, structural overload risk)
  2. 2Skipping the ice and water shield (warranty void, ice dam damage guaranteed)
  3. 3Not pulling a permit — creates title and insurance issues when you sell
  4. 4Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Illinois (homeowner can face fines)
  5. 5Inadequate attic ventilation after re-roof (premature shingle failure)

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We research your jurisdiction's exact requirements — layer limits, ice barrier specs, material standards, ventilation codes, and contractor licensing rules — and deliver a complete permit action plan.

Our automated permit packet currently covers sheds and garages. For roofing permits, our Done-For-You experts handle the full process.

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Roofing Contractors: Prove Compliance on Every Job

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Our self-serve subscription plans currently cover sheds and garages. For roofing permits and other project types, we work with contractors on a custom contract basis tailored to your volume and service area. Fill out the quote form above and select "Contractor" — we'll put together a plan that fits your operation.

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