Do you need a permit to replace a roof?

Roofing is not on the IRC's model list of work exempt from permits (section R105.2). The code does exempt "ordinary repairs" but does not define them, so each jurisdiction decides where a repair ends and a re-roof begins. In practice:

• A full replacement (tear-off and new covering) needs a permit in most cities and counties.
• Small repairs (a few shingles, a leak) are often exempt, sometimes below a stated size.
• A minority of jurisdictions exempt like-for-like residential re-roofs entirely, and some require permits for any roofing work. Examples: Mission, KS requires a permit for all re-roofs; Mohave County, AZ exempts like-for-like residential re-roofs.
• Historic districts, HOAs and wind-borne debris regions can add requirements.

IRC section R908 governs reroofing. A roof replacement removes all existing layers down to the deck (an adhered ice-barrier membrane may stay). A roof recover (roof-over) installs a new covering over the old one. Under R908.3.1.1, a recover is not allowed when:

1. The existing roof or covering is water-soaked or has deteriorated so it is not an adequate base.
2. The existing covering is slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile.
3. The roof already has two or more applications of any type of covering.

The often-quoted "maximum two layers" rule is not a sentence in the IRC; it follows from the third condition. Flashings must also be reconstructed per manufacturer instructions (R908.6). Local amendments differ, and newer IRC editions renumber some of these sections, so read your jurisdiction's adopted code.

The Florida Building Code (Existing Building, section 706.1.1) says that no more than 25% of a roof or roof section may be repaired, replaced or recovered in a 12-month period unless the entire section is brought up to the current code.

Since a 2022 law (SB 4-D, now Florida Statutes 553.844(5)), there is an important exception: if the existing roof was built or replaced under the 2007 Florida Building Code or later (in effect March 1, 2009), only the repaired portion has to meet the current code, and local governments cannot amend that exception.

Generally no. Texas counties have limited building-code authority. Local Government Code sections 233.151 to 233.154 apply the IRC in unincorporated areas only to new residential construction (a new single-family home or duplex, or an addition of more than 50%), only in counties that opt in, and without county prior approval or fees. A re-roof falls outside that scope. Cities inside the county set their own permit rules.

1. Find out whether the property is inside city limits (city building department) or unincorporated (county).
2. Look up the department's roofing or re-roof permit page, or call the permit counter.
3. Ask which code edition is adopted and whether local amendments apply (ice barrier, wind ratings, impact-resistant shingles).
4. For permit history on the property (when the roof was last replaced), search the department's online permit portal; see how to find out how old a roof is.

Hail Pro collects adopted building codes and roofing requirements by jurisdiction and links roofing permits to each property. Browse them on roof permits.