Register with the city's Engineering and Construction Management Department, which is located on the fifth floor of City Hall. If the work is being done by a contractor, the contractor must provide City Hall with proof of insurance and a bond that shows the company has $50,000 readily available to reimburse customers if they are sued over shoddy work. If you are doing the work yourself, provide proof that you own the home and reside there.
Decide on a design. If you are simply replacing the roof without changing the structure's appearance, you can expect to begin work on the project soon. If you're submitting a different design, however, the Engineering and Construction Management office must take a closer look at the plan to make sure everything is allowed under the city's current codes. If your home is within the city's historic district, a review board must approve the plans.
Complete the required paperwork for the building permit application and pay the required $110 fee.