Window cleaner license

Get a license for cleaning windows over 24 feet high.

Definition

You need a license to clean inside and outside windows that are more than 24 feet above the ground on: 

  • Buildings
  • Structures
  • Skyways

This includes:

  • Workers using a mobile platform or hanging in the air, or
  • When cleaning from a flat roof or similar surface

A license is not needed if:

  • The window cleaning is done from the ground, 
  • The window cleaning is done from a ladder resting on the ground, or
  • The owners or residents are cleaning their own windows
people cleaning windows using ropes to hang on the side of the building

Training checklist

Each employee must complete at least 100 total hours in the following subjects and be certified in them:

  •  Ladder use and safety 
  •  Water-fed pole use and safety 
  •  Ropes, rigging and swing stage (including swing stage type T/F) use and safety 
  •  First aid (including mental health first aid) 
  •  Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use
  • Competent person training 
  • Injury prevention 
  •  Communication and conflict management 
  •  Aerial lift use and safety 
  •  Heat stress and HAZCOM training 
  •  Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30 hours training 

Before you begin

The information on this page should serve as a guideline only.

Application

See window cleaner application

Fee

Find your license fee

Submit your application

Submit your application to Business Licenses

Contact us

Business Licenses & Consumer Services

Community Planning & Economic Development

Phone
612-673-2080

Fax
612-673-3399

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 220
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Office hours
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday – Thursday

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday

Minneapolis 311

Email Minneapolis 311

Phone

311 or 612-673-3000

TTY

612-263-6850

Hours

7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Monday – Friday

See list of City holidays