Apply For An Alabama Building Permit
I am planning on doing some building work. Do I need a building permit?
Building permits are required for many building projects in Alabama, including new construction and some remodeling projects. There are many different types of building permits and the types that you may require depends on the work you are planning to undertake. In Alabama, building permits are issued by the city where the work will be done or by the county if the work will occur in an unincorporated area.
What projects need a building permit?
Building regulations vary city to city, so it is always best to check with your city government to find out if you will need a permit for your work. However generally, most electrical work will require a permit, as will demolition work and additions such as swimming pools and detached garages. Almost all new buildings will require a permit of some kind, and most remodeling and some cosmetic work will require permits as well.
What are the types of permits issued by the city?
Depending on the city in Alabama that you live in, you may be required to get these types of permits for your building project:
- Sign permits
- Grading permits
- Electrical permits
- Plumbing permits
- Demolition permits
- Addition permits
- Mobile home permits
- Mechanical permits
- Privacy fence permits
Again, what permits are required depends on the city where the work will take place. You can find out more by clicking on your city’s link above.
How do I get a building permit in Alabama?
There can be several different departments within a city government responsible for issuing building permits, but generally cities in Alabama have one department that handles inspections and permitting. For example, in Birmingham that appropriate agency is the Department of Planning, Engineering, and Permits while in Montgomery most permitting is handled by the Inspections Department. For new building projects, you may need to get approval from other departments as well. In Montgomery, this includes the Planning and Development Department and Engineering and Environmental Services Department.
What kinds of information will the building permit application form typically ask?
The information required by a building permit application in Alabama will depend on the type of permit you need, but common information requested includes:
- Job site address and legal description
- The name and contact information for the owner and contractor for the project
- Construction type according to building code
- Estimated cost of the project
- Type of property (residential or commercial)
- Type of work being done (new addition or repair/remodel)
- Total square feet
When the project involves residential property, you will often need to give information on the total living area and the number of units. Drawings and blueprints are usually required for the application to be complete.
CLICK THE LINK TO YOUR CITY BELOW TO APPLY FOR A BUILDING PERMIT
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This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advise. The information on this site should not be relied upon as an official source of information and should be independently verified.
