Inspection Information

How to verify a permit is issued and active?

How to get a permit card/placard and what to do before beginning work?

How to access plans approved for construction and view documents in the portal?

Are additional permits required?

What inspections are required?

Inspections are required for all permitted projects in Baldwin County.

Every permit requires at least an approved final inspection. Smaller, single-trade projects (such as electrical upgrades or mechanical HVAC change-outs) require only a final inspection when the work is complete. Larger projects (such as new construction or additions) require multiple inspections at different stages of construction.

REQUIRED INSPECTIONS

SITE INSPECTIONS
These type inspections are performed by Baldwin County Planning and Zoning Department Inspectors. These are required for all new construction of and additions to residential dwellings - such as a Building Permit (Residential) with the sub-type of New Construction, Additions, Manufactured/Mobile Home Installation, Modular Home Installation, Park Model Installation, or Foundation Only.

Site - Site/BMP – verifies that required Best Management Practices (BMPs), such as silt fencing and other erosion and sediment controls, are properly installed; that site grading and drainage flow are correctly established; and that the structure is located within all required setbacks.

Schedule this inspection after form boards are set and the full building footprint is staked, but before installing pilings or pouring concrete. Any work started before this inspection is approved is done at the permit holder’s and property owner’s risk. The permit holder and property owner are responsible for ensuring the structure is built within the required setbacks and that BMPs remain in place and functional throughout the entire construction process.

If construction occurs outside the required setbacks, the property owner and permit holder are responsible and liable for all corrective actions. Corrections may include relocation, reconstruction, or any other work needed to bring the project into compliance. All associated costs are the responsibility of the property owner and/or permit holder.
Site - Final – required near the end of the project and must be approved before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued. This inspection verifies that the completed project complies with the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, approved site plans, and with all setback, drainage, and stormwater requirements.

BUILDING INSPECTIONS
These type inspections (except for the site inspections) are performed by Baldwin County Building Department Inspectors. Not every inspection listed below will apply to every project. The inspections required will depend on the specific type and scope of work covered by the permit. Contact an inspector to verify which inspections are necessary based on the permitted project.

Site - Site/BMP – Refer to the Site Inspection section above for details.
Foundation - Pilings/Post Holes – Checks post hole spacing, depth, diameter, and rebar placement before any concrete is poured.
Foundation - Footing – Performed after all reinforcement is installed and properly supported.

Foundation - Block Fill (CMU/ICF) – Required if over three (3) blocks high; required before the CMU/ICF wall pour to confirm reinforcement is in place

Plumbing - Open Trench (rough-in) – Underground piping inspected with water head on the system.
Foundation - Slab Ready to Pour Concrete – Includes vapor barrier and wire mesh shall be supported at five-foot intervals. Compaction Tests or an Under Construction Elevation Certificate may be required at the inspector’s discretion.
Building - Strapping (exterior only) – Required only if exterior strapping will be covered before the 4-Way Inspection.
Building - Sheathing* – Only required if sheathing will be covered before the 4-Way Inspection
Building - Water Resistant Barrier* – Only required if exterior wall covering will be installed before the 4-Way Inspection
Building - Brick Tie* – Only required if exterior brick veneer will be installed before the 4-Way Inspection
4-Way – Includes Framing, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Sprinkler System. All Trade Permits must be issued prior to scheduling. The following must be complete prior to scheduling:

Framing: All components installed, rough framing, provide truss details (if applicable), strapping, sheathing, vapor barrier, brick ties, windows, flashing, exterior doors, fire blocking, bracing, thermal barriers, etc.
Mechanical: All components installed, supply, return, make up air and exhaust duct work supported, tapped, and mastic. Air handler (if applicable), all attic installed mechanical equipment requires minimum 30-inch work platform and minimum 24-inch walkway to access equipment, condensate lines, etc.
Electrical: All components installed, wiring, strapping, nail guards where required, switch, receptacle, smoke alarm junction boxes installed. All circuits must be landed at sub panel. Main feeders and dedicated circuits routed and strapped to service panel location, etc.
Plumbing: All components installed, DWV (drain, waste, vent) piping with water head supported and nail guards installed where required, water closet flanges, washer box, ice maker box, shower/tub units, etc. Pressurize water supply piping.
Fire Sprinkler System: The system must be installed and ready at the time of the 4-Way Inspection. Permit holder or property owner must schedule a separate inspection with an approved third-party inspector, the local fire department, or the State Fire Marshal’s Office. An approved inspection report from one of these entities must be provided to the Building Department before the Final Inspection can be approved.

Building - Energy/Insulation – Insulation/air barriers installed. Seal all wall plates and window/door openings. If spray foam insulation is to be installed in the attic and the attic is to be accessed for mechanical equipment, must provide ES report for insulation and ignition barrier installed.
Building - Fire Rated Construction – must be inspected before ceilings are installed, before mud and tape are applied, and each layer of drywall/sheet rock must be verified prior to being covered to ensure it matches the approved and listed wall assembly for the project. All penetrations in the rated wall must be properly protected to meet the IBC and IRC requirements.

Site - Final – Refer to the Site Inspection section above for details.
Building - Final – Glazing protection on site and fasteners installed (if applicable).
Before scheduling the final inspection, upload copies of the following documents that are applicable to your project:

Duct Pressure Test
Blower Door Test
Finished Construction Elevation Certificate (for projects within a Flood Zone/Special Flood Hazard Area)
US Fish and Wildlife final inspection results (for projects within the Alabama Beach Mouse Habitat area)
State Elevator Inspection (for projects that include elevator installations)
State Fire Marshal/Local Fire Department/Approved Third Party Inspector Approval (for projects that include fire sprinkler systems)
Health Department Approval (for commercial projects)
Special Inspection Approvals (for commercial projects)
Letter of Substantial Completion (for commercial projects)

* Some inspections may be performed virtually (at the inspector’s discretion) using photos uploaded into the portal.

INSPECTIONS for MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME INSTALLATIONS:

For manufactured homes installed within a flood zone (Special Flood Hazard Area), the following are required:

Foundation - Pilings/Post Holes - Checks post hole depth, diameter, and rebar placement before any concrete is poured.
Upload a Finished Construction Elevation Certificate prior to scheduling the final inspection

Site - Site/BMP/Residential – Refer to the Site Inspection section above for details.

Site - Final/Residential – Refer to the Site Inspection section above for details.

Manufactured Home - Final – Required after the manufactured home is installed and tied down, but before skirting is installed. Inspectors will verify:

Tie-downs
Service connections (electrical, sewer, and water)
Proper egress steps or stairs with required landings, handrails, or guardrails
All egress doors require a minimum thirty-six (36) inch landing with stairs that are not attached to the unit and shall meet all applicable requirements of the adopted International Residential Code (IRC).
AMHC Installation Certification Decal (must be affixed, include installer #, signed, and dated)

INSPECTIONS for SWIMMING POOLS/SPAS

Electrical - Swimming Pool Bonding
For commercial pools, you must upload a copy of the Health Department Approval before the final inspection can be approved.

INSPECTIONS for RE-ROOFING

Building - Re-Roof – A final inspection is required. Photos must be taken during the roofing process. Virtual inspections are encouraged for Re-Roofing Permits. Click here for additional requirements and details about photos required.

INSPECTIONS for MECHANICAL CHANGE OUTS

Mechanical - Change-Out – A final inspection is required. Gas units require an on-site in-person inspection. Virtual inspections are encouraged for HVAC change-outs of electric units. Photos should be taken throughout the process. Click here for additional details about photos required.

INSPECTIONS for WATER HEATER CHANGE-OUTS

Mechanical - Change-Out – A final inspection is required. Gas units require an on-site in-person inspection. Virtual inspections are encouraged for HVAC change-outs of electric units.

GENERAL INSPECTION NOTES

Inspections are performed to verify compliance with minimum standards of the applicable adopted building codes, amendments, and modifications. You may view code adoptions on the Building Department website at www.BaldwinCountyAL.gov/departments/building-inspection/building-codes.

Baldwin County does not provide verification that the construction will qualify for any certification programs.

Inspections required for certification programs must be completed by third party inspectors in accordance with program certification requirements.

How to schedule inspections?

How to submit/upload documents to an inspector?

How to contact an inspector?

How long is a permit good for? Can it be extended?

In accordance with the adopted International Building Code (IBC), a permit becomes invalid if work does not begin on the authorized site within 180 days of issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after it has started. Similarly, the adopted International Residential Code (IRC) states that a permit is considered invalid if work has not started on the authorized site within 180 days of issuance, or if more than 180 days pass between inspections. Each time an inspection is performed, the permit expiration date resets and a new 180-day period begins.

Below are options available to keep your permit active or to close the file:

If progress has been made on the project since the last inspection (or since the permit was issued if no inspections have been performed), an inspection must be scheduled before the permit expires. If the project is not yet ready for the next required inspection, schedule a “Progress Inspection” within two weeks of the expiration date:

Login to CitizenServe Portal at www.BaldwinCountyAL.gov/CSP
Select “View My Requests”
Choose “View My Bldg Dept” from the drop-down list
Click the permit number (if it is not visible, select the "All" tab and change the drop-down filter to "All")
Select “Schedule an Inspection”
Choose the next required inspection or "Building - Progress (Within 2 Weeks of Permit Expiration)"
Select the desired date and enter any notes for the inspector
Click "Submit"

You should receive a pop up notification box that states: "Your inspection has been requested."

You may also call 251-972-6837 during regular business hours and speak with a Permit Specialist to schedule an inspection. Inspection requests are not accepted via voicemail or email.

If progress has not been made on the project since the last inspection (or since the permit was issued if no inspections have been performed), submit a Permit Extension Request before the expiration date.

Login to CitizenServe Portal at www.BaldwinCountyAL.gov/CSP
Select "Apply for a Building Department Permit"
Select application type "Permit Revision, Extension, or Reactivation Request"
Select sub-type "Permit Extension Request (Requested BEFORE Permit Expires)"
Complete and submit the application

In the application, explain why the work was not completed within the required time frame. If the Building Official determines that the reason is justifiable, a one-time extension of 180 days may be granted. If the extension is approved, the permit extension fee must be paid before the permit's expiration date. If the fee is not paid on time, the permit will still expire.

If the project was cancelled or work was never started, please notify the Permitting office so the permit can be cancelled and the file closed.

Login to CitizenServe Portal at www.BaldwinCountyAL.gov/CSP
Select “View My Requests”
Choose “View My Bldg Dept” from the drop-down list
Click the permit number (if the correct permit number is not visible, select the "All" tab and adjust the drop-down box filter to "All")
Click "Leave a Message" and submit your request

My permit expired. What can I do?

Once a permit expires without the required inspection approvals, the project is considered non-compliant and in violation of the building construction laws and building codes adopted by the Baldwin County Commission. Any further work conducted on the project may result in Stop Work Orders, penalty fees of $150.00 per day, and disconnection of power.

Below are options available to bring an expired project into compliance or to close the file:

To proceed with a project when there are no modifications to the previously approved and permitted construction plans, site plans, scope of work, or job valuation (cost of labor and materials), submit a Permit Reactivation Request.*

Login to CitizenServe Portal at www.BaldwinCountyAL.gov/CSP
Select "Apply for a Building Department Permit"
Select application type "Permit Revision, Extension, or Reactivation Request"
Select sub-type "Permit Reactivation Request (Requested AFTER Permit Expired)"
Complete and submit the application

In the application, explain why the work was not completed within the required time frame. If the Building Official determines that the reason is justifiable and there have been no changes to the original permitted project, a one-time reactivation may be granted after a reactivation fee is paid. Separate Planning and Zoning Department fees may also be required.*

To proceed with the project when there are modifications to the previously approved and permitted construction plans, site plans, scope of work, or job valuation (cost of labor and materials), apply for a new permit at www.BaldwinCountyAL.gov/CSP. New permit fees will apply.*
If the project was cancelled and the work was never started, notify the Building Department Permitting Office in writing so the file can be closed and the non-compliance status can be removed. Send a message through the CitizenServe Portal:

Login to CitizenServe Portal at www.BaldwinCountyAL.gov/CSP
Select “View My Requests”
Choose “View My Bldg Dept” from the drop-down list
Click the permit number (if the correct permit number is not visible, select the "All" tab and adjust the drop-down box filter to "All")
Click "Leave a Message" and submit your request

The message will be automatically assigned to the staff member who is responsible for the permit file.

*NOTE: When a Building Department permit expires, any related approvals issued by the Planning and Zoning Department also expire and must be reactivated or re-approved before the Building Department can approve a Permit Reactivation Request or a new permit.

If the property is zoned by the Town of Elberta, Town of Magnolia Springs, or Town of Perdido Beach, and/or required a Land Use Certificate from one of those towns, a new P&Z approval from the town will be required before the Permit Reactivation Request or a new permit application can be approved.

When/How to get a Certificate of Occupancy?