Inspections are performed when there is an active permit issued by the Building Department.
It is the permit holder's responsibility to notify the Building Department when the project is ready for an inspection. If a contractor is requesting an inspection, it is the contractor's responsibility to notify the homeowner of the date of the inspection.
The contractor should make the homeowner aware that a Building Inspector will be visiting their property.
All permits require at least a final inspection. If you have a small project that just involves one trade such as
an electrical upgrade, a mechanical change out, etc., then a final inspection will be required when the project is complete. Other more involved projects may require multiple inspections throughout the process.
FOR RE-ROOFING:
Virtual inspections are encouraged for Re-Roofing Permits. Click here for additional details.
FOR MOBILE HOMES:
The final inspection should be performed when the mobile home has been installed and tied down - but before the skirting is installed. These are the items that will be inspected:
FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION:
* Some inspections may be performed virtually with photos uploaded into the portal.
If your permit is close to the expiration date, here are options you may choose from to keep your permit file active or to close your file:
1. If your project is ready for an inspection, you may schedule the inspection prior to the expiration date. Login to the Citizenserve Portal. Click on “My Account”, then “View My Requests”, choose “Building Department” from the drop-down list, then click on the permit # listed above. Next, click on “Request an Inspection”. Same day inspection requests are not accepted. We cannot guarantee morning or afternoon time frames. After the inspection is completed, you will receive the inspection report results via email.
***NOTE: If you schedule an inspection that is not valid for the stage of the project, you will be charged a re-inspection fee of $45.00.***
***NOTE: It is the contractor's responsibility to notify the homeowner that the inspection has been scheduled.***
For Virtual Re-Roofing Inspections only: In addition to requesting the inspection, you will also need to click on “Upload Documents” to submit photos. You must take photos during the process of repairing and/or replacing the roof. Each of the photos should include the permit number and the project address. You may hold the yellow permit card in the photos or a copy of the printed permit document in the photos. You could even write the permit number and the project address on a piece of paper or cardboard and hold it in the photos. You must provide the roofing photos in order for it to be a valid inspection that will extend the expiration date. If no photos are uploaded, the expiration date of the Re-Roofing Permit will not change. The photos must include:
For Virtual Mechanical HVAC Change-Out Inspections for electric units only: In addition to requesting the inspection, you will also need to click on “Upload Documents” to submit photos. You must take photos during the process of changing out the electrical HVAC unit. Each of the photos should include the permit number. You may use a marker to write on the HVAC unit or hold a piece of paper in fron of the unit in the photos. You must provide the HVAC photos in order for it to be a valid inspection that will extend the expiration date. If no photos are uploaded, the expiration date of the Mechanical Permit will not change. The photos must include:
2. If your project will not be ready for an inspection prior to the expiration date, you may submit a message in the portal requesting to extend your permit. Login to the Citizenserve Portal. Click on “My Account”, then “View My Requests”, choose “Building Department” from the drop-down list, then click on the permit # listed above. Next, click on “Leave a Message”. In your message, you must provide an explanation of why the work has not been completed within the given time frame. If the extension is approved, you will be charged a permit extension fee of $55.00 and a data processing fee of $15.00, for a total of $70.00.
3. If your project has been cancelled and the work was never started, you may send a message through the portal to let us know and request to cancel the permit and close the file. Login to the Citizenserve Portal. Click on “My Account”, then “View My Requests”, choose “Building Department” from the drop-down list, then click on the permit # listed above. Next, click on “Leave a Message”.
Contact Baldwin County Citizen Service Center
251.937.9561 •251.928.3002 •251.943.5061
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