Inspections are required for all permitted projects. If an inspection is not scheduled within 180 days of the permit issue date, the permit will expire and the project will be in non-compliance with the building construction laws and building codes adopted by the Baldwin County Commission. After permit expiration, the permit holder must reactivate the permit to obtain the required final inspection. The permit holder may qualify for a Permit Reactivation (with fees required) or may have to complete a new permit application (with new permit fees required). Any further work performed after permit expiration will be subject to Stop Work Orders and penalty fees of $150.00 per day.

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.

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 building's occupant of the date of the inspection. The contractor should make the occupant aware that a Building Inspector will be visiting their property. 

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Here are some common types of required inspections:

FOR MECHANICAL CHANGE OUTS:
A final inspection is required. 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. 

FOR RE-ROOFING:
A final inspection is required. Photos should be taken through the re-roofing process. Virtual inspections are encouraged for Re-Roofing Permits. Click here for additional requirements and details about photos required.

FOR MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOMES:
A final inspection is required and should be performed when the manufactured home has been installed and tied down - but before the skirting is installed. These are the items that will be inspected:

• Tie-downs
• Service connections (electrical, sewer, and water)
• Mover Certification Sticker that must be signed and dated
• Proper egress steps or stairs, to include landings, handrails, or guardrails as needed

FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION:

• Pilings/Pier Holes Inspection - to check post hole depth, diameter, and rebar through post before any concrete is poured
• Footing Inspection - once all reinforcement is placed & supported
• Plumbing: Open Trench Inspection (Rough-In) - piping underground with water head
• Slab Ready to Pour Concrete (Not Plumbing) Inspection - vapor barrier & wire mesh shall be supported at 5ft intervals
  • Compaction Tests may be required at the discretion of the inspector
• Weather Resistant Barrier* - only if installing exterior wall covering prior to 4-Way Inspection
• Brick Tie Inspection* - only if installing brick veneer prior to 4-Way Inspection
• 4-Way Inspection – includes Framing, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Sprinkler System. Obtain all trade permits prior to scheduling. Also, the following is required 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 30in work platform and minimum 24in walk way 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: All blaze orange piping installed, supported, pressurized, and terminated at head location.

• Energy Inspection - Insulation/air barriers installed. Seal all wall plates and around windows/doors.
• Final Building Inspection - Glazing protection on site and fasteners installed (if applicable). Upload copies of the following documents prior to scheduling:
  • Duct Pressure Test (if applicable)
  • Blower Door Test (if applicable)
  • Finished Construction Elevation Certificate (if applicable)
  • US Fish & Wildlife final inspection results (if applicable)
• Final Site Inspection - To be performed by the Planning & Zoning Department. Only required for certain properties located in Zoned Areas. 

* Some inspections may be performed virtually with photos uploaded into the portal.

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NOTES:

• Inspections are performed to verify compliance with minimum standards of the applicable building codes and supplemental codes. You may view adopted codes on the Building Department website. 
• The Baldwin County Building Department does not provide verification that the construction will qualify for any certification programs.
• Inspections required for certification programs must be performed by third party inspectors in accordance with program certification requirements.

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 building's occupant of the date of the inspection. The contractor should make the occupant aware that a Building Inspector will be visiting their property. 

All inspections must be requested through the Citizenserve Portal. Same day inspection requests are not accepted. Inspections must be requested at least one day in advance and can be requested up until midnight the night before the inspection is needed. We cannot guarantee AM or PM time frames. Make sure your project is ready for inspection by the day it is scheduled. There is a $45.00 re-inspection fee if your project is not ready for inspection when the inspector arrives. Make sure all required permits are on file prior to requesting an inspection. If you schedule a 4-way inspection and there is a trade permit missing, the inspection request will be cancelled. No mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or other building services are to be covered prior to approval of required inspections.

Login to the Citizenserve Portal. Click on “My Account”, then “View My Requests”, then choose “Building Department” from the drop-down list, then click on the permit #. Next, click on “Schedule an Inspection”. When the inspector has completed the inspection, the permit holder will receive an email notification with the inspection report results.

Re-Roofing Permits - Requirements for Photos Needed and Virtual Inspection
Mechanical Permits (Change-Outs) - Requirements for Photos Needed and Virtual Inspection

Per the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) and the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), permits are valid for 180 days from the issue date or 180 days from the date of the last inspection. If no inspections are performed within the 180 days, the permit will expire. Each time an inspection is performed, the permit expiration date is extended and the 180 days starts over again.

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 at www.Citizenserve.com/BaldwinCountyAL. Click on “My Account”, then “View My Requests”. Choose “Building Department” from the drop-down list. Click the "All" tab. Then, click 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. If a structure is occupied, please notify the occupant of the date the inspection will be performed. After the inspection is completed, you will receive the inspection report results via email. 
   
   *NOTE: Do not schedule an inspection for incomplete work. The inspection will not be approved, will not extend the expiration date, and will result in a reinspection fee of $50.00 for the first reinspection, $100.00 for the second reinspection, or $150.00 for each additional reinspection afterwards.
   
   Click here for requirements for virtual Re-Roofing Inspections.
   
   Click here for requirements for virtual Mechanical HVAC Change-Out Inspections for Electric Units.
   
   
2. If your project will not be ready for an inspection prior to the expiration date, you may submit a Permit Extension Request. However, this must be submitted prior to the expiration date. Login at www.Citizenserve.com/BaldwinCountyAL. Click on “Home”, then “Building Department”. For the application type, choose “Permit Revision, Extension, or Reactivation Request". For the sub-type, choose "Permit Extension Request (Requested BEFORE Permit Expires)". In your request, you must provide an explanation of why the work has not been completed within the given time frame. If the Building Official deems the reasoning justifiable, a one time extension of 180 days may be granted. If the extension is granted, you will be required to pay a permit extension fee of $55.00 (but not to exceed original permit fees) before the expiration date will be extended. If the fee is not paid before the expiration date, the permit will still expire.

3. If your project has been cancelled or the work was never started, please notify us so we can cancel the permit and close the file. You may send a request through the portal. Login at www.Citizenserve.com/BaldwinCountyAL. Click on “My Account”, then “View My Requests”. Choose “Building Department” from the drop-down list. Click the "All" tab. Then, click the permit # listed above. Next, click on “Leave a Message”.

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION: If you do not complete any of the three options above before the expiration date, the permit will expire and the project will be in non-compliance with the building construction laws and building codes adopted by the Baldwin County Commission. Any further work performed after the permit expiration will be subject to Stop Work Orders, penalty fees of $150.00 per day, and disconnection of power. To reinstate a permit after expiration, you may qualify for a Permit Reactivation (with fees required) or you must start over and complete a new permit application (with new permit fees required).

*NOTE: When the Building Department permit expires, any approvals obtained through the Planning and Zoning Department also expire. If the property is zoned and the project initially required a Zoning Site Plan Approval (also known as a Land Use Certificate) from the Planning and Zoning Department, you must first obtain a new approval from that department before submitting a Permit Reactivation Request or a new Building Permit application. 

Login to the  Citizenserve Portal, click MY ACCOUNT, then click VIEW MY REQUESTS. Choose BUILDING DEPARTMENT from the drop down list, click on the permit number that the document(s) applies to, then click UPLOAD DOCUMENTS. You can select and upload multiple files at one time.

Login to the  Citizenserve Portal, click MY ACCOUNT, then click VIEW MY REQUESTS. Choose BUILDING DEPARTMENT in the drop down list, click on the permit number that your question or comment is related to, then click LEAVE A MESSAGE. Your message will be automatically assigned to the staff member who is responsible for your file.

You may also call 251-972-6837 to reach the Building Department and request to speak to a Building Inspector. Please note our inspectors are out of the office out in the field most of the day. You may be required to leave a voicemail; however, your call will be returned within 24 hours. 

A Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) is issued for new construction and for change of use only. No building shall be occupied without benefit of a Certificate of Occupancy. A C.O. will not be issued until all required permits have been obtained, all required paperwork is on file, and a final building inspection has been approved. Some zoned properties also require a final site inspection to be approved by the Planning and Zoning Department.

DO NOT EXPECT the C.O. to be issued on the same day as the final inspection. Please allow up to two business days after the approved final inspection has been completed for processing and issuance of the C.O. The C.O. will be emailed to the permit holder.

*Notes: 

• C.O.s are issued for new construction of buildings.
• C.O.s are issued for buildings with a change of use (ex. an office building converted to a restaurant).
• C.O.s are not issued for additions, alterations, repairs, accessory structures, manufactured homes, or modular buildings.

Once a permit expires without the required inspections, 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.

In accordance with the adopted International Building Code (IBC), a permit becomes invalid if work is not initiated on the authorized site within 180 days of issuance, or if the work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after it has commenced. Similarly, the adopted International Residential Code (IRC) specifies that a permit is also 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.

Here are three options you may consider to bring the project back into compliance or to close your file:

1. If you intend to proceed with the project and there have been no modifications to the previously approved and permitted construction plans, site plans, scope of work, or job valuation (cost of labor and materials), you may submit a Permit Reactivation Request*. Log in at www.BaldwinCountyAL.gov/CSP, go to “Home,” then “Building Department.” Select “Permit Revision, Extension, or Reactivation Request” for application type, then choose "Permit Reactivation Request (Requested AFTER Permit Expired)" for sub-type. Provide an explanation for why the work has not been completed on time. If the Building Official finds this acceptable and there are no changes to the original permit, a one-time reactivation may be granted after a reactivation fee is paid. Separate Planning & Zoning Department fees may also be required*.
   
   
2. If you intend to proceed with the project and there have been modifications to the previously approved and permitted construction plans, site plans, scope of work, or job valuation (cost of labor and materials), you must apply for a new permit at www.BaldwinCountyAL.gov/CSP. Note that new permit fees will apply. Separate Planning & Zoning Department fees may also be required*.
   
   
3. If your project has is cancelled or never started, please notify us so we can close the file and remove the non-compliance status. Send a request through the portal by logging in at www.BaldwinCountyAL.gov/CSP. Click “My Account”, then “View My Requests”. Select “Building Department” from the drop-down list, click the "All" tab, choose the permit # above, and then click “Leave a Message”.

*NOTE: When the Building Department permit expires, all approvals from the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Department also expire. If the property is county-zoned and/or required a Zoning Site Plan Approval (Land Use Certificate) from Baldwin County P&Z, your application will be sent to P&Z for review before the Permit Reactivation Request or new Building Permit can be approved. 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 those towns, you must obtain P&Z approval from them before applying for the Permit Reactivation Request or a new Building Permit.