Inspection FAQs

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.