The County's building permit jurisdiction includes most unincorporated areas of Baldwin County as well as properties located inside the town limits of Elberta, Magnolia Springs, and Perdido Beach.

For properties located inside any city limits other than those towns listed above, the property owner or contractor should contact the specific city's building department office for permitting requirements and information. Some cities also permit within their police jurisdiction area which extends outside of their city limits into the unincorporated area. Click here for a list of municipalities inside Baldwin County and links to their websites.

Per the 2018 International Building Code and the 2018 International Residential Code: any owner or owner's authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the code, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the Building Official and obtain the required permits.

*** If you are unsure if your project falls into one of the categories listed below which requires a permit, please contact the Building Department to inquire BEFORE you start any work. Stop Work Orders may be issued and penalty fees may apply for work started without obtaining required permits. ***

Permits are required for including but not limited to:

• Buildings (New Construction, Additions, Alterations/Repairs)
• Decks/Porches/Guardrails*
• Stairs/Steps/Handrails
• Exterior Doors/Windows (***except for manufactured homes)
  
• Accessory Structures detached from the Primary Structure such as Storage Buildings/Barns/Pole Barns/Garages/Carports/Gazebos, etc. (**see exceptions listed below)
• Engineered Foundations
• Swimming Pools
• Demolitions
• Roof Repairs/Replacements (***except for manufactured homes)
• Siding Repairs/Replacements (***except for manufactured homes)
• Mechanical/HVAC (***except for manufactured homes)
• Electrical****
• Plumbing (***except for manufactured homes)
• Generators
• Solar Panels
• Modular Homes/Buildings
• Manufactured/Mobile Homes***
• Mobile Home Parks
• RV Parks
• Temporary Structures such as Job Site Trailers/Temp Sales Office Trailers
• Commercial Signs and Billboards
• Towers such as Communication Towers and Water Towers (New Construction, Co-Locates, Alterations/Repairs)
• Dune Walkovers that are located within a Special Flood Hazard Area
• Marine Accessories (boathouses, piers, docks) that are located within a Special Flood Hazard Area
• Any structure located within a Special Flood Hazard Area
  

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NOTES:

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* For decks related to a residential dwelling (regulated by the International Residential Code), the only exceptions to the permit requirements are as follows: 

1. Permits shall not be required for decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4.

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** For accessory structures, the only exceptions to the permit requirements are as follows: 

1. If there is an existing primary residential dwelling on the property:
   Permits shall not be required for one-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m²). (2018 International Residential Code Section R105.2)
   
   
2. If there is no existing residential dwelling on the property:
   Permits shall not be required for one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided that the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet (11 m²). (2018 International Building Code Section 105.2)
   

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*** For manufactured/mobile homes, permits are required for the installation and set up of the home as well as for any outside electrical work (such as installation of new electrical service or alteration/repair/upgrade of existing electrical service). Only Zone II manufactured/mobile homes are allowed to be setup or re-setup in Baldwin County. The Baldwin County Building Department does not permit or inspect manufactured homes for roofing, mechanical/HVAC, plumbing, or interior alterations/repairs. For additional information, please refer to the section below titled "What info do I need to apply for a Mobile Home Permit?" You should also contact the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission to determine their regulations and requirements.

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**** Electric utility companies will not connect electrical service for a structure without an electrical permit. You must obtain a permit for the structure before you can obtain an electrical permit.

If the property owner is paying a contractor to do the work, the contractor should submit the permit application, copies of their licenses, detailed scope of work, and required documents. However, it is the property owner's responsibility to make sure permits are obtained. Always ask to see the permits before the work begins.

Permits may only be issued to the property owner or the owner’s authorized agent/contractor. If the property owner wishes to name an Authorized Agent to handle the permitting process on their behalf, an Authorized Agent Form can be completed and submitted with the application.

Review the checklists below and gather all the required documents. Then, complete and submit your permit application online through the Citizenserve Portal:
In the portal, you can upload construction plans and required documents, check application review status, pay fees, schedule inspections, and much more. The portal is compatible with most tech devices - phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. You can log in anytime and anywhere - from your office, home, or even from the jobsite. The portal is most compatible with the Google Chrome internet browser.

If you need assistance with the portal, here are step by step instructional videos: 

>>>> Property Owner Registration: How-To Video <<<<
>>>>  Contractor Registration: How-To Video <<<<
>>>> Apply For a Permit: How-To Video <<<<

You may also call or visit one of the Building Department offices. Staff members are available to walk you through the process.

Make sure to hire properly licensed contractors! Property owners should always ask to see the contractor's licenses! Here are requirements you should check for:

ALL CONTRACTORS:

• All contractors working in the Baldwin County permitting jurisdiction are required to hold an active State of Alabama business license that is issued through any county in the state. For information on how to obtain the required business license, visit the County's Probate Office website.
  

TRADE CONTRACTORS (ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL/HVAC, AND PLUMBING):

• Electrical contractors are required to hold an active Master Electricians license from the  Alabama Electrical Contractors Board.
• Mechanical/HVAC contractors are required to hold an active HVAC license from the Alabama Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors Board.
• Plumbing contractors are required to hold an active Master Plumbers license and gas contractors are required to hold an active Master Gas Fitters license from the Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board.
• Any trade contractor performing non-residential work with a job valuation (contracts including labor and materials) of $50,000 or more under contract to a licensed prime contractor must also be licensed by the General Contractors board. You may search for licensed General Contractors on the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors website.

MOBILE HOME INSTALLATION CONTRACTORS:

• Manufactured Home Installers are required to hold an active Installers license from the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission.

FOR RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION:

• The "Consumers" section of the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board has great tips to review prior to hiring a contractor.
  
• Contractors who will repair or replace a residential roof with a job valuation (cost of labor & materials) over $2,500.00 are required to hold a home builders roofers license and a $10,000.00 bond; OR they can hold an unlimited home builders license.
• Contractors who work with residential structures with a job valuation (cost of labor & materials) over $10,000.00 are required to have a home builders unlimited or limited license. If the work involves more than one trade and/or affects structural integrity, the builder is required to have an unlimited license.
• You may search for licensed residential roofers and home builders on the State of Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board website.
• Contractors who construct any swimming pool with a job valuation of $5,000.00 or more are required to have a general contractors license issued in the State of Alabama. You may search for licensed General Contractors on the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors website.

FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION:

• Contractors who work with non-residential structures with a job valuation (cost of labor & materials) of $50,000.00 or more or who construct any swimming pool with a job valuation of $5,000.00 or more are required to have a general contractors license. Subcontractors performing minimum contracts including labor and materials of $50,000 ($5,000 swimming pools) or more under contract to a licensed prime contractor must also be licensed by the General Contractors board. You may search for licensed General Contractors on the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors website.

Permits are still required even if the property owner does all the work and does not hire a contractor.

FOR TRADE PERMITS:

Property owners can perform their own mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work. However, you should obtain separate permits for each of those trades prior to starting the work. 

Although the Baldwin County Building Department does not currently require or issue permits for gas fitting, you must follow the guidelines of the State of Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board. Property owners should not perform their own gas fitting work. Gas fitting work should be performed only by contractors who hold an active Master Gas Fitter license from the Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board.

FOR RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION:

State law requires residential construction to be performed by a licensed residential home builder. The property owner can request an exemption to that law. This exemption allows the owner of the property to act as his/her own builder even though he/she does not have a license.

You may build or improve your own residence, but it must be for your use and occupancy. It may not be built or improved for the purposes of selling. If you place the residence for sale within one year after the construction is complete, the law will presume that you built it for sale, which is a violation of this exemption.

You may not hire or compensate anyone to supervise the building or improvement of the residence. It is your responsibility to make sure that subcontractors employed by you have the proper licenses required by state law and a State of Alabama business license issued through any county in the state. Your construction must comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, building codes, and zoning regulations.

By claiming exempt status, the property owner waives his/her rights for protection under the provisions of the Home Builders Licensure law. In the event of litigation involving activities resulting from the granting of a permit, the property owner may not make demand of any money from the Homeowner's Recovery Fund, established by the Home Builders Licensure law.

To qualify for this exemption, the property owner must review, complete, and return the Sworn Statement of Party Claiming Exemption from the Requirements of the Home Builders Licensure Law to the Building Department before the permit is issued.

FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION:

Property owners are exempt from the licensing requirements of the State of Alabama General Licensure Law pursuant to Section 34-8-1 when acting as their own contractor and providing all materials and supervision for the construction. Any of the work contracted out must comply with the definition in this chapter for general contractor. Section 34-8-7 (a)(3). The property owner should be fully aware of the State Laws, and remain in compliance with the requirements for exemption to permit as an owner. Section 34-8-9 (amended 2006).

• The property owner should understand that by claiming exempt status, they waive their rights for protection under the provisions of the General Contractors Licensure law and that in the event of litigation involving activities resulting from the granting of this permit.
• The property owner should also understand that permits for subcontractor work in electrical, plumbing, gas, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration must hold valid licenses from the appropriate state board of contractors.
• Any permit obtained by an owner acting as his/her own contractor may be subject to a review and approval by the Alabama General Contractors Licensure Board.
• The property owner must review, complete, and return the Sworn Statement of Party Claiming Exemption from the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors Licensure Law to the Building Department before the permit is issued.

Refer to the Permit Application Checklists section of this website for all the details.

Click to view the Permit Fee Schedule for the costs of permits.

You will not pay at the time you submit the permit application. You will be required to pay the permit fees after the application has been reviewed and approved. The permit status will be updated to "Approved/Payment Required" and you will receive a notification email when it is time for you to make a payment.

You may pay by credit or debit card online in the Citizenserve Portal. Log into the portal, click MY ACCOUNT, then click VIEW MY REQUESTS. Click on the permit number, then click on the MAKE A PAYMENT tab. You may also choose to pay by check or cash in one of the Building Department offices.

The permit will not be issued and you should not start any work on the project until after the fees are paid and the permit status is changed to "Issued".

After you submit a COMPLETE permit application with all required information and documents, prepare for the following application processing times:

• Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Re-Roofing Permits - up to 24 to 48 hours
• All other Permit Types - up to 7 to 10 days

All communication regarding permit status is provided by email. You will receive an email notification if any additional information or documentation is required as well as when your permit status is updated. The permit status will be updated to "Approved/Payment Required" and you will receive a notification email when it is time for you to make a payment. Check your email daily until you hear from us. Make sure our emails are not going to your Spam or Junk folder.

Log into 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.

Log into 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 Permit Technician.

For trade permits such as electrical, mechanical, or plumbing, there is no need to visit the office to pick up your permit. You may view the permit document in the portal, and save or print it for your records.

For permits that involve new construction, new installation, additions to, or alterations/repairs to a building or structure, you will need to visit one of our three office locations to pick up the yellow permit placard to hang at your jobsite. Before making the drive, make sure to visit the Building Department - Contact Us page for locations, office hours, and up-to-date special hours/closures.

Log into the Citizenserve Portal, click MY ACCOUNT, then click VIEW MY REQUESTS. Choose BUILDING DEPARTMENT from the drop down list, click on the PERMIT NUMBER, then click on the DOCUMENTS tab. Click on each document name to open, view, and/or print the document. 

If the project location is in a zoned area, you should also refer to the Site Plan Approval/Land Use Certificate for final site plans approved by the Planning and Zoning Department.

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 $45.00.
   
   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 the cost of the original permit fee) plus a data processing fee of $15.00 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. 

Once a permit expires without the required inspections, the project is in non-compliance and in violation of the building construction laws and building codes adopted by the Baldwin County Commission. Any further work performed on the project is subject to Stop Work Orders, penalty fees of $150.00 per day, and disconnection of power.

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. 

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

1. If you plan to continue the project and there have been no changes 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*. 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 Reactivation Request (Requested AFTER Permit Expired)". 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 and nothing from the original permit has changed, a one time reactivation may be granted. If it is granted, you will be required to pay a permit reactivation fee of $110.00 (but not to exceed the cost of the original permit fee) plus a data processing fee of $15.00 before the permit will be reactivated.
   
   
2. If you plan to continue the project and there have been changes 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 and obtain a new permit in the portal at www.Citizenserve.com/BaldwinCountyAL*. New permit fees will be required. 
   
   
3. If your project has been cancelled or the work was never started, please notify us so we can close the file and remove the non-compliance status. 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”.

*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. 

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.

Building Codes & Supplemental Code Adopted by Baldwin County
Owner Exemption Form (Owner Acting as Own Contractor) - Residential Construction
Owner Exemption Form (Owner Acting as Contractor) - Non-Residential Construction and Swimming Pools
Authorized Agent Form
Elevation Certification Form and Instructions
Coastal-A-Zone or V-Zone Design Certificate Form
FEMA Individual Assistance Website
Roofing Requirements & Inspection Information
Mechanical Change-Out Virtual Inspection Information