Permit Information

A Beginner's Guide to the Building Permit Process

Know Before You Buy, Build, or Subdivide - click here for helpful tips!

Understanding the building permit process before taking on construction or renovation can help your project run smoother and smarter. It’s important to feel confident moving forward with a project and knowing the process for getting a building permit can help put your mind at ease. If you know little about the process for getting a building permit, it’s okay. The following information and steps are a great beginner’s guide to this process.

WHAT IS A BUILDING PERMIT?
A building permit is an official document approved by the government and your local building department giving you permission to move forward with construction or renovations. Going through the building permit process is a safe, smart way to make sure you are complying with all necessary protocols. Issues such as meeting building code standards could arise during a project and a building permit approval moves you forward without facing those concerns mid-project.

WHY ARE BUILDING PERMITS NEEDED?

The law states that certain requirements are necessary to move forward with construction and remodeling projects. Though the building permit process may seem frustrating at times, this requirement is purely to keep those inside the building safe during and after construction. Instead of letting the building permit method cause stress, try viewing it as a necessary checklist to maintain the safety of everyone involved.

WHAT IS THE BUILDING PERMIT PROCESS?

A building permit application checklist can be a helpful tool for those just beginning their renovation journey. Of course, the below points only skim the surface of the building permit process, but they give some guidance to a property or building owner unsure of where to start.

TALK TO A CONTRACTOR

If you are someone who has absolutely no idea, or interest, in how to proceed with the building permit process, hire a contractor. Your contractor will fully understand the building permit process and could put your mind at ease. Though hiring a contractor does mean spending a few extra dollars, it could be an easier way to move forward if you have planning to do elsewhere. Make sure to choose a contractor who is properly licensed to work on your specific project.

TALK TO THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT

If you decide against working with a contractor, contacting a Permit Technician at the Building Department can be a great starting point. The project would be discussed and they would give you details regarding what specific permit you may need to acquire, if any. Some of these specialized permits include a mechanical/HVAC permit, electrical permit, or a plumbing permit. If you decide to work with a contractor, a Permit Tech can also verify if your contractor has the proper licenses required for the project.

COMPLETE THE APPLICATION

Once you determine that a permit is needed, an application is to be completed. If you decide not to work with a contractor, you must complete the application. This application must include all materials that will be used during the project and even a map or drawing of the project. It’s important that specific details are included in the application so there are no surprises or issues.

POST PERMIT AT WORKSITE

Once the application is approved and the building permit is issued, work can begin at the site! However, it is very important to hang all of the building permits securely at the development site. They must be visible for any professionals or inspectors to view.

What areas are in the Baldwin County Building Department permit jurisdiction?

Do I need a permit?

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/Guardrails¹
Stairs/Steps/Handrails
Exterior Doors/Windows (except for manufactured homes³)
Accessory Structures detached from the Primary Structure such as Storage Buildings/Barns/Pole Barns/Garages/Carports/Gazebos, etc. (see exceptions listed below²)
Engineered Foundations
Swimming Pools
Demolitions
Roof Repairs/Replacements (except for manufactured homes³)
Siding Repairs/Replacements (except for manufactured homes³)
Mechanical/HVAC (except for manufactured homes³)
Electrical⁴
Plumbing (except for manufactured homes³)
Generators
Solar Panels
Modular Homes/Buildings
Manufactured/Mobile Homes³
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

Notes:

For decks related to a residential dwelling (regulated by the International Residential Code), the only exceptions to the permit requirements are as follows:
- 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.
For accessory structures NOT IN A FLOOD ZONE, the only exceptions to the permit requirements are as follows:
- 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)
- If there is an existing primary multi-family or commercial building 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)
For manufactured/mobile homes, permits are required for the installation and setup 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 Manufactured Homes/Mobile Homes/Trailers Checklist. You may also contact the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission ( https://amhc.alabama.gov/ or 334-242-4036) to determine their regulations and requirements.
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.

Who can get a permit?

How do I get a permit?

What type of contractor should I hire?

During the application review process, Building Department staff will verify that the contractor listed on the application has registered for access to the Citizenserve Portal, that they have provided copies of their licenses, and that they hold the proper licenses for the scope of work and job valuation provided. Contractors may click here to register online now or may click here to download a hardcopy of the Portal Registration form.

Click here for a How-To Video with instructions to Register in the portal as a Contractor.

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

ALL CONTRACTORS:

All contractors working in the Baldwin County building permit 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 at https://baldwincountyal.gov/government/probate-office/licenses/business-license.

TRADE CONTRACTORS (ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL/HVAC, PLUMBING, and FIRE PROTECTION SPRINKLERS):

Electrical contractors are required to hold an active Electrical Contractor license from the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board at https://aecb.alabama.gov/.
Mechanical/HVAC contractors are required to hold an active HVAC license from the Alabama Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors Board at https://hacr.alabama.gov/.
Plumbing contractors are required to hold an active Master Plumbers license from the Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board at http://www.pgfb.alabama.gov/.
Gas contractors are required to hold an active Master Gas Fitters license from the Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board at http://www.pgfb.alabama.gov/.
Fire protection sprinkler contractors are required to hold an active Fire Protection Layout Technician – Level III credential from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technology (NICET) at https://www.nicet.org/ and hold an active Sprinkler System Permit from the State of Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office at https://www.firemarshal.alabama.gov/.
Any subcontractor performing commercial or multi-family work (non-residential) with a minimum job valuation (contracts including labor and materials) of $100,000 ($5,000 for swimming pools) under contract to a licensed prime contractor must also be licensed by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors at https://genconbd.alabama.gov/.

MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME INSTALLATION CONTRACTORS:

Manufactured/Mobile Home Installers are required to hold an active Installers license from the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission at https://amhc.alabama.gov/.

MANUFACTURED/MODULAR HOME OR BUILDING INSTALLATION CONTRACTORS:

Manufactured/Modular Homes and Buildings Installers are required to hold an active Installers license that begins with the number "8" from the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission at https://amhc.alabama.gov/.

FOR RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION and ROOFING:

The "Consumers" section of the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board at https://hblb.alabama.gov/consumers/ 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 at https://hblb.alabama.gov/.
Contractors who construct any swimming pool with a job valuation of $5,000.00 or more are required to be licensed by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors at https://genconbd.alabama.gov/.

FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL/MULTI-FAMILY CONSTRUCTION:

Contractors who work with commercial or multi-family (non-residential) structures with a job valuation (cost of labor & materials) of $100,000.00 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 $100,000 ($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 at https://genconbd.alabama.gov/.

I am the property owner, can I do the work myself?

Note: Permits are required even if a property owner acts as their own contractor, performs the construction/work, and does not hire or compensate a contractor.

Click below for a How-To Video:
How To Register in the Portal as a Property Owner
How to Submit Permit Applications in the Portal

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 at http://www.pgfb.alabama.gov/.

FOR RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

The State of Alabama Home Builders Licensure Law ( https://hblb.alabama.gov/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.

Click to access the Sworn Statement of the Property Owner Claiming Exemption from the Requirements of the State of Alabama Home Builders Licensure Law form. To qualify for this exemption, the property owner must review, complete, and return this form 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 ( https://genconbd.alabama.gov/Law.aspx) 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.

Click to access the Sworn Statement of the Property Owner Claiming Exemption from the Requirements of the State of Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors Licensure Law form. To qualify for this exemption, the property owner must review, complete, and return this form to the Building Department before the permit is issued.

What info and documents do I need to apply for a permit?

How much does a permit cost; when and how do I pay?

How long does it take to get a permit?

How will I know the status of my application?

How do I submit documents to the Building Department during the application review process?

How do I contact a Permit Technician during the application review process?

When the permit is issued, do I need to pick it up at the Building Department office?

How do I view my issued permit and/or final approved construction plans in the portal?

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

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:

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.
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.

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.

My permit expired. What can I do?

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:

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 original permit fees) before the permit will be reactivated.
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.
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”.

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Permit Information