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.

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 mobile 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 mobile homes)
• Siding Repairs/Replacements (**except for mobile homes)
• Mechanical/HVAC (**except for mobile homes)
• Electrical
• Plumbing (**except for mobile homes)
• Generators
• Solar Panels
• Modular Homes/Buildings
• Mobile Homes**
• Mobile Home Park setups
• RV Park setups
• 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
  

*** If you are unsure if your project falls into one of the categories listed above 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. ***


Note: 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.


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

1. If there is an existing 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)

**For manufactured homes/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.

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 electrical, mechanical, 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 should still 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 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.

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".

Permit applications can be submitted online in the Citizenserve Portal or in person at a Building Department office. Depending on the type of project and the project location, the information and documents below may be required with the submittal of your application. A Permit Technician can assist you with determining the specific requirements for your project.


Parcel Number – search online at open.baldwincountyal.gov, click on Property Appraisal Information; or locate on the property tax bill; or contact local Revenue Commissioner office: North Baldwin 251-937-0245; South Baldwin 251-972-6819; Eastern Shore 251-990-4627

Address Verification Letter – required for all new construction; must first have parcel number, then submit request for the letter online at www.baldwin911.org

Proof of Ownership – a copy of the current tax bill or the recorded deed; search online for deeds at open.baldwincountyal.gov, click on Probate Deeds & Records

Property Owner Information - names listed on property deed, mailing address, phone number, email address

Contractor Information - business name, mailing address, phone number, email address, copy of contractor license (if applicable), copy of State of Alabama business license

Detailed Scope of Work - detailed description of work to be done, methods to be used, materials to be used, etc.

Job Valuation – the cost of labor and material for the project. Only include valuation for the specific type of permit; for example, for a Building Permit for a new house - do not include the cost of electrical, mechanical, and plumbing because those will be separate permits.

Zoning - Site Plan Approval (also known as a Land Use Certificate) - required for any property located in a zoned area if any structure will be added to the property, if square footage will be added to or modified on an existing structure, or if there will be a change in the use of an existing structure. There may be other projects that require a Site Plan Approval/Land Use Certificate as well. Determine if a property is zoned and if a Site Plan Approval is required by contacting the appropriate Planning & Zoning Dept. The Land Use Certificate must be applied for and issued BEFORE applying for the building permit.

• Baldwin County Planning & Zoning: apply online in the Citizenserve Portal; for questions or assistance, contact Foley Office at 251-972-8523 or Robertsdale Office at 251-580-1655
• Town of Elberta Planning & Zoning: 251-986-6174
• Town of Magnolia Springs Planning & Zoning: 251-965-9888, ext 4904
• Town of Perdido Beach Planning & Zoning: 251-962-2200

Unzoned Land Disturbance Permit – required for any project located in an unzoned area that is also in a flood zone and/or a potential wetland area.

• Baldwin County Planning & Zoning: apply online in Citizenserve Portal; for questions or assistance, contact Foley Office at 251-972-8523 or Robertsdale Office at 251-580-1655

Construction Plans – refer to adopted building codes and supplemental code for additional information; must be drawn to scale; provided in a digital PDF format:

• Residential new construction requires engineered construction plans to be signed and stamped by an Alabama licensed architect OR engineer.
  Exceptions: Detailed non-engineered construction plans may be accepted for small additions, alterations/repairs, accessory structures, storage buildings, pole barns, porches, decks, etc. 
• Non-residential/commercial construction requires construction plans to be signed and stamped by BOTH an Alabama licensed architect AND engineer.

Site Plan - must be drawn to scale; must indicate footprint of all existing structures as well as the proposed structure (with dimensions); must include all distances from property lines and from other structures on property, etc.

Driveway Permit - confirmation from appropriate authority that culvert has been applied for, is existing, is not required, or is not county maintained:

• For driveway located on state highway, contact Alabama Dept. of Transportation (ALDOT) at 251-937-2086
• For driveway located on any road other than a state highway, apply online on the County's Highway Dept website. For questions, contact the Baldwin County Highway Dept.: North Baldwin: 251-937-0371, Central Baldwin 251-972-6897, or South Baldwin 251-990-4635
  

Sewer Release or Health Department Release:

• For sewer service, contact the sewer utility company for the property’s area to obtain sewer release.
• For septic tanks, contact the Baldwin County Health Department at 251-947-3618 or 251-937-6935 to obtain septic tank release.

Use of Building and/or Storage Area - what the building will be used for and what will be stored in the storage areas

Any additional documentation that has been deemed necessary by the Building Department.

---

Structures located in a Flood Zone or in a Floodway must meet the Baldwin County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and Flood Zone Requirements.

The following additional documents apply for structures located in a Flood Zone:

• Temporary Benchmark (TBM) or Elevation Certificate (EC) - TBM must be provided on a survey or statement signed and stamped by an Alabama registered engineer, surveyor, or architect; EC must be provided on an official FEMA Elevation Form that is signed and stamped by an Alabama registered engineer, surveyor, or architect; refer to www.fema.gov/glossary/elevation-certificate
  
• Coastal A Zone or V Zone Certificate – required if structure will be located in a Coastal A Zone or in a V Zone; must be signed and stamped by an Alabama registered engineer, surveyor, or architect;  download the form here
• Permit to Develop in a Special Flood Hazard Area – after you apply for a permit and before the permit is issued, the contractor or property owner will be required to review and sign a Flood Permit form that will be provided to you by the Building Department
• Finished Construction Elevation Certificate - must be submitted after permit is issued, near the end of the project before scheduling the final building inspection; must be signed and stamped by an Alabama registered engineer, surveyor, or architect

The following additional documents apply for structures located in a Floodway:

• "No-Rise Certificate" – designed by an Alabama registered professional engineer; refer to www.fema.gov/glossary/no-rise-certification-floodways

---

The following additional requirements/documents apply for certain conditions or project locations:

• Coastal Area Program Permit - for property located on Fort Morgan Peninsula beach front lot or any lot that intersects the Coastal Construction Control Line. For information, contact Baldwin County Building Dept., Janie Joiner at 972-6837
  
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Incidental Take Permit (ITP) - for property located on Fort Morgan Peninsula, contact 251-441-5868 or 251-441-5181 or apply online at https://epermits.fws.gov/
  
• Alabama State Lands Division Permit - for marine accessory (boathouse/pier/dock) built on any Baldwin County Waterways, contact 251-621-1216
  
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Permit - for marine accessory (boathouse/pier/dock) built on any Baldwin County Waterways and/or for property includes wetlands area, contact 251-690-2658

You may apply for permits online in the Citizenserve Portal or visit one of our office locations. Here is a checklist of information needed and documents required that you will need to gather before applying for a Mobile Home / Modular Home Permit:

 

 

1. PARCEL ID #: listed on property tax bill, get from Revenue Commissioner’s office at your local courthouse, or search online at open.baldwincountyal.gov -> click on Property Appraisal Information

    

2. 911 ADDRESS VERIFICATION LETTER: request online at www.Baldwin911.org or call 251-947-5911

    

3. SITE PLAN APPROVAL (LAND USE CERTIFICATE) FROM PLANNING & ZONING DEPARTMENT *Required ONLY if property is located in a ZONED area. Contact appropriate Planning & Zoning Dept to apply:
   • Baldwin County P&Z Jurisdiction: www.Citizenserve.com/BaldwinCountyAL or 251-972-8523
   • Elberta City Limits: 251-986-6174
   • Magnolia Springs City Limits: 251-965-9888
   • Perdido Beach City Limits: 251-962-2200

      

4. HEALTH DEPT RELEASE for septic tanks (contact Health Dept at 251-947-3618)
   OR SEWER RELEASE for public sewer service showing sewer tap(s) is paid (contact your sewer utility company)

    

5. DRIVEWAY PERMIT FROM HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT (confirmation that culvert is existing, not required, or not county maintained) (request online at https://baldwincountyal.gov/departments/highway or call Highway Dept at 251-943-5061)
   *If Driveway will be on a State Highway, contact the Alabama Dept of Transportation at 251-937-2086 to get permit.*

    

6. SITE PLAN: a survey, map, or drawing of entire property including all buildings labeled, also including the distances labeled from all sides of mobile home to the property lines and to any other buildings on the property

    

7. MOBILE HOME INSTALLER must hold a license from the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission (no homeowners are allowed to install or setup). The certified installer must complete their registration in the Citizenserve Portal before the mobile home permit application will be approved. During the registration process, the person listed on the Certified Mobile Home Installer License must be the person who provides their contact information, signature, and documents. The required documents include copies of the installer's state issued ID (such as a driver’s license), State of Alabama Business License, and certified installer license.

    

8. For a structure located in a Flood Zone, click to review the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and Flood Zone Requirements. The following additional documents apply:
   • Temporary Benchmark (TBM) or Elevation Certificate (EC) - TBM must be provided on a survey or statement signed and stamped by an Alabama registered surveyor; EC must be provided on an official FEMA Elevation Form that is signed and stamped by an Alabama registered surveyor; refer to www.fema.gov/glossary/elevation-certificate.
   • Coastal A Zone or V Zone Certificate– required if structure will be located in a Coastal A Zone or in a V Zone; download the form here
   • Permit to Develop in a Special Flood Hazard Area – after your apply for a permit and before the permit is issued, the contractor or property owner will be required to review and sign this Flood Permit form that will be provided to you by the Building Department
   • Finished Construction Elevation Certificate - must be submitted after permit is issued, near the end of the project before scheduling the final building inspection; must be signed and stamped by an Alabama registered surveyor

      

9. For a structure located in a Floodway, the following additional document applies:
   • "No-Rise Certificate" - refer to www.fema.gov/glossary/no-rise-certification-floodways

You may apply for permits online in the Citizenserve Portal or visit one of our office locations.
Depending on the type of project and the project location, the information and documents below may be required with the submittal of your application. A Permit Technician can assist you with determining the specific requirements for your project.

• Property Owner Contact Information - names on deed, address, phone number, email address
  
  
• Contractor Contact Information - business name, address, phone number, email address
  
  
• Detailed Scope of Work - detailed description of what work will be done, what methods will be used, what materials will be used, etc.
  
  
• Job Valuation - the cost of labor and material for the project. Only include valuation for the specific type of permit; for example, for a Building Permit for a new house - do not include the cost of electrical, mechanical, and plumbing because those will be separate permits. 
  
  
• Parcel Number – search online at open.baldwincountyal.gov, click on Property Appraisal Information; or locate on the property tax bill; or contact local Revenue Commissioner office: North Baldwin 251-937-0245; South Baldwin 251-972-6819; Eastern Shore 251-990-4627
  
  
• Address Verification Letter – required for all new construction; must first have parcel number, then submit request for the letter online at www.baldwin911.org
  
  
• Proof of Ownership – a copy of the current tax bill or the recorded deed; search online for deeds at open.baldwincountyal.gov, click on Probate Deeds & Records
  

• Zoning - Site Plan Approval (also known as a Land Use Certificate) - required for any property located in a zoned area if any structure will be added to the property, if square footage will be added to or modified on an existing structure, or if there will be a change in the use of an existing structure. There may be other projects that require a Site Plan Approval/Land Use Certificate as well. Determine if a property is zoned and if a Site Plan Approval is required by contacting the appropriate Planning & Zoning Dept. The Land Use Certificate must be applied for and issued BEFORE applying for the building permit.
  • Baldwin County Planning & Zoning: apply online in the Citizenserve Portal; for questions or assistance, contact Foley Office at 251-972-8523 or Robertsdale Office at 251-580-1655
  • Town of Elberta Planning & Zoning: 251-986-6174
  • Town of Magnolia Springs Planning & Zoning: 251-965-9888, ext 4904
    Town of Perdido Beach Planning & Zoning: 251-962-2200
    
    
• Construction Plans – must be drawn to scale provided in a digital PDF format; all non-residential construction requires construction plans to be signed and stamped by both an Alabama licensed architect AND engineer. Please refer to the County's adopted building codes and supplemental code for additional information. 
  
  
• Site Plan/Survey - must be drawn to scale; must indicate footprint of all existing structures as well as the proposed structure (with dimensions); must include all distances from property lines and from other structures on property, etc.
  
  
• Culvert/Driveway Access Permit - confirmation from appropriate authority that culvert is existing, has been applied for, is not required, or is not county maintained:
  • For driveway located on state highway, contact Alabama Dept. of Transportation (ALDOT) at 251-937-2086.
  •  For driveway located on any road other than a state highway, apply online on the County's Highway Dept. website. For questions, contact the Baldwin County Highway Dept.: North Baldwin: 251-937-0371, Central Baldwin 251-972-6897, or South Baldwin 251-990-4635

• Sewer Release or Health Department Release:
  • For sewer service, contact the sewer utility company for the property’s area to obtain sewer release; the release must indicate the sewer tap(s) have been purchased
  • For septic tanks, contact the Baldwin County Health Department at 251-947-3618 or 251-937-6935 to obtain septic tank release.
    
• Use of Building and/or Storage Area - what the building will be used for and what will be stored in the storage areas

• Any additional documentation that has been deemed necessary by the Building Department.

For a structure located in a Flood Zone, click to review the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and Flood Zone Requirements. The following additional documents apply:

• Temporary Benchmark (TBM) or Elevation Certificate (EC) - TBM must be provided on a survey or statement signed and stamped by an Alabama registered surveyor; EC must be provided on an official FEMA Elevation Form that is signed and stamped by an Alabama registered surveyor; refer to www.fema.gov/glossary/elevation-certificate.
  
  
• Coastal A Zone or V Zone Certificate – required if structure will be located in a Coastal A Zone or in a V Zone; download the form here
  
  
• Permit to Develop in a Special Flood Hazard Area – after your apply for a permit and before the permit is issued, the contractor or property owner will be required to review and sign this Flood Permit form that will be provided to you by the Building Department
  
  
• Finished Construction Elevation Certificate - must be submitted after permit is issued, near the end of the project before scheduling the final building inspection; must be signed and stamped by an Alabama registered surveyor

For a structure located in a Floodway, the following additional document applies:

• "No-Rise" Certificate - refer to www.fema.gov/glossary/no-rise-certification-floodways

The following additional requirements apply for certain locations or conditions:

• Coastal Area Program Permit - for property located on Fort Morgan Peninsula beach front lot or any lot that intersects the Coastal Construction Control Line. For information, contact Baldwin County Building Dept., Janie Joiner at 972-6837
  
  
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Incidental Take Permit (ITP) - for property located on Fort Morgan Peninsula, contact 251-441-5868 or 251-441-5181 or apply online at https://epermits.fws.gov/
  
  
• Alabama State Lands Division Permit - for marine accessory (boathouse/pier/dock) built on any Baldwin County Waterways, contact 251-621-1216
  
  
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Permit - for marine accessory (boathouse/pier/dock) built on any Baldwin County Waterways and/or for property includes wetlands area, contact 251-690-2658

Visit the Flood Zone Information Page

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.

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.

Permits are valid for 180 days after the issue date. 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, 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:

         - Deck nailing with tape measure showing nail spacing

         - Deck seam tape

         - Synthetic underlayment OR ice and water / Peel and stick underlayment (no seam tape required)

         - Drip edge

         - Shingles - nailing pattern showing 6 nails per shingle

         - Any flashing used

         - Finished roof photos 

   
   

   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:
         - A/C compressor unit properly anchored (tied down) to the platform

         - Compressor name plate showing the required maximum overcurrent protection and minimum circuitry amps

         - Labeled circuit breaker for A/C compressor (Circuit breaker must meet maximum overcurrent and minimum circuitry amp requirements.)

         - Heater nameplate showing heater KW and the maximum required overcurrent protection

         - Labeled heater circuit breaker (Circuit breaker must meet maximum overcurrent protection and minimum circuitry amp requirements.

         - Installed air handler (including condensate overflow protection)

   
   
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 at www.Citizenserve.com/BaldwinCountyAL. 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 at www.Citizenserve.com/BaldwinCountyAL. 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”.

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.

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