Visit: Building Department Website
IF YOU HAVE BUILDINGS ON YOUR PROPERTY THAT WERE DAMAGED DURING HURRICANE SALLY, PLEASE READ BELOW FOR PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION:
The Baldwin County Building Department issues building permits for the unincorporated areas of Baldwin County (including but not limited to Lillian, Ono Island, and the Fort Morgan peninsula) as well as for the Towns of Elberta, Magnolia Springs, and Perdido Beach. If you live inside city limits other than those towns listed above, please contact your city’s Building Department for permitting requirements and information.
The Baldwin County Building Department has three office locations throughout the county. You may choose the location most convenient for you:
Fairhope Satellite Courthouse, 1100 Fairhope Ave., 251.990.4641
Foley Satellite Courthouse, 201 E. Section Ave., 251.972.6837
If you have any damage to any buildings on your property caused by Hurricane Sally, you will need to obtain a building permit for demolitions, repairs, and/or construction. The Building Department will begin accepting permit applications when the offices reopen on Wednesday, September 23rd. We will be accepting all permit applications including new construction; however, applications related to hurricane damage will be prioritized.
We understand you may need to start the clean up process and emergency repairs right away. We ask that you submit your permit applications as soon as possible after the offices reopen. We suggest that you take photos inside and outside of the damaged buildings prior to starting any work. We will need printed copies of the photos when you apply for your permit.
If you are located within a zoned area of Baldwin County, you must first obtain a Land Use Certificate from the Planning & Zoning Department that services your location BEFORE applying for a building permit. You may contact your Planning & Zoning Department to determine if your property is in a zoned area and for information on how to apply to their department:
Baldwin County Planning & Zoning (Fort Morgan, Ono Island, and some other unincorporated areas): Foley Satellite Courthouse, 201 E. Section Ave., 251.972.8523 or Robertsdale Central Annex, 22251 Palmer St., 251.580.1655.
Town of Elberta Planning & Zoning: 251.986.6174 for Caryn Woerner
Town of Magnolia Springs Planning & Zoning: 251.965.9888, ext. 4904 for Jenny Opal White
Town of Perdido Beach Planning & Zoning: 251.962.2200 (P&Z approval not required for a re-roofing permit)
You may download the Building Department permit application here:
Building Permit Application for Residential Structures
Please refer to the second page of the application for a complete list of requirements and documents needed. Here are some helpful hints when applying:
For demolitions, the applicant will need a detailed scope of work that describes the types of structures that will be demolished.
To repair or replace a roof, the applicant will need a detailed scope of work that describes how the roof will be repaired or replaced and what materials will be used. Download -> Re-Roofing Requirements and Inspections.
For building construction or repairs, construction plans will be required. If the damage affected the structural integrity, the construction plans must be signed and stamped by a design professional who is licensed in the State of Alabama. Two sets of plans are required for unzoned property. Three sets of plans are required for zoned property. The applicant will receive one approved set of plans back when the permit is issued.
Once you have completed the permit application and have all required documents (including an approved Land Use Certificate if you are in a zoned area), you may submit your application in person at one of our three office locations. If you can scan or combine all of your documents into one file, then you may choose to submit your application online on our website at https://services.baldwincountyal.gov/BuildingInspection. Keep in mind that if your project requires construction plans, you should not submit your application online. You will need to submit your application in person at one of our office locations. Please do not send digital copies of construction plans at this time.
Property owners or their authorized agent (such as a contractor) may apply for permits. If an authorized agent or a contractor will be used, then both the property owner and the authorized agent or contractor must complete and sign an Authorized Agent form.
All contractors are required to hold an active State of Alabama business license that is issued through any county in the state. To obtain the required business license, contractors may contact the Baldwin County Sales & Use Tax/License Inspection Department at 251-972-6844.
For any contractor who is repairing or replacing a residential roof with a job valuation (cost of labor & materials) over $2,500, the builder is required to hold a home builders roofers license and a $10,000.00 bond. For any contractor repairing a residential structure with a job valuation (cost of labor & materials) over $10,000, the builder is required to have a home builders unlimited or limited license. If the work involves more than one trade and/or affects structural integrity, then the builder is required to have an unlimited license. You may search for licensed roofers and home builders on the State of Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board website at https://hblb.alabama.gov/.