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.