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 construction or 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 permits 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 adopted International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), 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
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 NOT IN A FLOOD ZONE related to a residential dwelling, the only exceptions to the permit requirements are as follows:
- Permits shall not be required for decks not exceeding 400 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling or townhouse and do not serve the exit door required by Section R318.4. (Reference 2024 IRC Section R105.2 and the adopted amendment IRC #2.)
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 400 square feet. (Reference 2024 IRC Section R105.2 and the adopted amendment IRC #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. (Reference 2024 IBC 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 checklist for Manufactured Homes/Mobile Homes/Trailers. 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.
Also refer to the 2024 IBC Section 105.2 and 2024 IRC Section R105.2 and the adopted code amendments for additional work exempt from permits.

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 Permit Technicians will verify that the contractor listed on the application is a registered user in the CitizenServe Portal, has provided copies of their license(s), and holds the proper license(s) for the scope of work and job valuation provided.

Click an option below for Portal Registration:

Click below for a How-To Video:

How To Register in the Portal as a Contractor

REQUIREMENTS for CONTRACTORS

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 non-residential (commercial or multi-family) 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/.

REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGN PROFESSIONALS

Property owners should make sure to hire design professionals (such as architects, engineers, and surveyors) that are licensed in the State of Alabama.

FIND A LICENSED ARCHITECT:

Alabama Board of Architects at https://boa.alabama.gov/

FIND A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER OR LAND SURVEYOR:

Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors at https://bels.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 to submit/upload documents during the application review process?

How to contact a Permit Specialist during the application review process?

How to verify if a permit is issued and active?

How to get a permit card/placard?

How to access plans approved for construction and view documents in the portal?

What inspections are required?

What to expect after permit is issued?

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

In accordance with the adopted International Building Code (IBC), a permit becomes invalid if work does not begin on the authorized site within 180 days of issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after it has started. Similarly, the adopted International Residential Code (IRC) states that a permit is considered invalid if work has not started on the authorized site within 180 days of issuance, or if more than 180 days pass between inspections. Each time an inspection is performed, the permit expiration date resets and a new 180-day period begins.

Below are options available to keep the permit active or to close the file:

If progress has been made on the project since the last inspection (or since the permit was issued if no inspections have been performed), an inspection must be performed before the permit expires. If the project is not yet ready for the next required inspection, schedule a “Progress Inspection” to be performed within two weeks before the expiration date:

Login to the CitizenServe Portal at www.BaldwinCountyAL.gov/CSP.
Select “View My Requests”.
From the drop-down list, choose “View My Bldg Dept”.
If the permit is not immediately visible in the list, select the "All" tab and change the drop-down date range filter to "All".
Click the permit number.
Click “Request an Inspection”.
Select the next required inspection or select "Building - Progress (Within 2 Weeks Before Permit Expiration)".
For a Progress inspection, you will be asked to provide a description of any work completed since the last inspection. You may also attach photos to document any progress made since that inspection.
Select the desired date and enter any notes for the inspector.
Click "Submit".
You should receive a pop up confirmation that states: "Your inspection has been requested."

You may also visit one of the Permitting Offices or call 251-972-6837 during regular business hours to speak with a Permit Specialist to schedule an inspection. Inspection requests are not accepted via voicemail or email.

If progress has not been made on the project since the last inspection (or since the permit was issued if no inspections have been performed), submit a Permit Extension Request before the permit expires.

Login to the CitizenServe Portal at www.BaldwinCountyAL.gov/CSP.
Select "Apply for a Building Department Permit".
Select application type "Permit Revision, Extension, or Reactivation Request".
Select sub-type "Permit Extension Request (Requested BEFORE Permit Expires)".
Complete all required fields and submit the application.

You may also visit one of the Permitting Offices to submit a Permit Extension Request application in person.

In the application, you will be asked to explain why the work was not completed within the required time frame. If the Building Official determines the reason is justifiable, a one-time extension of 180 days may be granted after an extension fee is paid. The extension fee must be paid before the permit's expiration date or the permit will still expire.

If the project was cancelled or work was never started, submit a written notification to the Building Department Permitting Office so the permit can be cancelled and the file closed.

Login to the CitizenServe Portal at www.BaldwinCountyAL.gov/CSP.
Select “View My Requests”.
From the drop-down list, choose “View My Bldg Dept”.
If the permit is not immediately visible in the list, select the "All" tab and change the drop-down date range filter to "All".
Click the permit number.
Click "Leave Message".
Enter your message and click "Submit".

You may also visit one of the Permitting Offices to submit a written notice in person.

My permit expired. What can I do?

Once a permit expires without the required inspection approvals, the property is considered non-compliant and in violation of the building construction laws and building codes adopted by the Baldwin County Commission. Any further work conducted on the project may result in Stop Work Orders, penalty fees of $150.00 per day, and disconnection of power.

Below are options available to bring an expired project into compliance or to close the file:

If you intend to proceed with a project, submit a Permit Reactivation Request* so the permit can be re-opened and the property's non-compliance status can be removed.

Login to the CitizenServe Portal at www.BaldwinCountyAL.gov/CSP.
Click "Apply for a Building Department Permit".
Select application type "Permit Revision, Extension, or Reactivation Request".
Select sub-type "Permit Reactivation Request (Requested AFTER Permit Expired)".
Complete all required fields and submit the application.

You may also visit one of the Permitting Offices to submit a Permit Reactivation Request application in person.

In the application, you will be asked to explain why the work was not completed within the required time frame. If the Building Official determines the reason is justifiable, a one-time reactivation and extension of 180 days may be granted after a reactivation fee is paid. Additional Planning and Zoning Department approvals and fees may also be required.*

If the project was cancelled or work was never started, submit a written notification to the Building Department Permitting Office so the file can be closed and the property's non-compliance status can be removed.

Login to the CitizenServe Portal at www.BaldwinCountyAL.gov/CSP.
Select “View My Requests”.
From the drop-down list, choose “View My Bldg Dept”.
If the permit is not immediately visible in the list, select the "All" tab and change the drop-down date range filter to "All".
Click the permit number.
Click "Leave Message".
Enter your message and click "Submit".

You may also visit one of the Permitting Offices to submit a written notice in person.

* When a Building Department permit expires, any related approvals issued by the Planning and Zoning Department also expire and must be re-approved or reactivated before the Building Department can approve a Permit Reactivation Request. Therefore, the Baldwin County Planning and Zoning Department may also review the reactivation request.

However, if the project is located within the municipal limits of the Town of Elberta, Town of Magnolia Springs, or Town of Perdido Beach and the project required a Land Use Certificate from one of those municipalities, a new Planning and Zoning approval from the town will be required before the Permit Reactivation Request can be approved. The permit holder must obtain written approval from the town and submit it with the permit reactivation request application.

When/How do I get a Certificate of Occupancy?

Permitting FAQs