Frequently Asked Questions

Review the checklists below and gather all the required documents. Then, complete and submit your permit application online through the Citizenserve Portal at Citizen Serve.

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 job site. The portal is most compatible with the Google Chrome internet browser.

You may also contact the Development Office. Staff members are available to walk you through the process.

View the Permit Fee Schedule for the costs of permits.

You will be required to pay the permit fees after the application has been reviewed and approved. You may pay by credit or debit card online in the Citizenserve Portal. Log into the portal, tap on My Account, then navigate to View My Requests. Hit on the permit number, then hit on the Make a Payment tab. You may also choose to pay by check or cash at City Hall - 1400 9th Street, 35094 during normal business hours.

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" or "Issued by Email".

Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.

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

Log into the portal, tap on My Account, then tap on View My Requests. Hit on the permit number, then click on the Documents tab. Hit 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 Land Use Certificate for final site plans approved by the Planning and Zoning Department.

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.

All inspections must be requested through the Permit Portal. Same-day inspection requests are not accepted. Inspections must be requested at least one day in advance and can be requested up until midnight the night before the inspection is needed. We cannot guarantee AM or PM time frames. Make sure your project is ready for inspection by the day it is scheduled. There is a $45 re-inspection fee if your project is not ready for inspection when the inspector arrives. Make sure all required permits are on file prior to requesting an inspection. If you schedule a 4-way inspection and there is a trade permit missing, the inspection request will be canceled. No mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or other building services are to be covered prior to approval of required inspections.

Log in at the Citizen Serve Portal. tap on “My Account”, then “View My Requests”, then choose “Building Department” from the drop-down list, then hit on the permit #. Next, hit on “Schedule an Inspection”. When the inspector has completed the inspection, the permit holder will receive an email notification with the inspection report results.

Log into the portal, tap on My Account, then hit View My Requests. hit on the permit number that the document(s) applies to, then hit Upload Documents. You can select and upload multiple files at one time.

Log into the portal, hit My Account, then tap View My Requests. Hit on the permit number that your question or comment is related to, then tap Leave a Message. Your message will be automatically assigned to the staff member who is responsible for your file.

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.

Non-Residential Permit Requirements

What Information and Documents Do I Need to Get a Permit?

Here is a checklist of information needed and documents required as you apply for a Non-Residential Building Permit application

• The Commercial Checklist must be completed and returned with all commercial applications.
• 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.
• Address Verification Letter - required for all new construction; must first have the parcel number, then submit a request for the letter online at Address Verification Letter.
• Proof of Ownership and Parcel Number - a copy of the current tax bill or the recorded deed; can search online for deeds at
  • Jefferson County GIS
  • St. Clair County GIS
  • Shelby County GIS
• Approved 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 Land Use Certificate as well. Determine if a property is zoned and if a Land Use Certificate is required by contacting the Planning and Zoning Division The Land Use Certificate must be applied for and issued BEFORE applying for the building permit.
• Construction Plans - must be drawn to the scale provided in a digital PDF format
• Site Plan/Survey - must be drawn to scale; must indicate the 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 the property, etc.
• Driveway Permit - confirmation from appropriate authority that culvert has been applied for, exists, is not required, or is not county maintained:
  • For a driveway located on a state highway, contact the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) at 205-327-4963
  • For a driveway located on a Jefferson County-maintained road, contact Jefferson County Roads and Transportation - at 205-325-5141.
  • For a driveway to be located on a city street, complete the Application for Driveway Access Permit and bring it to City Hall.
• 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 health department which serves your property:
    • Jefferson County On-Site Sewage - 205-930-1230
    • St. Clair Co On-site Sewage - 205-338-3357
    • Shelby County On-site Sewage - 205-685-4178.
• Water Release - often called a water tap fee receipt; contact the water utility company for the property's area to obtain water release. If a well is proposed and no public water utility will be used, a water release is not required.
• 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 will be struck through.
• 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 this Flood Permit form that will be provided to you by the Building Department
• Finished Construction Elevation Certificate - must be submitted after the 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/elevation-certificate.

Non-Residential Permit Requirements

What Information and Documents Do I Need to Get a Permit?

Here is a checklist of information needed and documents required as you apply for a Non-Residential Building Permit application

• The Commercial Checklist must be completed and returned with all commercial applications.
• 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.
• Address Verification Letter - required for all new construction; must first have the parcel number, then submit a request for the letter online at Address Verification Letter.
• Proof of Ownership and Parcel Number - a copy of the current tax bill or the recorded deed; can search online for deeds at
  • Jefferson County GIS
  • St. Clair County GIS
  • Shelby County GIS
• Approved 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 Land Use Certificate as well. Determine if a property is zoned and if a Land Use Certificate is required by contacting the Planning and Zoning Division The Land Use Certificate must be applied for and issued BEFORE applying for the building permit.
• Construction Plans - must be drawn to the scale provided in a digital PDF format
• Site Plan/Survey - must be drawn to scale; must indicate the 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 the property, etc.
• Driveway Permit - confirmation from appropriate authority that culvert has been applied for, exists, is not required, or is not county maintained:
  • For a driveway located on a state highway, contact the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) at 205-327-4963
  • For a driveway located on a Jefferson County-maintained road, contact Jefferson County Roads and Transportation - at 205-325-5141.
  • For a driveway to be located on a city street, complete the Application for Driveway Access Permit and bring it to City Hall.
• 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 health department which serves your property:
    • Jefferson County On-Site Sewage - 205-930-1230
    • St. Clair Co On-site Sewage - 205-338-3357
    • Shelby County On-site Sewage - 205-685-4178.
• Water Release - often called a water tap fee receipt; contact the water utility company for the property's area to obtain water release. If a well is proposed and no public water utility will be used, a water release is not required.
• 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 will be struck through.
• 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 this Flood Permit form that will be provided to you by the Building Department
• Finished Construction Elevation Certificate - must be submitted after the 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/elevation-certificate.

Make sure to hire properly licensed contractors! Property owners should always ask to see the contractor's licenses! Here are the 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 City's website.

Trade Contractors (Electrical, Mechanical/HVAC, and Plumbing)

• Electrical contractors are required to hold an active Master Electrician license from the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board.
• Mechanical/HVAC contractors are required to hold an active HVAC license from the Alabama Heating and 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 and Gas Fitters Examining Board.

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 and materials) over $2,500 are required to hold a home builder's roofers license and a $10,000 bond OR they can hold an unlimited home builders license.
• Contractors who work with residential structures with a job valuation (cost of labor and materials) over $10,000 are required to have a home builder 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 or more are required to have a general contractor's 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 and materials) of $50,000 or more or who construct any swimming pool with a job valuation of $5,000 or more are required to have a general contractor's 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.

All permits require a final inspection. If you have a small project that just involves one trade such as an electrical upgrade, a mechanical change out, etc., then a final inspection will be required when the project is complete. Here are some other common types of required inspections

For Re-Roofing

In the portal, use the "Upload Documents" link to submit photos showing the nailing pattern, joint seal, and final project. Then, use the "Schedule an Inspection" link to send the inspection request to the inspectors. When the inspector has reviewed the photos, you will receive an email notification with your inspection report results.

For Mobile Homes

A final inspection is required before skirting is installed but after the manufactured home is tied down and electrical is connected.

For Swimming Pools

Bonding Inspection

For New Construction

• Footing Inspection - once all reinforcement is placed and supported
• Plumbing: Open Trench Inspection (Rough-In) - piping underground with water head
• Slab Ready to Pour Concrete (Not Plumbing) Inspection - vapor barrier and wire mesh shall be supported at 5ft intervals
• Vapor Barrier* - only if installing exterior wall covering prior to 4-Way Inspection
• Brick Tie Inspection* - only if installing brick veneer prior to 4-Way Inspection
• 4-Way Inspection - includes Framing, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Sprinkler System. Obtain all trade permits prior to scheduling. Also, the following is required prior to scheduling:
  • Framing: All components installed, rough framing, provide truss details (if applicable), strapping, sheathing, vapor barrier, brick ties, windows, flashing, exterior doors, fire blocking, bracing, thermal barriers, etc.
  • Mechanical: All components installed, supply, return, makeup air, and exhaust ductwork supported, tapped, and mastic. Air handler (if applicable), all attic installed mechanical equipment requires a minimum 30in work platform and a minimum 24in walkway to access equipment, condensate lines, etc.
  • Electrical: All components installed, wiring, strapping, nail guards where required, switch, receptacle, and smoke alarm junction boxes installed. All circuits must be landed at the panel. Main feeders and dedicated circuits routed and strapped to service panel location, etc.
  • Plumbing: All components installed, DWV-drain, waste vent piping with water head supported and nail guards installed where required, water closet flanges, washer box, ice maker box, shower/tub units, etc. Pressurize water supply piping.
  • Fire Sprinkler System: All blaze orange piping was installed, supported, pressurized, and terminated at the head location.
• Energy Inspection - Insulation/air barriers installed. Seal all wall plates and around windows/doors.
• Final Building Inspection - Glazing protection on site and fasteners installed (if applicable). Upload copies of the following documents prior to scheduling
  • Duct Pressure Test (if applicable)
  • Blower Door Test (if applicable)
  • Finished Construction Elevation Certificate (if applicable)
  • US Fish and Wildlife final inspection results (if applicable)
• Final Site Inspection - To be performed by the Planning and Zoning Department. Only required for certain properties located in Zoned Areas.

* Some inspections may be performed virtually with photos uploaded into the portal.

Notes

• Inspections are performed to verify compliance with minimum standards of the applicable building codes and supplemental codes. You may view adopted codes on the Development Office website.
• The Development Office does not provide verification that the construction will qualify for any certification programs.
• Inspections required for certification programs must be performed by third-party inspectors in accordance with program certification requirements.

A Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) is issued for new construction and for change of use only. No building shall be occupied without the 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.

For building permits or single trade permits such as electrical, mechanical, or plumbing, there is no need to visit the office to pick up your permit. You may view it in the portal, and save or print it for your records.