Building Permits in Alabama

We cover 34 cities in Alabama. Select a city below to see local permit requirements.

34 Cities Covered

3,225 Permit Rules

IRC Building Code Base

Building Codes in Alabama

Building permit requirements in Alabama are enforced at the local level, each city and county building department sets its own rules, fees, and timelines. Most cities in Alabama follow the 2021 IRC, though 6 cities are still on the 2015 edition.

We cover 34 cities in Alabama with 3,225 specific permit rules. That's real, locally researched data, not generic advice. Each city page shows exactly what triggers a permit, what's exempt, estimated fees, and how to apply.

The bottom line: don't assume your city follows the same rules as the one next door. A fence that's exempt in one town might need a full permit two miles away. Always check your specific city.

Common Permit Exemptions in Alabama

These are the most common projects that don't require a permit across cities in Alabama. Keep in mind, "exempt from a permit" doesn't mean "exempt from code." You still have to build to code even without a permit.

Fence: Exempt in 64 of our 34 covered cities

Windows and Doors: Exempt in 48 of our 34 covered cities

Tree Removal: Exempt in 34 of our 34 covered cities

Shed: Exempt in 34 of our 34 covered cities

Patio: Exempt in 34 of our 34 covered cities

Exemptions vary by city. Always verify with your local building department before starting work.

Contractor Licensing in Alabama

If you're hiring a contractor in Alabama, make sure they're properly licensed. You can verify credentials through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Two rules of thumb: never pay a contractor in full upfront, a third down is standard. And if a contractor tells you "we don't need a permit for this," that's a red flag. Use PermitMint to verify before you sign anything.