Building Permits in Foley, AL

Check permit requirements for home improvement projects in Foley. Select a project type below to see local requirements, estimated fees, and how to apply.

37 Permit Rules
28 Project Types
IRC 2024 IRC Building Code

Key Exemptions in Foley

These projects typically don't require a building permit in Foley:

A small accessory concrete slab (walkway, patio pad, small equipment pad) of 200 square feet or less at grade is exempt from a building permit. Larger slabs that will support a future structure or are part of a building foundation fall under the building permit.

A freestanding deck not more than 30 inches above grade and not more than 200 square feet is exempt from a building permit under 2024 IRC R105.2 as adopted by the city. Parcel zoning setbacks still apply. If the parcel is in unincorporated Baldwin County (not all 36535 addresses are inside Foley), contact Baldwin County Building Inspection at 251-972-6845 instead.

Fences 7 feet or less are exempt from a building permit under 2024 IRC R105.2. Foley zoning may restrict fence height and material by district; front-yard limits are typically stricter than rear-yard. Sight-distance rules apply at driveways.

An at-grade uncovered concrete or paver patio is exempt from a building permit. Adding a cover, roof, or screen enclosure turns the covered area into an accessory structure requiring a building permit with hurricane anchoring.

A retaining wall 4 feet or less measured from bottom of footing to top of wall without surcharge is exempt from a building permit under 2024 IRC R105.2. Drainage behind the wall is the owner's responsibility. Storm-surge considerations apply near the bay and gulf.

See all rules by selecting a project type below, or use our free lookup tool for a personalized answer.

Deck
2 rules
Fence
2 rules
Shed
2 rules
Roof Replacement
2 rules
Windows and Doors
2 rules
Bathroom Remodel
1 rule
Kitchen Remodel
1 rule
Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, or Spa
2 rules
Electrical Work
1 rule
Plumbing Work
1 rule
HVAC
1 rule
Garage
2 rules
Room Addition
1 rule
Basement Finishing
1 rule
Retaining Wall
2 rules
Solar Panels
1 rule
Patio
1 rule
ADU
1 rule
Driveway
1 rule
Demolition
1 rule
EV Charger
1 rule
Generator
1 rule
Gas Line
1 rule
Water Heater
2 rules
Tree Removal
1 rule
Siding
1 rule
Fireplace
1 rule
Concrete Slab
1 rule

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Foley Building Department

NameCity of Foley Building Department
Phone251-952-4011
Emailjcottis@cityoffoley.org
WebsiteVisit website
Address120 S. McKenzie Street, Foley, AL 36535
HoursCall 251-952-4011 to confirm; inspections require 24-hour notice

Nearby Cities in Alabama

Huntsville Mobile Birmingham Montgomery Tuscaloosa Hoover Auburn Dothan

Permit Guides

Read our in-depth guides for common home improvement projects:

Deck Guide Fence Guide Shed Guide Roof Guide Window & Door Guide Bathroom Guide Kitchen Guide Pool Guide Electrical Guide Plumbing Guide HVAC Guide Garage Guide Addition Guide Basement Guide Retaining Wall Guide Solar Guide Patio Guide ADU Guide Driveway Guide Demolition Guide EV Charger Guide Generator Guide Gas Line Guide Water Heater Guide Tree Removal Guide Siding Guide Fireplace Guide Concrete Slab Guide
Disclaimer: Always confirm with your local building department before starting your project. PermitMint provides general guidance, not legal advice.