Deck Permit Requirements in Montgomery, AL

AL 2015 IRC statewide minimum.

By Joey, Founder · Last verified March 29, 2026 · How we research →

Population: 195,818 Code: 2015 Verified: 2026-03-29 4 local rules

When you don’t need a Deck permit in Montgomery

Exempt·Rule 1

Freestanding decks not more than 30 inches above grade are exempt from a building permit per IRC R105.2.

SourceCity of Montgomery Code / 2015 IRC (AL statewide)

When you need a Deck permit in Montgomery

Required·Rule 1

Attached decks require a building permit even if under 30 inches, as the ledger board attachment affects the dwelling structure.

Estimated Fee$100 – $350
Typical Timelineabout 2 weeks
SourceCity of Montgomery Code / 2015 IRC (AL statewide)
Required·Rule 2

Decks more than 30 inches above grade require a building permit with plans showing footings, structural connections, and guardrails.

Estimated Fee$150 – $500
Typical Timelineabout 2 weeks
SourceCity of Montgomery Code / 2015 IRC (AL statewide)
Required·Rule 3

Covered decks or those over 300 sq ft require a building permit and may trigger additional zoning review.

Estimated Fee$200 – $600
Typical Timelineabout 3 weeks
SourceCity of Montgomery Code / 2015 IRC (AL statewide)

Deck Permit Costs: Montgomery vs. Nearby

Montgomery's fees are right in line with the Alabama average, $100 – $600 versus $119 – $382 statewide.

CityEstimated Fee
Montgomery $100 – $600
Huntsville $100 – $600
Mobile $100 – $600
Birmingham $125 – $600

Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all Montgomery permit costs →

Zoning & HOA Considerations

Zoning

Decks may be subject to zoning setback and lot coverage requirements. Check with your local planning department before building near property lines.

HOA Communities

If you live in an HOA community: many HOAs restrict deck materials, colors, size, and placement. Review your CC&Rs and submit an architectural review request before applying for a building permit. HOA approval can take 1–6 weeks.

Estimated Project Timeline in Montgomery

Here's a typical timeline for a deck project in Montgomery, AL:

Week 1
Get quotes & finalize design
Contact licensed contractors, get 3+ quotes, finalize project scope and drawings (plan drawings required).
Week 2
Prepare permit documents
Contractor prepares site plan, construction drawings, and permit application. Gather required documents per your city's checklist.
Week 3
Submit permit application
Your contractor submits the application to Montgomery's building department.
Week 4-6
Plan review & approval
Typical processing time in Montgomery: about 3 weeks. Plan review examiner checks drawings for code compliance.
Week 7+
Construction & inspections
Post the permit card on site. Work begins. Schedule inspections at required stages (varies by project). Final inspection required before closing the permit.

Timeline is based on Montgomery's typical about 3 weeks permit processing time. Actual timelines vary by project complexity, completeness of application, and current department workload.

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Building Department Contact

NameInspections Department
Address25 Washington Ave., 1st Floor, Montgomery, AL 36104
HoursMon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Estimated permit fees for Deck projects in Montgomery, AL range from $100 – $600. Fees vary based on project scope and valuation.

It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Deck projects may be exempt from permit requirements, while larger ones typically require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.

Working without a required permit in Montgomery can result in fines, stop-work orders, being required to remove completed work, and complications when selling your home. It's always best to check first.

Typical approval time for Deck permits in Montgomery is about 2 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.

If you live in an HOA community, you may need architectural review approval in addition to a building permit. HOA rules and city building codes are separate, you may need to satisfy both. Review your CC&Rs and submit to your HOA's architectural review committee before starting work.

Learn More About Deck Permits

Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.

Read Deck Guide →

Estimate your permit fees →

Disclaimer: This information was last verified on 2026-03-29. Building permit requirements may change. Zoning requirements (setbacks, lot coverage, height limits) are separate and vary by location. Always confirm with your local building and planning departments before starting your project. PermitMint provides general guidance, not legal advice.