FAQs • Alabaster, AL • CivicEngage

How much is a building permit?: The cost depends on the contract cost or the valuation cost of the proposed work, whichever is the greatest, of the proposed building cost. Valuation cost is determined by square footage of the proposed structures and Building Valuation Data Table. The building permit fee also includes the plan review fee which is determined by square footage. On new construction there is a base primary fee of $1500.00 to be paid at the time of application. Please call 205-664-6823 for more information.

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Planning & Safety Division

1. What is the zone of a property/parcel?: If you do not know the location of the property, please call us at 205-664-6823. If you know the location of the property, use the zoning map (PDF).

2. How much is a building permit?: The cost depends on the contract cost or the valuation cost of the proposed work, whichever is the greatest, of the proposed building cost. Valuation cost is determined by square footage of the proposed structures and Building Valuation Data Table. The building permit fee also includes the plan review fee which is determined by square footage. On new construction there is a base primary fee of $1500.00 to be paid at the time of application. Please call 205-664-6823 for more information.

3. How long does a Permit Last? What happens if I am not done with my job and my permit is about to expire?: A building permit last 180 days after the issuance of that permit. Any permit under
which no construction work has been done above the foundation wall or other foundation support within 6 months from the date of issuance shall expire by limitation, but shall upon re-application be renewable, subject, however, to the provisions of all ordinances in force at the time of said renewal and any renewal fees that may be required by the City. In no event shall any permit be renewed more than 1 time. Please call 205-664-6823 for more information.

4. When do I call for an inspection?: Please call 205-664-6823 the day before you desire an inspection so that your inspection can be put on the list for the next day. Inspections called in on the same day the inspection is desired may not be able to be completed until the next day. The permit number must be available when requesting an inspection.

5. Can I cancel/reschedule an inspection?: No, contractors should verify work before inspections are requested. Please call 205-664-6823 for more information.

6. Is there a re-inspection fee? If so, how much is it and is it a 1-time payment?: There is a $75 reinspection fee. This is to be paid before each reinspection. Please call 205-664-6823 for more information.

7. Do I get a free final inspection?: You do get 1 final inspection. This means that on the site final inspection, if you fail, then you will not have to pay the reinspection for the first site final reinspection done. However, for each item that was marked needing correction, on the original site final inspection, that has not been corrected upon re-inspection a $20 fee will be required for each item.

Trade finals are not final inspections; therefore, they do not have a free reinspection (e.g. Electrical Final, Plumbing Final). Each reinspection done for these will require the $20 re-inspection fee. Please call 205-664-6823 for more information.

8. I’m just doing a roofing or siding job, do I need a permit?: Yes. Please call 205-664-6823 for permit information.

9. A building permit already exists, so do I need to pull any trade permits (e.g. Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, or Gas)?: Yes you will need to get your respectable trade permit under the master permit (BR or BC). You need to be listed as one of the subcontractors for the project and have the Master permit number (BR Permit Number or BC Permit Number), and a current City of Alabaster Business License. The cost of the individual trade permit (electrical permit, mechanical, permit, plumbing permit, and gas permit) will be calculated according to the City of Alabaster’s Zoning Ordinance. Please call 205-664-6823 for more information.

10. I want to see all the permits and/or inspections within a specific time-frame that were done to my house. How do I get that information?: You will need to fill out a public records request form. There is a fee required upon receipt of requested information. Please call 205-664-6823 for more information.

11. Do I need a permit in order to build a fence?: Yes. Each fence in the City will require a building permit. The application will require a plot plan of the property describing in detail the location of the fence in relation to the property, structures, and easements. Please call 205-664-6823 for more information.