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Birmingham Building Permit Guide
Britain Jacobson
Last updated:
May 23, 2025
From revitalized commercial districts to steady infill development, Birmingham, Alabama continues to attract long-term building activity — and there’s no shortage of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work to go around. But before crews break ground or trades hit the site, permits need to be squared away and done right the first time.
This guide outlines the Birmingham building permit process in clear terms so contractors, developers, and trade pros can avoid paperwork pitfalls and stay focused on the work.
Pull permits in Birmingham faster with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Birmingham?
A Birmingham building permit is required for most new construction, renovation, or system modifications that impact safety, structural integrity, or utilities.
Projects that typically require permits include:
- New construction: Single-family, multifamily, and commercial structures
- Additions or expansions: Increasing a structure’s square footage, enclosing garages or porches
- Interior renovations: Moving walls, adding bathrooms, or converting space use
- Electrical, plumbing, or HVAC installations: Includes upgrades, relocations, and replacements
- Accessory structures: Garages, sheds, decks, porches, and carports
- Roof replacements: If decking is removed or structural elements are involved
- Fences and retaining walls: Depending on height and placement
- Demolitions: Full structure or significant partial demolition
If you’re unsure whether your project requires a permit, contact the Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering, and Permits (PEP) or consult the interactive Birmingham permitting guide.
What doesn’t require a permit?
Minor cosmetic updates typically don’t require a permit:
- Painting, flooring, and cabinetry
- Appliance swaps that don’t affect utility systems
- Temporary above-ground pools or garden structures
When in doubt, it’s always safer to verify with the Birmingham permit office before starting work.
How much is a building permit in Birmingham, Alabama?
Permit fees in Birmingham are typically based on total job valuation. While fees may vary slightly depending on scope and project type, here’s a general breakdown:
| Permit Type |
Fee |
| Building permit (residential or commercial) |
$9.50 per $1,000 of valuation (minimum fee: $125) |
| Electrical permit |
$9.50 per $1,000 of valuation (minimum fee: $125) |
| Mechanical permit |
$9.50 per $1,000 of valuation (minimum fee: $125) |
| Plumbing permit |
$9.50 per $1,000 of valuation (minimum fee: $125) |
| Demolition permit |
$150+ depending on structure type and volume |
| Reinspection fee |
$125 per inspection |
| Delayed inspection fee |
$100 |
| Certificate of Occupancy |
$150 |
Plan review fees
| Valuation |
Fee |
| $0 - $10,000 |
$150 |
| $10,001 - $50,000 |
$350 |
| $50,001 - $100,000 |
$700.00 |
| $100,001+ |
$700.00 plus $1.50 for each $1,000.00 of the estimated value in excess of $100,001 |
For the most accurate estimate, view the Birmingham PEP permit fee schedule or contact the permit office directly.
How long do building permits last in Birmingham?
In general, Birmingham permits are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. If work hasn’t started or inspections haven’t been scheduled within that time frame, the permit may expire.
You can request a renewal or extension before expiration, but additional fees may apply. The city may also require justification for project delays.
Birmingham building permit application process
Step 1: Determine permit requirements
Identify all required permits based on project scope. This could include general building permits as well as specialty permits for plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or grading. If your project involves a historic district or overlay zone, additional reviews may apply.
Step 2: Prepare necessary documentation
The City of Birmingham requires specific documents based on the type of permit you're applying for. Common requirements include:
- Completed permit application
- Site plan or property survey
- Drawings or construction plans signed by a licensed design professional
- Scope of work description
- Contractor's license and City business license
- Certificate of liability insurance
For trade permits (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), documentation is typically simpler but must still be submitted by a licensed contractor.
Step 3: Submit application
Applications can be submitted online through the City of Birmingham’s Online Permit Center. First-time users will need to create an account. Contractors must be licensed and registered with the city.
For in-person assistance, you can visit the PEP Permit & Inspections office at City Hall. Once submitted, you will receive confirmation and an application number for tracking.
Step 4: Plan review and approval
After submission, your application and supporting documents will undergo a multi-department plan review. Timelines may vary based on project complexity, required trade reviews, and workload.
While the city does not publish specific turnaround times, you will be notified through the Online Permit Center if revisions or additional information are needed. Once all comments are addressed and the application is approved, you’ll receive confirmation to proceed with payment and issuance.
Pro tip: Use this guide for details on how to check the status of your permit.
Step 5: Permit issuance and inspections
Once your permit is approved, you will be prompted to pay any outstanding fees. After payment, the permit can be downloaded from the Online Permit Center.
From there, you must schedule required inspections at each phase of the project — such as footing, framing, electrical, plumbing, and final. Keep inspection tags on-site for the inspector’s review, and ensure work areas are accessible and safe.
To request an inspection, call 205-254-2211 between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. You’ll need to have the address and permit number ready. Same-day inspection appointments are often available.
Pro tip: Reduce permitting timelines by investing in permit management software like PermitFlow. PermitFlow handles the permit preparation, submission, and tracking nationwide, across all municipalities you’re building in.
Birmingham permitting resources
- Permitting Division address:
- City Hall – Room 210, 710 20th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Phone: (205) 254-2252
- Email: permitoffice@birminghamal.gov
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Useful links:
Streamline Birmingham permitting with PermitFlow
Whether you’re a builder, developer, or specialty contractor, PermitFlow simplifies the entire permitting process for projects in Birmingham and beyond. If your business struggles to manage multiple permits in Birmingham or across several authority having jurisdictions (AHJs), our permit management software will help.
With PermitFlow, you get:
- Pre-vetted permitting research: Cut down on time spent navigating city and county websites for details on which permits you need and how to apply.
- Centralized platform: Track all of your permits in one dashboard.
- Accurate, digital submittals: Avoid errors that cause rejections and delays.
- Status updates and notifications: Know exactly where each project stands and get real-time status updates.
Ready to simplify permitting for your next project in Birmingham? Talk to the experts at PermitFlow today.
From revitalized commercial districts to steady infill development, Birmingham, Alabama continues to attract long-term building activity — and there’s no shortage of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work to go around. But before crews break ground or trades hit the site, permits need to be squared away and done right the first time.
This guide outlines the Birmingham building permit process in clear terms so contractors, developers, and trade pros can avoid paperwork pitfalls and stay focused on the work.
Pull permits in Birmingham faster with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Birmingham?
A Birmingham building permit is required for most new construction, renovation, or system modifications that impact safety, structural integrity, or utilities.
Projects that typically require permits include:
- New construction: Single-family, multifamily, and commercial structures
- Additions or expansions: Increasing a structure’s square footage, enclosing garages or porches
- Interior renovations: Moving walls, adding bathrooms, or converting space use
- Electrical, plumbing, or HVAC installations: Includes upgrades, relocations, and replacements
- Accessory structures: Garages, sheds, decks, porches, and carports
- Roof replacements: If decking is removed or structural elements are involved
- Fences and retaining walls: Depending on height and placement
- Demolitions: Full structure or significant partial demolition
If you’re unsure whether your project requires a permit, contact the Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering, and Permits (PEP) or consult the interactive Birmingham permitting guide.
What doesn’t require a permit?
Minor cosmetic updates typically don’t require a permit:
- Painting, flooring, and cabinetry
- Appliance swaps that don’t affect utility systems
- Temporary above-ground pools or garden structures
When in doubt, it’s always safer to verify with the Birmingham permit office before starting work.
How much is a building permit in Birmingham, Alabama?
Permit fees in Birmingham are typically based on total job valuation. While fees may vary slightly depending on scope and project type, here’s a general breakdown:
| Permit Type |
Fee |
| Building permit (residential or commercial) |
$9.50 per $1,000 of valuation (minimum fee: $125) |
| Electrical permit |
$9.50 per $1,000 of valuation (minimum fee: $125) |
| Mechanical permit |
$9.50 per $1,000 of valuation (minimum fee: $125) |
| Plumbing permit |
$9.50 per $1,000 of valuation (minimum fee: $125) |
| Demolition permit |
$150+ depending on structure type and volume |
| Reinspection fee |
$125 per inspection |
| Delayed inspection fee |
$100 |
| Certificate of Occupancy |
$150 |
Plan review fees
| Valuation |
Fee |
| $0 - $10,000 |
$150 |
| $10,001 - $50,000 |
$350 |
| $50,001 - $100,000 |
$700.00 |
| $100,001+ |
$700.00 plus $1.50 for each $1,000.00 of the estimated value in excess of $100,001 |
For the most accurate estimate, view the Birmingham PEP permit fee schedule or contact the permit office directly.
How long do building permits last in Birmingham?
In general, Birmingham permits are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. If work hasn’t started or inspections haven’t been scheduled within that time frame, the permit may expire.
You can request a renewal or extension before expiration, but additional fees may apply. The city may also require justification for project delays.
Birmingham building permit application process
Step 1: Determine permit requirements
Identify all required permits based on project scope. This could include general building permits as well as specialty permits for plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or grading. If your project involves a historic district or overlay zone, additional reviews may apply.
Step 2: Prepare necessary documentation
The City of Birmingham requires specific documents based on the type of permit you're applying for. Common requirements include:
- Completed permit application
- Site plan or property survey
- Drawings or construction plans signed by a licensed design professional
- Scope of work description
- Contractor's license and City business license
- Certificate of liability insurance
For trade permits (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), documentation is typically simpler but must still be submitted by a licensed contractor.
Step 3: Submit application
Applications can be submitted online through the City of Birmingham’s Online Permit Center. First-time users will need to create an account. Contractors must be licensed and registered with the city.
For in-person assistance, you can visit the PEP Permit & Inspections office at City Hall. Once submitted, you will receive confirmation and an application number for tracking.
Step 4: Plan review and approval
After submission, your application and supporting documents will undergo a multi-department plan review. Timelines may vary based on project complexity, required trade reviews, and workload.
While the city does not publish specific turnaround times, you will be notified through the Online Permit Center if revisions or additional information are needed. Once all comments are addressed and the application is approved, you’ll receive confirmation to proceed with payment and issuance.
Pro tip: Use this guide for details on how to check the status of your permit.
Step 5: Permit issuance and inspections
Once your permit is approved, you will be prompted to pay any outstanding fees. After payment, the permit can be downloaded from the Online Permit Center.
From there, you must schedule required inspections at each phase of the project — such as footing, framing, electrical, plumbing, and final. Keep inspection tags on-site for the inspector’s review, and ensure work areas are accessible and safe.
To request an inspection, call 205-254-2211 between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. You’ll need to have the address and permit number ready. Same-day inspection appointments are often available.
Pro tip: Reduce permitting timelines by investing in permit management software like PermitFlow. PermitFlow handles the permit preparation, submission, and tracking nationwide, across all municipalities you’re building in.
Birmingham permitting resources
- Permitting Division address:
- City Hall – Room 210, 710 20th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Phone: (205) 254-2252
- Email: permitoffice@birminghamal.gov
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Useful links:
Streamline Birmingham permitting with PermitFlow
Whether you’re a builder, developer, or specialty contractor, PermitFlow simplifies the entire permitting process for projects in Birmingham and beyond. If your business struggles to manage multiple permits in Birmingham or across several authority having jurisdictions (AHJs), our permit management software will help.
With PermitFlow, you get:
- Pre-vetted permitting research: Cut down on time spent navigating city and county websites for details on which permits you need and how to apply.
- Centralized platform: Track all of your permits in one dashboard.
- Accurate, digital submittals: Avoid errors that cause rejections and delays.
- Status updates and notifications: Know exactly where each project stands and get real-time status updates.
Ready to simplify permitting for your next project in Birmingham? Talk to the experts at PermitFlow today.
