City Building Permits
Daphne, AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Daphne, Alabama. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Building inspection handles city building permits, inspections, certificates of occupancy, and land disturbance permits.
- Department
- Building Inspection Department
- Address
- 1705 Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526
- Phone
- 251-620-1500
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Tyler Portico • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Select the correct application checklist or form from the city Building Inspection pages.
- Submit the application, plans, contract/job cost, city business license copy, and any land disturbance or flood materials.
- Use the city online permit/payment system for permit application or invoice payment, or coordinate with Building Inspection staff.
- Staff review for adopted code compliance.
- Pay fees.
- Post permit card and request inspections by email.
- Obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy before occupancy.
Typical processing time: Inspection requests received by noon are scheduled for the following business day; inspections are conducted within 48 business hours of request.
Source: Building Inspection Department
General Requirements
Daphne Building Department issues building permits and inspects structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, life safety, well, and fuel gas work.
Required Documents
- Permit application
- Engineered plans for new homes
- Survey/plot plan
- Truss specifications if applicable
- CBMPP
- ADEM permit if applicable
- Subcontractor list
- Subdivision approval if required
- City business license copy
- Utility receipt
- ResCheck
- Contract for misc permits
- Detailed plans
- Building code
- Ordinance 2019-25; 2018 IBC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, 2017 NEC, 2015 commercial energy code, 2018 IRC, 2018 city residential supplement, 2018 ISPSC, and 2015 Alabama energy code.
- Contractor requirements
- City requires copy of City of Daphne business license; state licensing still applies by trade and valuation.
Fees
- Plan check fee
- Included in city fee schedule and ordinance materials.
- Permit fee formula
- Valuation-based by permit class under Ordinance 2021-51.
- Penalty (no permit)
- Double permit fee risk for occupancy before final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy.
- Payment note
- Building permit fees and invoices can be paid through the city portal.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Building Inspection Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- buildinginspections@daphneal.com (email)
- Building Inspection Request Form (form)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests by noon are scheduled for the following business day.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Additional Resources
- Building code: Ordinance 2019-25; 2018 IBC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, 2017 NEC, 2015 commercial energy code, 2018 IRC, 2018 city residential supplement, 2018 ISPSC, and 2015 Alabama energy code.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Permits, Fees & Requirements
- Building Inspection Forms
- Daphne Code of Ordinances
- License lookup guide: Alabama Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Alabama Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Alabama hub: Alabama Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Inspection Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Daphne Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Daphne, AL?
- Daphne Building Department issues building permits and inspects structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, life safety, well, and fuel gas work.
- How much does a building permit cost in Daphne, AL?
- Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based by permit class under Ordinance 2021-51.. Plan check fee: Included in city fee schedule and ordinance materials..
- How do I apply for a building permit in Daphne, AL?
- 1. Select the correct application checklist or form from the city Building Inspection pages. 2. Submit the application, plans, contract/job cost, city business license copy, and any land disturbance or flood materials. 3. Use the city online permit/payment system for permit application or invoice payment, or coordinate with Building Inspection staff. 4. Staff review for adopted code compliance. 5. Pay fees. 6. Post permit card and request inspections by email. 7. Obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy before occupancy.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Daphne, AL?
- Typical processing time is Inspection requests received by noon are scheduled for the following business day; inspections are conducted within 48 business hours of request..
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Daphne, AL?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: buildinginspections@daphneal.com, Building Inspection Request Form. Requests by noon are scheduled for the following business day..
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