How much does a building permit cost in Fairhope, AL?

Fees are calculated as: Fairhope fee schedule and permit portal use valuation-based and permit-type-based fees.. Plan check fee: Use city fee schedule; plan review fees are included there..

How do I apply for a building permit in Fairhope, AL?

1. Register in the Fairhope CitizenServe portal. 2. Select the permit type and enter project information. 3. Upload required application materials. 4. Staff review the submittal and issue comments if needed. 5. Applicant logs back in, tracks review, and responds to comments. 6. After approval, pay online and print the issued permit card. 7. Schedule inspections by calling the building office.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Fairhope, AL?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 251-990-0153.

City Building Permits

Fairhope, AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Fairhope, Alabama. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Alabama Baldwin County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City building office handles building and land use permits, inspections, floodplain, stormwater, and right of way matters for Fairhope.

Department: Building and Permitting
Address: 555 South Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532
Phone: 251-990-0153
Email: buildingpermits@fairhopeal.gov
Website: https://www.fairhopeal.gov/departments/building

Online Permit Portal

Open CitizenServe

Platform: CitizenServe • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Building Department

Application Process

Register in the Fairhope CitizenServe portal.
Select the permit type and enter project information.
Upload required application materials.
Staff review the submittal and issue comments if needed.
Applicant logs back in, tracks review, and responds to comments.
After approval, pay online and print the issued permit card.
Schedule inspections by calling the building office.

Source: Building and Permitting

General Requirements

City building page states permits are required before beginning construction.

Required Documents

Varies by permit type; city portal page requires uploaded plans and application materials

Building code: City Building Code Board of Adjustments and Appeals materials reference City of Fairhope Ordinance 1639 as the building code ordinance governing adopted construction codes.
Contractor requirements: City building portal requires contractor registration and applicable licensing.

Fees

Plan check fee: Use city fee schedule; plan review fees are included there.
Permit fee formula: Fairhope fee schedule and permit portal use valuation-based and permit-type-based fees.
Reinspection fee: Confirm on city fee schedule or with building office; not summarized on the main building page reviewed.
Payment note: Online payment available after approval through CitizenServe.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building and Permitting to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

251-990-0153 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Determined by permit type and city inspection list.

Additional Resources

Building code: City Building Code Board of Adjustments and Appeals materials reference City of Fairhope Ordinance 1639 as the building code ordinance governing adopted construction codes.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Building Forms and Documents
Fairhope 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 and Permitting before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairhope Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Fairhope, AL?: City building page states permits are required before beginning construction.
How much does a building permit cost in Fairhope, AL?: Fees are calculated as: Fairhope fee schedule and permit portal use valuation-based and permit-type-based fees.. Plan check fee: Use city fee schedule; plan review fees are included there..
How do I apply for a building permit in Fairhope, AL?: 1. Register in the Fairhope CitizenServe portal. 2. Select the permit type and enter project information. 3. Upload required application materials. 4. Staff review the submittal and issue comments if needed. 5. Applicant logs back in, tracks review, and responds to comments. 6. After approval, pay online and print the issued permit card. 7. Schedule inspections by calling the building office.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Fairhope, AL?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 251-990-0153.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Fairhope can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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