Greenville, AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City of Greenville corporate limits; permits cited by the city page include residential and commercial buildings, additions, renovations, roofs, signs, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, HVAC, pools, and more.

Department

City of Greenville Department of Community Development and Planning, Building Department

Address

119 E Commerce Street, Floor 2, Greenville, AL 36037

Phone

334-382-2647

Website

https://www.greenvilleal.gov/153/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Choose the correct permit type from the city application page.
2. Submit the application and required documents to the Building Department.
3. Pay the permit fee and any required processing fees.
4. City review and approval.
5. Permit issuance.
6. Work may begin after issuance.
7. Inspections are scheduled during construction.
8. Final actual cost is reconciled before certificate of occupancy if the project estimate was low.

Source: City of Greenville Department of Community Development and Planning, Building Department

General Requirements

The city application page lists permits for new construction, renovation, roof, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler, and miscellaneous work, including decks, ramps, fences, pools, siding, windows, and structural work over $500.

Required Documents

• The residential application form shows fields for state home builders license number, business information, contact information, and project details.
• The city ordinance PDF also references actual cost reconciliation at completion.

Building code

The city states that the 2021 International Building Code was adopted on July 1, 2022 as the State Building Code and is enforced by the City of Greenville Building Official.

Owner-builder

Alabama HBLB guidance applies. For residential projects, permits are tied to licensed builders, homeowners, or exempt general contractors in permitted areas.

Contractor requirements

Alabama residential home builders licensing applies. The city fee page warns that additional fees may apply, including Construction Industry Craft Training Program fees and General Contractor fees.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

The published fee sheet shows several categories with minimums. Examples include the nonrefundable processing fee of $10 and a $20 manufactured home combined fee.

Permit fee formula

Residential new construction or additions: up to 5,000 sf at $0.15 per sf; 5,001 to 50,000 sf at $750 for the first 5,000 sf plus $0.10 per sf over 5,000. Commercial construction/additions/multi-family: up to 5,000 sf at $0.24 per sf; 5,001 to 50,000 sf at $1,200 for the first 5,000 sf plus $0.10 per sf; 50,001 sf and above at $5,700 for the first 50,000 sf plus $0.05 per sf above 50,000. Other structures/changes: valuation-based schedule starting at $5 per thousand or fraction thereof for $500 to $2,000 and scaling upward through $500,000 and up. Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, moving, demolition, and antenna fees are separately listed in the fee sheet.

Reinspection fee

The fee sheet states a $20 reinspection fee per occurrence and a double permit fee for work started before the proper permit is secured.

Penalty (no permit)

Double permit fee for work started before the proper permit is secured.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Greenville Department of Community Development and Planning, Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: The city application and ordinance materials indicate permit issuance first, inspections during work, and final review before certificate of occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: The city states that the 2021 International Building Code was adopted on July 1, 2022 as the State Building Code and is enforced by the City of Greenville Building Official.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Apply for a Permit
• Permit Fee Schedule
• City staff directory page for Building Department
• License lookup guide: Alabama Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Alabama Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Alabama hub: Alabama Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Greenville Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Greenville, AL?

The city application page lists permits for new construction, renovation, roof, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler, and miscellaneous work, including decks, ramps, fences, pools, siding, windows, and structural work over $500.

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

The minimum permit fee is The published fee sheet shows several categories with minimums. Examples include the nonrefundable processing fee of $10 and a $20 manufactured home combined fee.. Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction or additions: up to 5,000 sf at $0.15 per sf; 5,001 to 50,000 sf at $750 for the first 5,000 sf plus $0.10 per sf over 5,000. Commercial construction/additions/multi-family: up to 5,000 sf at $0.24 per sf; 5,001 to 50,000 sf at $1,200 for the first 5,000 sf plus $0.10 per sf; 50,001 sf and above at $5,700 for the first 50,000 sf plus $0.05 per sf above 50,000. Other structures/changes: valuation-based schedule starting at $5 per thousand or fraction thereof for $500 to $2,000 and scaling upward through $500,000 and up. Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, moving, demolition, and antenna fees are separately listed in the fee sheet..

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

1. Choose the correct permit type from the city application page. 2. Submit the application and required documents to the Building Department. 3. Pay the permit fee and any required processing fees. 4. City review and approval. 5. Permit issuance. 6. Work may begin after issuance. 7. Inspections are scheduled during construction. 8. Final actual cost is reconciled before certificate of occupancy if the project estimate was low.

Other cities in Butler County