DeKalb County, AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated DeKalb County only. Local municipal permit systems control incorporated city and town limits.

Department

DeKalb County Planning and Zoning / County Engineer / County Commission administration

Address

DeKalb County Commission, 111 Grand Ave. SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

Phone

256-845-8500

Website

https://dekalbcountyal.us/

Application Process

1. Review the county revenue/permit rules in the provided manual before initiating project work.

Source: DeKalb County Planning and Zoning / County Engineer / County Commission administration

General Requirements

Every new structure outside municipalities is required to purchase a building permit from DeKalb County; permits also cover additions, remodeling, alterations, accessory structures, pools, fences, signs, and re-roofing.

Required Documents

• Utility-right-of-way work requires drawings for long installations, a letter of request, and any bond required by the County Engineer.

Permit validity

Utility blanket permits are annual and must be applied for before December 31 for the next calendar year.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Varies: $50 minimum for some independent revisions/accessory structure categories; $80 minimum for certain unheated structure work; $100 minimum for some heated additions and remodels.

Permit fee formula

New one- and two-family principal structures: $0.20 per square foot above grade and $0.15 per square foot below grade or attached garage. Additions, remodeling, and heated alterations: $0.20 per square foot. Unheated structures: $0.15 per square foot.

Penalty (no permit)

Utility work without approval can forfeit a bond or incur a minimum fine of $15,000 under right-of-way rules.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Important: Agricultural structures outside municipal limits are still listed as requiring permits with no clear public exemption list for ordinary building work in captured sources.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections are tied to permit category and fee structure; temporary occupancy is handled separately from final occupancy.

Additional Resources

• License lookup guide: Alabama Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Alabama Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Alabama hub: Alabama Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

DeKalb County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated DeKalb County, AL?

Every new structure outside municipalities is required to purchase a building permit from DeKalb County; permits also cover additions, remodeling, alterations, accessory structures, pools, fences, signs, and re-roofing.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated DeKalb County, AL?

The minimum permit fee is Varies: $50 minimum for some independent revisions/accessory structure categories; $80 minimum for certain unheated structure work; $100 minimum for some heated additions and remodels.. Fees are calculated as: New one- and two-family principal structures: $0.20 per square foot above grade and $0.15 per square foot below grade or attached garage. Additions, remodeling, and heated alterations: $0.20 per square foot. Unheated structures: $0.15 per square foot..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated DeKalb County, AL?

1. Review the county revenue/permit rules in the provided manual before initiating project work.