DeKalb County, AL — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

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

Street address

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

Phone

256-845-8500

Coverage

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

Website

Department website

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for DeKalb County

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.

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

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.

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

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

01

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

DeKalb County building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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

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

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated DeKalb County permits

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

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

Building permit fees in unincorporated DeKalb County, AL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..

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

To apply for a building permit in unincorporated DeKalb County, AL, follow these steps: 1. Review the county revenue/permit rules in the provided manual before initiating project work.

last verified April 2026 source DeKalb County Planning and Zoning / County Engineer / County Commission administration ↗ entry id permits/alabama/dekalb/unincorporated

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with DeKalb County Planning and Zoning / County Engineer / County Commission administration before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.