City Building Permits

Dothan, AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Alabama Houston County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City limits of Dothan only.

Department
Building Inspection Services, Planning and Development
Address
126 N Saint Andrews Street, Dothan, AL 36303
Phone
334-615-4450
Website
https://www.dothan.org/277/Building-Permits

Online Permit Portal

Open Oracle cloud permit portal

Platform: Oracle cloud permit portal • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Complete the permit application for the project type.
  2. Submit through the online portal, in person at the Civic Center, or by approved email process.
  3. Plans are reviewed for code compliance.
  4. Permit is issued after review and payment.
  5. Inspections occur during construction.
  6. Certificate of occupancy may be issued after all inspections and corrections are complete.

Source: Building Inspection Services, Planning and Development

General Requirements

New construction, alterations, additions, all electrical and plumbing work, accessory structures, portable buildings, fences, and other listed work.

Required Documents

  • Project-specific application
  • Plans and submittal package
  • Energy code documents for new construction
  • Any trade-specific forms
Building code
2021 International Building Code without appendices; 2020 National Electrical Code; 2021 International Existing Building Code; 2021 International Fuel Gas Code; 2021 International Mechanical Code; 2021 International Plumbing Code; 2021 International Property Maintenance Code; 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code; 2021 International Residential Code for One and Two-Family Dwellings with listed appendices and Section R313 deleted; 2021 International Fire Code with appendices B through E and I; 2015 International Energy Conservation Code; ICC A117.1-2017
Owner-builder
Owner may obtain permit under owner privilege if doing the work themselves.
Contractor requirements
Otherwise permit must be obtained by a contractor licensed to work in the City of Dothan; contractors can authorize representatives by affidavit renewed yearly.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$50 when valuation is under $1,000 and a permit is required
Permit fee formula
Under $1,000: no fee unless permit is required by ordinance, then minimum $50; $1,000 to $500,000: 0.20 percent of valuation, minimum $50; $500,000 to $2,000,000: $1,000 plus 0.15 percent above $500,000; over $2,000,000: $3,250 for first $2,000,000 plus 0.10 percent above $2,000,000

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Painting
  • Replacing floor covering
  • Replacing cabinets
  • Minor non-structural repairs valued under $1,000 may be waived by the Building Official

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
Requests must be made no later than 4:00 p.m. for the following business day.
Inspection hours
Morning inspections are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and afternoon inspections are 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: The city inspects construction at different stages, then issues certificate of occupancy after completion and corrections.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Inspection Services, Planning and Development before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dothan Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Dothan, AL?
New construction, alterations, additions, all electrical and plumbing work, accessory structures, portable buildings, fences, and other listed work.
How much does a building permit cost in Dothan, AL?
The minimum permit fee is $50 when valuation is under $1,000 and a permit is required. Fees are calculated as: Under $1,000: no fee unless permit is required by ordinance, then minimum $50; $1,000 to $500,000: 0.20 percent of valuation, minimum $50; $500,000 to $2,000,000: $1,000 plus 0.15 percent above $500,000; over $2,000,000: $3,250 for first $2,000,000 plus 0.10 percent above $2,000,000.
How do I apply for a building permit in Dothan, AL?
1. Complete the permit application for the project type. 2. Submit through the online portal, in person at the Civic Center, or by approved email process. 3. Plans are reviewed for code compliance. 4. Permit is issued after review and payment. 5. Inspections occur during construction. 6. Certificate of occupancy may be issued after all inspections and corrections are complete.
What work is exempt from building permits in Dothan, AL?
The following work is generally exempt: Painting; Replacing floor covering; Replacing cabinets; Minor non-structural repairs valued under $1,000 may be waived by the Building Official.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Dothan, AL?
Inspections can be scheduled via: permits.dothan.org, 334-615-4450, permits@dothan.org. Requests must be made no later than 4:00 p.m. for the following business day..

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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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