On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Dothan
New construction, alterations, additions, all electrical and plumbing work, accessory structures, portable buildings, fences, and other listed work.
Painting
Replacing floor covering
Replacing cabinets
Minor non-structural repairs valued under $1,000 may be waived by the Building Official
- Exempt Painting
- Exempt Replacing floor covering
- Exempt Replacing cabinets
- Exempt Minor non-structural repairs valued under $1,000 may be waived by the Building Official
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Complete the permit application for the project type.
- 02 Submit through the online portal, in person at the Civic Center, or by approved email process.
- 03 Plans are reviewed for code compliance.
- 04 Permit is issued after review and payment.
- 05 Inspections occur during construction.
- 06 Certificate of occupancy may be issued after all inspections and corrections are complete.
Source: Building Inspection Services, Planning and Development ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Dothan building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50 when valuation is under $1,000 and a permit is required
02
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- permits.dothan.org (online)
- 334-615-4450 (phone)
- permits@dothan.org (email)
- 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 sequence: The city inspects construction at different stages, then issues certificate of occupancy after completion and corrections.
Source: Building Inspection Services, Planning and Development ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Dothan permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Dothan, AL? ▸
Building permit fees in Dothan, AL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Dothan, AL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Dothan, AL, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Dothan, AL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Dothan, AL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Dothan, AL 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..
last verified April 2026
source Building Inspection Services, Planning and Development ↗
entry id permits/alabama/houston/dothan
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Inspection Services, Planning and Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.