City Building Permits
Bessemer, AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Bessemer, Alabama. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Building Inspections states it serves work within Bessemer city limits and is located on the first floor of Bessemer City Hall.
- Department
- City of Bessemer Building Inspections
- Address
- 1700 3rd Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020
- Phone
- 205-424-4060
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Tyler EnerGov Self Service • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Register a free user account in the city's new online permit portal.
- Choose Apply in the portal and use the search tool to locate the permit category and requirements.
- Upload the permit application and supporting forms, or submit paper applications to the Building Department at Bessemer City Hall.
- City staff review the application and plan package.
- Pay the applicable fee schedule charges.
- After issuance, schedule inspections and track the project through the city portal until final approval.
General Requirements
The department issues permits for building and trade work and posts building, electrical, mechanical/gas, plumbing, and day labor related permit materials.
Required Documents
- Permit application, required plans, and project-specific handouts such as minimum commercial plan requirements where applicable.
- Contractor requirements
- Verify directly with Building Inspections; contractor requirements were not fully summarized on the page reviewed.
Fees
- Plan check fee
- See plan requirement and permit application materials; not clearly summarized on the landing page.
- Payment note
- Portal supports online project tracking; confirm accepted payment methods with the city.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the City of Bessemer Building Inspections to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Through the online permit portal and city building department (contact)
- Inspection hours
- Department hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM
- Time windows
- Department hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Application, review, permit issuance, required field inspections, final approval
Additional Resources
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- License lookup guide: Alabama Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Alabama Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Alabama hub: Alabama Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Bessemer Building Inspections before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bessemer Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Bessemer, AL?
- The department issues permits for building and trade work and posts building, electrical, mechanical/gas, plumbing, and day labor related permit materials.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Bessemer, AL?
- 1. Register a free user account in the city's new online permit portal. 2. Choose Apply in the portal and use the search tool to locate the permit category and requirements. 3. Upload the permit application and supporting forms, or submit paper applications to the Building Department at Bessemer City Hall. 4. City staff review the application and plan package. 5. Pay the applicable fee schedule charges. 6. After issuance, schedule inspections and track the project through the city portal until final approval.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Bessemer, AL?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Through the online permit portal and city building department.
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