City Building Permits
Birmingham, AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Birmingham, Alabama. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
PEP states it handles the majority of permits for the City of Birmingham.
- Department
- City of Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits, Permitting & Inspection Division
- Address
- 710 North 20th Street, Room 210, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Phone
- 205-254-2904
Online Permit Portal
Platform: City of Birmingham Online Permit Center • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Use the Birmingham Permit Guide to identify the correct permit path before applying.
- Apply through the Online Permit Center for permit types already migrated to the new system; use legacy paper applications for permit types not yet migrated.
- For building permits with plan review, start with Permitting Division staff in Room 210 so staff can review the application and establish a case number.
- Plans are routed to Planning, Fire, Building, and MPG reviewers as applicable.
- Pay permit fees and respond to review comments.
- After issuance, complete inspections and obtain the final approval or certificate applicable to the project.
Source: City of Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits, Permitting & Inspection Division
General Requirements
Birmingham handles building permits, associated trade permits, and other permit types through PEP; trade permits can often be processed over the counter or online.
Required Documents
- Application, plans for building permits needing plan review, and any permit-specific supporting documents identified in the permit guide.
- Building code
- The city maintains a Building Codes resource; the page states the international codes apply to construction, alterations, repair, equipment, occupancy, maintenance, removal, and demolition.
- Contractor requirements
- Confirm through Birmingham permitting staff; the page does not summarize all contractor rules.
Fees
- Payment note
- The Online Permit Center supports online application, payment, permit management, and inspection tracking.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the City of Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits, Permitting & Inspection Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Through the Online Permit Center and Birmingham inspection staff (contact)
- Inspection hours
- PEP department hours posted as Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Time windows
- PEP department hours posted as Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Application, routing and review, permit issuance, inspections, final approval
Additional Resources
- Building code: The city maintains a Building Codes resource; the page states the international codes apply to construction, alterations, repair, equipment, occupancy, maintenance, removal, and demolition.
- 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 Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits, Permitting & Inspection Division before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Birmingham Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Birmingham, AL?
- Birmingham handles building permits, associated trade permits, and other permit types through PEP; trade permits can often be processed over the counter or online.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Birmingham, AL?
- 1. Use the Birmingham Permit Guide to identify the correct permit path before applying. 2. Apply through the Online Permit Center for permit types already migrated to the new system; use legacy paper applications for permit types not yet migrated. 3. For building permits with plan review, start with Permitting Division staff in Room 210 so staff can review the application and establish a case number. 4. Plans are routed to Planning, Fire, Building, and MPG reviewers as applicable. 5. Pay permit fees and respond to review comments. 6. After issuance, complete inspections and obtain the final approval or certificate applicable to the project.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Birmingham, AL?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Through the Online Permit Center and Birmingham inspection staff.
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