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: Online scheduling.

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.

Alabama Jefferson County Updated March 2026

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
Website: https://www.bessemeral.org/departments/building-inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open Tyler EnerGov Self Service

Platform: Tyler EnerGov Self Service • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

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.

Source: City of Bessemer Building Inspections

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

Online scheduling (online)

Inspection hours: 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: Online scheduling.

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Navigating permits in Bessemer can be complicated.

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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.