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City building permits

City of Birmingham

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

Last verified
April 2026
On this page 5
§ 01

Permit authority

City of Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits, Permitting & Inspection Division

Street address
710 North 20th Street, Room 210, Birmingham, AL 35203
Coverage
PEP states it handles the majority of permits for the City of Birmingham.
Online portal
City of Birmingham Online Permit Center
City of Birmingham Online Permit Center
Additional resources
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Birmingham

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.
§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

  1. 01
    Use the Birmingham Permit Guide to identify the correct permit path before applying.
  2. 02
    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. 03
    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. 04
    Plans are routed to Planning, Fire, Building, and MPG reviewers as applicable.
  5. 05
    Pay permit fees and respond to review comments.
  6. 06
    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 ↗

§ 04

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule
Inspection hours
PEP department hours posted as Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical sequence: Application, routing and review, permit issuance, inspections, final approval

§ 05

Frequently asked

Common questions about Birmingham permits

01 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Birmingham, AL?
To apply for a building permit in Birmingham, AL, follow these steps: 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.
03 How do I schedule a building inspection in Birmingham, AL?
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Birmingham, AL via: Online scheduling.

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits, Permitting & Inspection Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.