How much does a building permit cost in Auburn, AL?

Fees are calculated as: Auburn application forms collect job cost, but a public city fee schedule was not located in reviewed sources..

How do I apply for a building permit in Auburn, AL?

1. Review Auburn's permit guidance to confirm permit need by project type. 2. Create an account in the Auburn Permit Portal. 3. Start a new permit, select permit type, and enter site address and contacts. 4. Add contractor information and complete permit details. 5. Submit the application through the portal. 6. For building permit submittals, provide the required documents and electronic plans; Auburn's portal guide notes some permit types then prompt for file attachment or an email submission of required documents. 7. Pay fees through the portal when assessed. 8. Schedule inspections through the portal as tasks become available.

What work is exempt from building permits in Auburn, AL?

The following work is generally exempt: Painting, carpet, and trim work; Retaining walls with no surcharge less than 4 feet high measured from bottom of footing to top of wall; Children's playhouse or playground; Fixture repair or replacement with no piping alterations; Appliance replacement using plug-in devices; Repair or replacement of electrical fixtures with no new circuits.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Auburn, AL?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Auburn Permit Portal inspection request module.

City Building Permits

Auburn, AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Alabama Lee County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City Inspection Services handles permits and inspections within the City of Auburn.

Department: Inspection Services, City of Auburn
Address: 171 N Ross St, Auburn, AL 36830
Phone: (334) 501-3170
Email: webcodes@auburnal.gov
Website: https://new.auburnalabama.org/inspection-services/

Online Permit Portal

Open

Platform: Auburn Permit Portal / Cityworks PLL portal • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Review Auburn's permit guidance to confirm permit need by project type.
Create an account in the Auburn Permit Portal.
Start a new permit, select permit type, and enter site address and contacts.
Add contractor information and complete permit details.
Submit the application through the portal.
For building permit submittals, provide the required documents and electronic plans; Auburn's portal guide notes some permit types then prompt for file attachment or an email submission of required documents.
Pay fees through the portal when assessed.
Schedule inspections through the portal as tasks become available.

Source: Inspection Services, City of Auburn

General Requirements

Auburn states a permit is required before construction of a building or structure and when use or occupancy changes; ordinary repairs do not require a permit.

Required Documents

Auburn application packets require electronic plans, floor plans, elevations, structural information, energy compliance documents, and project/site information. Commercial packet also calls for zoning certificate coordination and contractor license information.

Building code: Auburn's reviewed public pages do not post one consolidated code-adoption list. Application materials reference IBC and IRC occupancy and construction classifications and Alabama state energy code compliance.
Owner-builder: Auburn states an owner or the owner's builder, architect, engineer, or agent may submit for a building permit. The residential application also includes a homeowner applicant path, but detailed owner-builder limits were not clearly posted.
Contractor requirements: Auburn states residential builders must be licensed by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board; commercial builders must be licensed by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors; residential roofing at $2,500 labor and materials triggers state license requirements.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Auburn application forms collect job cost, but a public city fee schedule was not located in reviewed sources.
Payment note: Auburn portal allows fee lookup and online credit card payment after fees are posted.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Painting, carpet, and trim work
Retaining walls with no surcharge less than 4 feet high measured from bottom of footing to top of wall
Children's playhouse or playground
Fixture repair or replacement with no piping alterations
Appliance replacement using plug-in devices
Repair or replacement of electrical fixtures with no new circuits

Inspections

How to Schedule

Auburn Permit Portal inspection request module (online)

Inspection hours: Inspection Services office hours posted as Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Portal guide shows inspections are requested by permit number as inspection tasks become available in Cityworks.

Additional Resources

Building code: Auburn's reviewed public pages do not post one consolidated code-adoption list. Application materials reference IBC and IRC occupancy and construction classifications and Alabama state energy code compliance.
Other useful links
Other useful links
Other useful links
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 Inspection Services, City of Auburn before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Auburn Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Auburn, AL?: Auburn states a permit is required before construction of a building or structure and when use or occupancy changes; ordinary repairs do not require a permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Auburn, AL?: Fees are calculated as: Auburn application forms collect job cost, but a public city fee schedule was not located in reviewed sources..
How do I apply for a building permit in Auburn, AL?: 1. Review Auburn's permit guidance to confirm permit need by project type. 2. Create an account in the Auburn Permit Portal. 3. Start a new permit, select permit type, and enter site address and contacts. 4. Add contractor information and complete permit details. 5. Submit the application through the portal. 6. For building permit submittals, provide the required documents and electronic plans; Auburn's portal guide notes some permit types then prompt for file attachment or an email submission of required documents. 7. Pay fees through the portal when assessed. 8. Schedule inspections through the portal as tasks become available.
What work is exempt from building permits in Auburn, AL?: The following work is generally exempt: Painting, carpet, and trim work; Retaining walls with no surcharge less than 4 feet high measured from bottom of footing to top of wall; Children's playhouse or playground; Fixture repair or replacement with no piping alterations; Appliance replacement using plug-in devices; Repair or replacement of electrical fixtures with no new circuits.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Auburn, AL?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Auburn Permit Portal inspection request module.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Auburn 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.

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