How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Lee County, AL?

The minimum permit fee is No fee when valuation does not exceed $1,000 unless inspection is required; then $40 per inspection.. Fees are calculated as: Valuation based for building permits; separate flat and unit based trade fees for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits.. Plan check fee: No fee for in-house plan review; third-party plan review fees are paid directly to the outside reviewer when required..

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Lee County, AL?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Coordinate with Lee County Building Inspections after permit issuance..

County Building Permits

Lee County, AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Alabama Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Official county page states the department enforces adopted codes in the unincorporated areas of Lee County.

Department: Lee County Building Inspections
Address: 2555 Society Hill Road, Opelika, AL 36804
Phone: (334) 737-7014
Email: buildinginspection@leeco.us
Website: https://leeco.us/departments/building_inspection/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Open

Platform: Revize website upload and Document Center page • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm project scope with Lee County Building Inspections if permit need is unclear.
Download the applicable application from the county Applications page.
Obtain an approved driveway access permit if filing a building application.
Upload and submit the completed application through the county page, or deliver it to the office.
Pay permit and trade fees at filing.
County reviews the submittal and any required plans.
Permit is issued and inspections are scheduled as work progresses.

Source: Lee County Building Inspections

General Requirements

County page directs applicants to contact Building Inspections for renovation, remodeling, additions, new construction, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC improvements or replacements.

Required Documents

Applicable permit application; county page also states an approved driveway access permit is required with a building application. Specific forms are posted for commercial building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, occupancy, floodplain, owner acting as contractor accessory building, swimming pool, spray foam, and driveway access.

Building code: 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 International Existing Building Code, current National Electrical Code, 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021 International Energy Conservation Commercial Code, 2021 International Fire Code, ICC A117.1, ICC 500 (2020), ICC 400, plus Lee County stormwater, flood, and access management policies.
Owner-builder: County publishes an "Owner Acting as Contractor Accessory Building Application," indicating a limited owner-builder pathway for that project type.
Contractor requirements: County publishes separate contractor fee schedules for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits; applicants should also confirm state licensing requirements for the trade involved.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: No fee when valuation does not exceed $1,000 unless inspection is required; then $40 per inspection.
Plan check fee: No fee for in-house plan review; third-party plan review fees are paid directly to the outside reviewer when required.
Permit fee formula: Valuation based for building permits; separate flat and unit based trade fees for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits.
Reinspection fee: Third inspection of same phase is $25; each additional inspection is $100; belated permits carry a 100 percent penalty.
Payment note: County page states cash, card, and check accepted; card payments carry a 3 percent service fee.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Lee County Building Inspections to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Coordinate with Lee County Building Inspections after permit issuance. (contact)

Inspection hours: Office hours posted as Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM CST.

Typical inspection sequence: Not fully published on the landing page; sequence depends on permit type and trade.

One inspection and one reinspection are allowed for the same phase; third and later repeat inspections trigger published reinspection fees.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 International Existing Building Code, current National Electrical Code, 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021 International Energy Conservation Commercial Code, 2021 International Fire Code, ICC A117.1, ICC 500 (2020), ICC 400, plus Lee County stormwater, flood, and access management policies.
Zoning information: View zoning info
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 Lee County Building Inspections before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lee County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Lee County, AL?: County page directs applicants to contact Building Inspections for renovation, remodeling, additions, new construction, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC improvements or replacements.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Lee County, AL?: The minimum permit fee is No fee when valuation does not exceed $1,000 unless inspection is required; then $40 per inspection.. Fees are calculated as: Valuation based for building permits; separate flat and unit based trade fees for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits.. Plan check fee: No fee for in-house plan review; third-party plan review fees are paid directly to the outside reviewer when required..
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lee County, AL?: 1. Confirm project scope with Lee County Building Inspections if permit need is unclear. 2. Download the applicable application from the county Applications page. 3. Obtain an approved driveway access permit if filing a building application. 4. Upload and submit the completed application through the county page, or deliver it to the office. 5. Pay permit and trade fees at filing. 6. County reviews the submittal and any required plans. 7. Permit is issued and inspections are scheduled as work progresses.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Lee County, AL?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Coordinate with Lee County Building Inspections after permit issuance..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Lee County (unincorporated area) can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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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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