On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Lee County
County page directs applicants to contact Building Inspections for renovation, remodeling, additions, new construction, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC improvements or replacements.
Note: No detailed exempt-work list was posted on the reviewed county Building Inspections pages; the county directs applicants to call if they are unsure whether a permit is required.
Required documents
- Applicable permit application
- Approved driveway access permit with building application
- Project-specific forms as applicable (commercial building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, occupancy, floodplain, owner acting as contractor accessory building, swimming pool, spray foam, 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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm project scope with Lee County Building Inspections if permit need is unclear.
- 02 Download the applicable application from the county Applications page.
- 03 Obtain an approved driveway access permit if filing a building application.
- 04 Upload and submit the completed application through the county page, or deliver it to the office.
- 05 Pay permit and trade fees at filing.
- 06 County reviews the submittal and any required plans.
- 07 Permit is issued and inspections are scheduled as work progresses.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Lee County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
No fee when valuation does not exceed $1,000 unless inspection is required; then $40 per inspection.
02
Plan check fee
No fee for in-house plan review; third-party plan review fees are paid directly to the outside reviewer when required.
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation based for building permits; separate flat and unit based trade fees for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits.
04
Reinspection fee
Third inspection of same phase is $25; each additional inspection is $100.
05
Penalty (no permit)
Belated permits carry a 100 percent penalty.
Cash, card, and check accepted; card payments carry a 3 percent service fee.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (334) 737-7014 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM CST
Typical sequence: Not fully published on the landing page; sequence depends on permit type and trade.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Lee County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Lee County, AL? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Lee County, AL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lee County, AL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lee County, AL, follow these steps: 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.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Lee County, AL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Lee County, AL via: (334) 737-7014.
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Lee County Building Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.