City Building Permits

Huntsville, AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Alabama Limestone County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Huntsville corporate limits, including the Limestone County portion

Department
Inspection Office / Building and Construction Services
Address
Inspection Office, 305 Fountain Circle, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone
(256) 427-5331
Website
https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/development/building-construction/building-license-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Huntsville Online Inspection and Permitting System

Platform: Online Inspection and Permitting System • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Determine whether the project needs plan approval. All commercial and residential projects requiring plan approval must be submitted online through ePlans Review.
  2. For commercial projects, the city recommends a pre-review meeting with Planning or Zoning at (256) 427-5100.
  3. Obtain any required business license before engaging in business in city limits.
  4. Submit the correct residential or commercial permit package, including site plan, dwelling plans, elevations, permit application, variance letters if any, and any floodplain, slope district, historic district, or other required approvals.
  5. After review and approval, pick up the permit in person.
  6. Request inspections through the online inspection and permitting system until final approval and certificate of occupancy.

Source: Inspection Office / Building and Construction Services

General Requirements

Building permits required for building and construction work subject to residential or commercial permit process; city also provides separate online permitting for plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas, roofing, and siding permits

Required Documents

  • Site plan to scale with easements
  • Dwelling plans and elevations
  • Completed building permit application or project information page
  • Variance approval letters if applicable
  • Floodplain and other special-district approvals where applicable
  • Recorded deed for owner-builder permits
  • Subcontractor schedule where required
Permit validity
General permit-expiration rule not posted on reviewed pages; 30-day temporary service limited to 30 days unless extension requested in writing
Building code
2018 IBC, 2018 IMC, 2018 IPC, 2017 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2018 IFGC, 2018 ISPSC, 2018 IEBC, 2015 IECC (Alabama Energy Code), 2018 IRC, and 2021 IFC with listed appendices
Owner-builder
Owner may purchase a building permit if planning to live in house for at least one year after final completion; must provide copy of recorded deed; city warns that acting as own contractor is not recommended
Contractor requirements
State law cited for one- and two-family dwelling construction; city requires certified homebuilder licensing or qualifying general contractor status where applicable and business licenses for city work

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Not separately stated on public permit-cost page
Plan check fee
Not separately stated on reviewed page
Permit fee formula
New single-family dwelling: (heated sq ft x $15 plus unheated sq ft x $7.50) x 0.0055; all other building permits: total contract price x 0.0055
Trade permit fee
Various plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas, roofing, and siding permits available online
Payment note
Most plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas, roofing, and siding permits may be purchased online with Visa or MasterCard

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Fences do not require a permit, except fences in the Huntsville Historic District require approval from the Huntsville Preservation Commission

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
Office: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Inspector office: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–8:15 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Detailed sequences including footing, monolithic slab, foundation, pre-insulation, framing, temporary power, above-ceiling, and final inspections; separate electrical, gas/mechanical, and plumbing tracks

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Inspection Office / Building and Construction Services before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Huntsville, AL?
Building permits required for building and construction work subject to residential or commercial permit process; city also provides separate online permitting for plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas, roofing, and siding permits
How much does a building permit cost in Huntsville, AL?
The minimum permit fee is Not separately stated on public permit-cost page. Fees are calculated as: New single-family dwelling: (heated sq ft x $15 plus unheated sq ft x $7.50) x 0.0055; all other building permits: total contract price x 0.0055. Plan check fee: Not separately stated on reviewed page.
How do I apply for a building permit in Huntsville, AL?
1. Determine whether the project needs plan approval. All commercial and residential projects requiring plan approval must be submitted online through ePlans Review. 2. For commercial projects, the city recommends a pre-review meeting with Planning or Zoning at (256) 427-5100. 3. Obtain any required business license before engaging in business in city limits. 4. Submit the correct residential or commercial permit package, including site plan, dwelling plans, elevations, permit application, variance letters if any, and any floodplain, slope district, historic district, or other required approvals. 5. After review and approval, pick up the permit in person. 6. Request inspections through the online inspection and permitting system until final approval and certificate of occupancy.
What work is exempt from building permits in Huntsville, AL?
The following work is generally exempt: Fences do not require a permit, except fences in the Huntsville Historic District require approval from the Huntsville Preservation Commission.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Huntsville, AL?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Online Inspection and Permitting System.

Need help with your project?

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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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