On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Huntsville
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
Fences do not require a permit, except fences in the Huntsville Historic District require approval from the Huntsville Preservation Commission
- Exempt Fences do not require a permit, except fences in the Huntsville Historic District require approval from the Huntsville Preservation Commission
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
- 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
- Permit validity
- General permit-expiration rule not posted on reviewed pages; 30-day temporary service limited to 30 days unless extension requested in writing
- 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
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine whether the project needs plan approval. All commercial and residential projects requiring plan approval must be submitted online through ePlans Review.
- 02 For commercial projects, the city recommends a pre-review meeting with Planning or Zoning at (256) 427-5100.
- 03 Obtain any required business license before engaging in business in city limits.
- 04 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.
- 05 After review and approval, pick up the permit in person.
- 06 Request inspections through the online inspection and permitting system until final approval and certificate of occupancy.
Source: Inspection Office / Building and Construction Services ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Huntsville building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Not separately stated on public permit-cost page
02
Plan check fee
Not separately stated on reviewed page
03
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
04
Trade permit fee
Various plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas, roofing, and siding permits available online
Most plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas, roofing, and siding permits may be purchased online with Visa or MasterCard
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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
Source: Inspection Office / Building and Construction Services ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Huntsville permits
01 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
02 How much does a building permit cost in Huntsville, AL? ▸
Building permit fees in Huntsville, AL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Huntsville, AL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Huntsville, AL, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Huntsville, AL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Huntsville, AL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Huntsville, AL via: Online Inspection and Permitting System.
last verified April 2026
source Inspection Office / Building and Construction Services ↗
entry id permits/alabama/limestone/huntsville
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Inspection Office / Building and Construction Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.