Madison, AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City of Madison corporate limits, including the Limestone County portion

Department

Building Department

Address

100 Hughes Road, Madison, AL 35758

Phone

(256) 772-5644; Permit Specialist: (256) 772-5645

Email

permits@madisonal.gov , samantha.sledge@madisonal.gov

Website

https://www.madisonal.gov/640/Permitting

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm setback, easement, zoning, and floodplain conditions before applying.
2. Submit a signed permit application plus a customer-signed invoice or contract stating scope of work and contract price.
3. For residential building permits, submit digital plot plan and construction drawings for plan review; commercial, zoning, engineering, and floodplain reviews are routed as applicable.
4. Pay permit fees and any state craft-training fee or residential academy fee that applies.
5. Wait for city review and approval.
6. After permit issuance, request inspections through the online portal or by contacting the department.

Source: Building Department

General Requirements

Madison expressly requires permits for all new single-family structures, new commercial structures, all electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas work, additions, new storage buildings over 200 sq. ft., most alterations (roofs, siding, window replacements), signs including temporary event banners, and all retaining walls

Required Documents

• Signed application
• Signed invoice or contract
• Digital plot plan
• Construction drawings
• Flood elevation certificate if in flood hazard area
• Subcontractor list before final inspection
• Energy-code third-party documentation for new one- and two-family homes

Building code

2021 IFC; 2018 IRC, IBC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, IPMC, ISPSC; 2017 NEC; 2015 IECC

Owner-builder

Owner Acting as GC must occupy the house for no less than 1 year after completion if valuation exceeds $10,000, with affidavit on file

Contractor requirements

Application requires homebuilders or general contractor license information; signed subcontractor list required before final inspection

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$25 minimum for many trade schedules; $50 for modular building; $25 for portable storage

Plan check fee

Not shown as separate line item on main fee PDFs

Permit fee formula

Commercial buildings/apartments: 0.5% of true estimated labor and material cost; one- and two-family dwellings/townhomes/sunrooms/detached residential: square-foot formula (heated area x 1.2 plus unheated x 0.3); trade permits vary

Reinspection fee

Mechanical/gas: 1st $25, 2nd $35, 3rd $45, 4th $55; electrical: 1st $25, 2nd $35, 3rd $45

Payment note

Nonresidential: Alabama Craft Training Fee of $1 per $1,000 of construction; residential: $20 North Alabama Homebuilding Academy fee

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Detached storage buildings of 200 sq. ft. or less (inferred from 'permits required for' threshold language)

Important: No broader city-issued exempt-work list located on reviewed pages

Inspections

How to Schedule

• BuildPortal (online)
• (256) 772-5644 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; permits and payments not processed after 3:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Residential checklists include form check/foundation survey, footing, erosion control, temporary pole, foundation/slab, sewer/water piping, brick tie/rough 1, energy inspection, rough 2, temporary power, engineering final, gas final (if applicable), and final

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 IFC; 2018 IRC, IBC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, IPMC, ISPSC; 2017 NEC; 2015 IECC
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building Department Fees (PDF)
• Electrical Fees (PDF)
• Fuel Gas Fees (PDF)
• Mechanical Fees (PDF)
• License lookup guide: Alabama Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Alabama Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Alabama hub: Alabama Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Madison, AL?

Madison expressly requires permits for all new single-family structures, new commercial structures, all electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas work, additions, new storage buildings over 200 sq. ft., most alterations (roofs, siding, window replacements), signs including temporary event banners, and all retaining walls

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

The minimum permit fee is $25 minimum for many trade schedules; $50 for modular building; $25 for portable storage. Fees are calculated as: Commercial buildings/apartments: 0.5% of true estimated labor and material cost; one- and two-family dwellings/townhomes/sunrooms/detached residential: square-foot formula (heated area x 1.2 plus unheated x 0.3); trade permits vary. Plan check fee: Not shown as separate line item on main fee PDFs.

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

1. Confirm setback, easement, zoning, and floodplain conditions before applying. 2. Submit a signed permit application plus a customer-signed invoice or contract stating scope of work and contract price. 3. For residential building permits, submit digital plot plan and construction drawings for plan review; commercial, zoning, engineering, and floodplain reviews are routed as applicable. 4. Pay permit fees and any state craft-training fee or residential academy fee that applies. 5. Wait for city review and approval. 6. After permit issuance, request inspections through the online portal or by contacting the department.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Detached storage buildings of 200 sq. ft. or less (inferred from 'permits required for' threshold language). Note: No broader city-issued exempt-work list located on reviewed pages

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: BuildPortal, (256) 772-5644.

Other cities in Limestone County