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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Gurley
Gurley's 2025 residential code ordinance requires a permit for an owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a residential building or structure, and for electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work when cost exceeds $1,000, plus work involving plumbing drainage or electrical disconnects regardless of cost.
One-story detached accessory structures not over 200 square feet, except garages, tool sheds, or similar structures expressly excluded
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet unless supporting a surcharge
Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within allowed proportions
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below
Painting, papering, floor covering, countertops, and similar finish work
Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
Swings and playground equipment for one- or two-family dwellings
Window awnings that do not project more than 54 inches and do not require extra support
Decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the required exit door
Minor electrical repair and maintenance listed in the town residential ordinance
Portable heating, cooking, clothes-drying, and similar gas/mechanical items listed in the town residential ordinance
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures not over 200 square feet, except garages, tool sheds, or similar structures expressly excluded
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet unless supporting a surcharge
- Exempt Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within allowed proportions
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below
- Exempt Painting, papering, floor covering, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment for one- or two-family dwellings
- Exempt Window awnings that do not project more than 54 inches and do not require extra support
- Exempt Decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the required exit door
- Exempt Minor electrical repair and maintenance listed in the town residential ordinance
- Exempt Portable heating, cooking, clothes-drying, and similar gas/mechanical items listed in the town residential ordinance
Required documents
- Zoning verification
- Site plan
- Drainage plan
- Building plans stamped by a registered architect or engineer if required
- Building code
- Gurley Ordinance 2025-014 adopts the 2018 International Residential Code with local amendments and listed exclusions. The town also adopted separate commercial building-code legislation in 2025; verify the full commercial code set directly from the town when filing nonresidential work.
- Owner-builder
- Residential permit may issue only to the bona fide owner or occupant of the land or to a duly licensed contractor.
- Contractor requirements
- Gurley residential ordinance references duly licensed contractors. State trade and contractor licensing still applies.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: The 2025 zoning ordinance states the Administrative Official issues or refuses permits within 30 days of receipt of complete applications.
- 01 Verify zoning and setback compliance with the town before filing.
- 02 Assemble the materials listed in the town fee ordinance: zoning verification, site plan, drainage plan, and building plans stamped by a registered architect or engineer if required.
- 03 Submit the permit request to the town building office.
- 04 Pay permit fees and separate inspection fees.
- 05 Complete footing, rough-in, electrical/plumbing, and final inspections as applicable.
- 06 Close out the permit after final approval and any occupancy requirements.
Typical processing time: The 2025 zoning ordinance states the Administrative Official issues or refuses permits within 30 days of receipt of complete applications.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Gurley building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Residential minimum $200; commercial minimum $300
02
Permit fee formula
Residential new construction and additions are $0.60 per square foot with $200 minimum. Commercial new construction and additions are $0.75 per square foot with $300 minimum.
03
Reinspection fee
Failed inspections are charged again at the same inspection-fee rate
Public fee ordinance lists permit and inspection fees but does not publish detailed online payment instructions
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Town building office (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Typical sequence: Residential fee ordinance lists footing, rough-in framing, electrical and plumbing, and final inspections
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Gurley permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Gurley, AL? ▸
Gurley's 2025 residential code ordinance requires a permit for an owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a residential building or structure, and for electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work when cost exceeds $1,000, plus work involving plumbing drainage or electrical disconnects regardless of cost.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Gurley, AL? ▸
Building permit fees in Gurley, AL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Residential minimum $200; commercial minimum $300. Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction and additions are $0.60 per square foot with $200 minimum. Commercial new construction and additions are $0.75 per square foot with $300 minimum..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Gurley, AL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Gurley, AL, follow these steps: 1. Verify zoning and setback compliance with the town before filing. 2. Assemble the materials listed in the town fee ordinance: zoning verification, site plan, drainage plan, and building plans stamped by a registered architect or engineer if required. 3. Submit the permit request to the town building office. 4. Pay permit fees and separate inspection fees. 5. Complete footing, rough-in, electrical/plumbing, and final inspections as applicable. 6. Close out the permit after final approval and any occupancy requirements.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Gurley, AL? ▸
Building permit processing times in Gurley, AL typically run The 2025 zoning ordinance states the Administrative Official issues or refuses permits within 30 days of receipt of complete applications.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Gurley, AL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Gurley, AL. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures not over 200 square feet, except garages, tool sheds, or similar structures expressly excluded; Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet unless supporting a surcharge; Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within allowed proportions; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below; Painting, papering, floor covering, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Swings and playground equipment for one- or two-family dwellings; Window awnings that do not project more than 54 inches and do not require extra support; Decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the required exit door; Minor electrical repair and maintenance listed in the town residential ordinance; Portable heating, cooking, clothes-drying, and similar gas/mechanical items listed in the town residential ordinance. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Gurley, AL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Gurley, AL via: Town building office.
last verified April 2026
source Town of Gurley Building Department ↗
entry id permits/alabama/madison/gurley
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Gurley Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.