Madison, AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City of Madison permits apply inside Madison city limits, including Madison parcels in Madison County. The city also extends into Limestone County.

Department

City of Madison Building Department

Address

100 Hughes Road, Madison, AL 35758

Phone

256-772-5644

Website

https://www.madisonal.gov/157/Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the project requires a permit using the city FAQ and, if needed, call the Building Department.
2. For site-related issues such as setbacks, contact Planning before submitting.
3. Prepare permit application package. The city FAQ states house plans should include a site plan, all four elevations, foundation plan, floor plans, electrical plan, and a wall section.
4. Submit through the city's online permit portal or through the Building Department.
5. Pay permit fees per the city's published fee schedules.
6. Schedule inspections with the Building Department and obtain final approval.

Source: City of Madison Building Department

General Requirements

City FAQ says permits are required for work on buildings/structures or systems serving the structure, including new construction, accessory structures, renovations, change of occupancy, replacement windows, new or replacement siding, additions, decks, pools, demolition, and electrical/mechanical/gas/plumbing work.

Required Documents

• For house plans the city asks for site plan, all four elevations, foundation plan, floor plans, electrical plan, and wall section
• Additional documents may apply by permit type

Permit validity

Permit is null and void if work does not start within 6 months of issue or if construction is suspended/abandoned for 6 months after commencement.

Building code

Public fee schedules and permit pages reviewed did not clearly state the full current code adoption set; verify directly with the department for current code edition.

Contractor requirements

City FAQ states anyone doing construction in the city for profit must obtain a city business license before doing work and, if necessary, obtain a permit. Contractors building or placing sheds also must hold a valid state license and current city business license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Building permit fee schedule shows category-specific minimums; confirm the current table for the permit type being filed

Plan check fee

Included by schedule where applicable; verify current table by permit category

Permit fee formula

Published city fee schedules use both valuation-based and flat-fee methods depending on permit type

Reinspection fee

Building permit fee schedule includes reinspection fees for rejected work

Payment note

Portal access is account-based; city FAQ and related pages indicate standard permit-office payment handling plus portal usage

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Replacement of non-structural, cosmetic elements such as floor and wall coverings, cabinets, and countertops
• Constructing a driveway or parking pad
• Constructing sidewalks and grade-level patios
• Accessory buildings or sheds 200 square feet or smaller

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Building Department (phone)

Additional Resources

• Building code: Public fee schedules and permit pages reviewed did not clearly state the full current code adoption set; verify directly with the department for current code edition.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building FAQs
• eSuite Permits Portal
• Building Department
• 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?

City FAQ says permits are required for work on buildings/structures or systems serving the structure, including new construction, accessory structures, renovations, change of occupancy, replacement windows, new or replacement siding, additions, decks, pools, demolition, and electrical/mechanical/gas/plumbing work.

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

The minimum permit fee is Building permit fee schedule shows category-specific minimums; confirm the current table for the permit type being filed. Fees are calculated as: Published city fee schedules use both valuation-based and flat-fee methods depending on permit type. Plan check fee: Included by schedule where applicable; verify current table by permit category.

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

1. Confirm whether the project requires a permit using the city FAQ and, if needed, call the Building Department. 2. For site-related issues such as setbacks, contact Planning before submitting. 3. Prepare permit application package. The city FAQ states house plans should include a site plan, all four elevations, foundation plan, floor plans, electrical plan, and a wall section. 4. Submit through the city's online permit portal or through the Building Department. 5. Pay permit fees per the city's published fee schedules. 6. Schedule inspections with the Building Department and obtain final approval.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Replacement of non-structural, cosmetic elements such as floor and wall coverings, cabinets, and countertops; Constructing a driveway or parking pad; Constructing sidewalks and grade-level patios; Accessory buildings or sheds 200 square feet or smaller.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Building Department.

Other cities in Madison County