Owens Cross Roads, AL — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Building & Permitting Department, City of Owens Cross Roads

Street address

9032 US-431, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763

Phone

256-725-5204 for Building & Permitting; City Hall main line 256-725-4163

lora.martin@owenscrossroadsal.gov

Coverage

City permit authority applies inside Owens Cross Roads city limits in Madison County.

Website

Department website

Additional resources

Building Department ↗

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Owens Cross Roads

The 2025 zoning regulations state it is unlawful to begin excavation, construction, accessory structures, storing building materials, temporary field offices, moving, alteration, or repair of a structure without a building permit, except repairs not changing the character of the structure and not involving ICC inspection.

Scope of work

Permit?

Repairs that do not change the character of the structure and do not involve ICC inspection, per the 2025 zoning regulations

Exempt

Exempt Repairs that do not change the character of the structure and do not involve ICC inspection, per the 2025 zoning regulations

Note: No broader consolidated exemption list was clearly published on the cited public city permit pages; verify directly with the department before treating work as exempt

Required documents

Zoning ordinance requires a plan or plat showing actual dimensions and shape of the lot, exact sizes and locations of existing/proposed buildings, existing and intended uses, parking/loading, dwelling units/occupants/employees, setbacks/yards/open spaces/buffers/signs, and other information needed by the Administrator
Permit applications also request project and contractor details

Building code: City permit forms state all work must comply with the 2018 International Building Code as adopted by Ordinance 22-016. The ordinance index also shows adoption of new editions of international building codes and separate residential/commercial permit-fee ordinances.
Permit validity: The zoning ordinance states failure to properly notify the Administrator when work is ready for inspection automatically cancels the permit and requires issuance of a new permit before work may proceed or occupancy may occur.
Contractor requirements: Permit applications collect contractor identity and contact information. Alabama state contractor/trade licensing still applies.

Source: Building & Permitting Department, City of Owens Cross Roads ↗

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

01

Download the permit packet or permit-specific form from the city Building Department page.
02

Prepare application materials, including project description and any plans or plats needed for zoning/building review.
03

Submit the application to the Building & Permitting Department at City Hall or through the department contact listed on the application.
04

Pay permit fees under the city's current fee ordinances.
05

Schedule required inspections during construction.
06

Obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy where applicable.

Source: Building & Permitting Department, City of Owens Cross Roads ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Owens Cross Roads building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Minimum permit fee

Residential fee ordinance example uses formula pricing; no separate minimum for an individual home was published in the cited residential fee update

Plan check fee

Commercial plan review fees are referenced in the city ordinance index as Ordinance 22-007, but the detailed commercial fee table was not surfaced during this review

Permit fee formula

Residential building permit for an individual home is 0.17 times square feet under beam. Residential inspections are $75 each with a minimum of 3 inspections for new builds. Sewer TVI inspections are $100 each.

Reinspection fee

Residential reinspection fee is $100 each under Ordinance 23-006A

Public-facing pages do not publish a dedicated online permit payment system; confirm payment method with the department when filing

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

Notify the Administrator/department (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday office hours

Typical sequence: Four inspections are required: foundation excavation, rough MEP in place, sewer TVI if applicable or county septic approval letter, and final completion inspection. A fifth Temp 30 inspection may be added for temporary power before final.

Source: Building & Permitting Department, City of Owens Cross Roads ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Owens Cross Roads permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Owens Cross Roads, AL? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in Owens Cross Roads, AL? ▸

Building permit fees in Owens Cross Roads, AL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Residential fee ordinance example uses formula pricing; no separate minimum for an individual home was published in the cited residential fee update. Fees are calculated as: Residential building permit for an individual home is 0.17 times square feet under beam. Residential inspections are $75 each with a minimum of 3 inspections for new builds. Sewer TVI inspections are $100 each.. Plan check fee: Commercial plan review fees are referenced in the city ordinance index as Ordinance 22-007, but the detailed commercial fee table was not surfaced during this review.

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Owens Cross Roads, AL? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Owens Cross Roads, AL, follow these steps: 1. Download the permit packet or permit-specific form from the city Building Department page. 2. Prepare application materials, including project description and any plans or plats needed for zoning/building review. 3. Submit the application to the Building & Permitting Department at City Hall or through the department contact listed on the application. 4. Pay permit fees under the city's current fee ordinances. 5. Schedule required inspections during construction. 6. Obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy where applicable.

04 What work is exempt from building permits in Owens Cross Roads, AL? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in Owens Cross Roads, AL. The following work is generally exempt: Repairs that do not change the character of the structure and do not involve ICC inspection, per the 2025 zoning regulations. Note: No broader consolidated exemption list was clearly published on the cited public city permit pages; verify directly with the department before treating work as exempt When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Owens Cross Roads, AL? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Owens Cross Roads, AL via: Notify the Administrator/department.

last verified April 2026 source Building & Permitting Department, City of Owens Cross Roads ↗ entry id permits/alabama/madison/owens-cross-roads

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building & Permitting Department, City of Owens Cross Roads before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Owens Cross Roads

Other jurisdictions in Madison County.