Mobile, AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies to permitting within the City of Mobile. Build Mobile also coordinates zoning, inspections, historic review, and engineering permitting through related divisions.

Department

City of Mobile Build Mobile Department, Permitting and Predevelopment

Address

Government Plaza Building, 205 Government Street, 3rd Floor, South Tower, Mobile, AL 36602

Phone

251-208-7602 and 251-208-7023

Email

permitting@cityofmobile.org

Website

https://www.cityofmobile.org/departments/permitting/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine project scope and whether a predevelopment meeting, zoning clearance, historic review, or engineering review is needed through Build Mobile.
2. Create a CSS account and start the permit or plan-review application online, or use Build Mobile forms and checklists for the correct permit type.
3. Upload plans, affidavits, valuation data, and project-specific documents through CSS; Mobile checklists require additional land-disturbance, flood-zone, or right-of-way materials when applicable.
4. Build Mobile coordinates permitting, zoning, inspections, engineering, and other plan-review activities.
5. Respond to review comments or resubmittal requests and pay any review or issuance fees when approved.
6. Contact Permitting to begin final issuance if required by the checklist and then obtain the permit.
7. Schedule inspections through CSS and request the certificate of occupancy or final approvals at project completion.

Source: City of Mobile Build Mobile Department, Permitting and Predevelopment

General Requirements

Build Mobile facilitates plan reviews and construction permits for projects within the city, including building, trade, land-disturbance, tree, engineering, and related development permits.

Required Documents

• Varies by permit; Build Mobile forms and checklists call for plans, site information, valuation, flood-zone documents where applicable, contractor information, and project-specific supporting materials.

Building code

City of Mobile states it adopted the 2021 International Fire Code, International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Existing Building Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Property Maintenance Code, and 2020 National Electrical Code effective February 7, 2023.

Owner-builder

Not summarized on the reviewed general permitting page; use the city residential checklist and permit forms for project-specific requirements.

Contractor requirements

Permit issuance requires review of licenses, bonds, and other appropriate information; Alabama state licensing and trade credential rules apply in addition to city review.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

The reviewed public fee documents show project-specific minimums rather than one universal minimum across all permit categories.

Plan check fee

Residential and land-development checklists show plan review fees, including a $51 first submittal review fee for certain residential flood-zone or over-4,000-square-foot reviews; land-development review fees vary by submittal round and project type.

Permit fee formula

Mixed; building and trade permits are generally valuation-based, while land-disturbance, plan-review, tree, and other development fees include flat review and issuance charges.

Reinspection fee

Resubmittal fees are published on Build Mobile residential checklists; other penalties and special fees are set by the applicable fee ordinance.

Payment note

Permit and zoning fees are paid through CSS or the city payment links after review and approval.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• City-wide exempt-work items were not consolidated on the reviewed general permitting overview page.
• Tree trimming and removal permits are separately required for regulated trees.
• Verify exempt work against the applicable permit form, code, or Build Mobile staff before starting.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Through CSS and Build Mobile Inspections (contact)

Inspection hours

General permitting help window is at Government Plaza; inspection office contact is published through Build Mobile. Specific inspection windows were not stated on the reviewed general page.

Reinspection details were not summarized on the reviewed overview pages; verify in the permit-specific process.

Additional Resources

• Building code: City of Mobile states it adopted the 2021 International Fire Code, International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Existing Building Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Property Maintenance Code, and 2020 National Electrical Code effective February 7, 2023.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Other useful links
• Other useful links
• Other useful links
• License lookup guide: Alabama Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Alabama Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Alabama hub: Alabama Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Mobile, AL?

Build Mobile facilitates plan reviews and construction permits for projects within the city, including building, trade, land-disturbance, tree, engineering, and related development permits.

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

The minimum permit fee is The reviewed public fee documents show project-specific minimums rather than one universal minimum across all permit categories.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed; building and trade permits are generally valuation-based, while land-disturbance, plan-review, tree, and other development fees include flat review and issuance charges.. Plan check fee: Residential and land-development checklists show plan review fees, including a $51 first submittal review fee for certain residential flood-zone or over-4,000-square-foot reviews; land-development review fees vary by submittal round and project type..

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

1. Determine project scope and whether a predevelopment meeting, zoning clearance, historic review, or engineering review is needed through Build Mobile. 2. Create a CSS account and start the permit or plan-review application online, or use Build Mobile forms and checklists for the correct permit type. 3. Upload plans, affidavits, valuation data, and project-specific documents through CSS; Mobile checklists require additional land-disturbance, flood-zone, or right-of-way materials when applicable. 4. Build Mobile coordinates permitting, zoning, inspections, engineering, and other plan-review activities. 5. Respond to review comments or resubmittal requests and pay any review or issuance fees when approved. 6. Contact Permitting to begin final issuance if required by the checklist and then obtain the permit. 7. Schedule inspections through CSS and request the certificate of occupancy or final approvals at project completion.

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

The following work is generally exempt: City-wide exempt-work items were not consolidated on the reviewed general permitting overview page.; Tree trimming and removal permits are separately required for regulated trees.; Verify exempt work against the applicable permit form, code, or Build Mobile staff before starting..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Through CSS and Build Mobile Inspections.

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