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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Saraland
Saraland states permits are issued for demolition, new construction, renovation, land disturbance, building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, sign, right-of-way, and tree-related work.
- Exempt Confirm exemptions directly with the Building Department.
- Permit application, project valuation, plans, and permit-specific submittals. Land-disturbance applications require a site grading and drainage plan and erosion-control information.
- Building code
- Effective July 2019, Saraland lists 2014 NEC, 2015 IPMC, 2015 IFC, 2015 IBC, 2015 IMC, 2015 IPC, 2015 IRC, and 2015 IEBC.
- Permit validity
- Individual permit pages show some permits, such as tree permits, valid for 6 months. The city's business-licenses and permits page states permits other than rental licenses are valid for 6 months and may be extended once for free, with a second extension for a $75 fee.
- Owner-builder
- Not clearly summarized on the reviewed main building page.
- Contractor requirements
- Applicants should comply with Alabama state licensing and any local business-license requirements. Permit forms and right-of-way permits request contractor city business license information where applicable.
Application process
Typical processing: Saraland's zoning and development ordinance gives the Building Official 30 days to rule on complete building permit applications unless extended by agreement.
- 01 Confirm the project is in Saraland's building jurisdiction and identify the needed permit type.
- 02 Download or complete the applicable building, trade, land-disturbance, sign, right-of-way, tree, or six-month investigation permit materials.
- 03 Submit the permit form and supporting plans to the Building Department, either through the city website permit pages or directly with the department.
- 04 For grading or disturbance work, include the required grading, drainage, erosion-control, and engineering calculations.
- 05 City staff review the application for code, zoning, floodplain, and development compliance.
- 06 Pay the required fees and obtain the permit before beginning work.
- 07 Request the required inspections and complete final approvals or certificate-of-occupancy steps where applicable.
Typical processing time: Saraland's zoning and development ordinance gives the Building Official 30 days to rule on complete building permit applications unless extended by agreement.
Source: Building Department ↗
Fee schedule
Saraland building permit fees
The city collects permit information through online forms or the department directly; confirm payment method with the Building Department before filing.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Through the Building Department and the project-specific permit process (contact)
- Inspection hours
- Building Department office hours listed on the reviewed page are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a notice that staffing hours were shifting to 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Typical sequence: Structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical inspections are performed as applicable to the permit.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Saraland permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Saraland, AL? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Saraland, AL? ▸
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Saraland, AL? ▸
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Saraland, AL? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Saraland, AL? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.