On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Semmes
Semmes publishes application packages for new residential, additions, new commercial, roofing, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, signs, swimming pools, right-of-way, driveways, tree removal, and demolition.
Because Semmes publishes permit categories for most structural and trade work, applicants should verify any claimed exemption directly with the Building Department.
- Exempt Because Semmes publishes permit categories for most structural and trade work, applicants should verify any claimed exemption directly with the Building Department.
Required documents
- Depends on permit type. Semmes commonly requires a complete application, architect- or engineer-stamped plans, hard-copy and PDF plan sets, subcontractor forms, septic documentation for certain projects, and planning compliance for commercial site plans.
- Building code
- Semmes lists 2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, 2018 IMC, 2020 NEC, 2018 IECC, 2018 IPC, 2018 ISPSC, 2018 IEBC, and 2018 Wood Frame Construction Manual.
- Owner-builder
- A property owner may apply for a residential building permit if certain requirements are met, but must sign an affidavit claiming exemption from licensing requirements and must meet with the Building Inspector to review the process and expectations.
- Contractor requirements
- Only licensed general contractors may apply for new or modified commercial building permits. Alabama Home Builders license is required for residential building permits unless the property-owner exemption applies. Applicants also need a City of Semmes business license.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine the permit category on the Permitting and Inspections page and download the correct PDF application.
- 02 Confirm eligibility to apply. Semmes states applicants must be the property owner or a state-board-certified contractor with a City of Semmes business license.
- 03 Submit the completed application, stamped plans or drawings, and any required subcontractor, septic, or planning materials to the Building Department.
- 04 For commercial projects, complete any required site-plan process with the Planning Department before permit application.
- 05 Provide one hard copy and one electronic PDF file of plans when required, and submit Fire Department review materials where applicable.
- 06 After review and approval, pay through the city process or online payment portal and obtain the permit.
- 07 Keep stamped approved plans and the permit on site for inspections.
Source: Permitting and Inspections ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Semmes building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Refer to the current city fee schedule; the reviewed web page did not restate a universal minimum in body text.
02
Plan check fee
Included in the published fee schedule by project type.
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed fee schedule by permit type, including valuation-based building fees and flat or unit-based trade and miscellaneous permit charges.
04
Reinspection fee
Included in the published fee schedule where applicable.
Semmes provides a Municipal Online Payments portal for permit payment after city review.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Through the Building Department (contact)
- Inspection hours
- Building Department office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Typical sequence: Inspections follow the approved permit and stamped plans; electrical, mechanical, and plumbing inspection cards are published by the city for field use.
Permit holder must keep stamped plans and permit on site before an inspection will take place. Additional reinspection charges are controlled by the city fee schedule.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Semmes permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Semmes, AL? ▸
Semmes publishes application packages for new residential, additions, new commercial, roofing, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, signs, swimming pools, right-of-way, driveways, tree removal, and demolition.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Semmes, AL? ▸
Building permit fees in Semmes, AL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Refer to the current city fee schedule; the reviewed web page did not restate a universal minimum in body text.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed fee schedule by permit type, including valuation-based building fees and flat or unit-based trade and miscellaneous permit charges.. Plan check fee: Included in the published fee schedule by project type..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Semmes, AL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Semmes, AL, follow these steps: 1. Determine the permit category on the Permitting and Inspections page and download the correct PDF application. 2. Confirm eligibility to apply. Semmes states applicants must be the property owner or a state-board-certified contractor with a City of Semmes business license. 3. Submit the completed application, stamped plans or drawings, and any required subcontractor, septic, or planning materials to the Building Department. 4. For commercial projects, complete any required site-plan process with the Planning Department before permit application. 5. Provide one hard copy and one electronic PDF file of plans when required, and submit Fire Department review materials where applicable. 6. After review and approval, pay through the city process or online payment portal and obtain the permit. 7. Keep stamped approved plans and the permit on site for inspections.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Semmes, AL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Semmes, AL. The following work is generally exempt: Because Semmes publishes permit categories for most structural and trade work, applicants should verify any claimed exemption directly with the Building Department.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Semmes, AL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Semmes, AL via: Through the Building Department.
last verified April 2026
source Permitting and Inspections ↗
entry id permits/alabama/mobile-al/semmes
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Permitting and Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.