County Building Permits
Mobile County, AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Mobile County, Alabama. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Alabama Updated March 2026
Permit Authority
Unincorporated Mobile County only. Mobile County Inspection Services regulates construction in unincorporated areas. Incorporated cities and towns operate separate municipal permitting systems.
- Department
- Mobile County Inspection Services
- Address
- 1110 Schillinger Road N., Mobile, AL 36608
- Phone
- 251-574-3507
Online Permit Portal
Platform: OpenGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Confirm the property is in unincorporated Mobile County and not inside a municipality with its own building department.
- Download the correct permit request and acknowledgement forms from the county Inspection Services downloads page.
- Submit the application package, plans, and supporting documents to Inspection Services; county now uses Electronic Plan Review for residential and commercial permitting.
- County staff review the permit request for code compliance, floodplain issues, contractor credentials, and completeness.
- Address comments or upload revised plans if required.
- Pay fees after approval and obtain the issued permit before work starts.
- Request inspections through Inspection Services and keep the permit and approved plans available on site.
General Requirements
Almost any residential or commercial work requires a permit in unincorporated Mobile County.
Required Documents
- Permit request form
- Supporting plans
- Acknowledgement forms
- Contractor information
- Project-specific items (septic, floodplain materials, etc.)
- Building code
- County adopted its current building codes effective December 31, 2019. 2018 International Building Code series applies.
- Owner-builder
- County publishes Important Homeowner Information and a Homeowner's Contractor List on its downloads page. Homeowners should confirm owner-builder limitations directly with Inspection Services.
- Contractor requirements
- County directs applicants to contact Inspection Services before beginning work. Alabama state contractor, home builder, and trade licensing requirements still apply.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $50
- Plan check fee
- Included in the county fee schedule by permit category; exact amount varies by permit type.
- Permit fee formula
- Mixed schedule; building permits are valuation-based; several trade or miscellaneous permits are flat-fee or unit-based.
- Reinspection fee
- Published on the county fee schedule; exact amount depends on the current adopted schedule.
- Payment note
- Pay only after county review and approval. Right-of-way permits route through the OpenGov portal; other permit payments are handled through Inspection Services.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Current as of 2026).
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Painting and redecorating
- Changing countertops
- Installing new cabinetry
- Replacing light fixtures or ceiling fans where no rewiring is required
- Replacing equipment that requires no rewiring
- Erecting a fence 7 feet or less in height
Important: Confirm any claimed exemption with Inspection Services before proceeding.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Mobile County Inspection Services (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Time windows
- Business hours; specific appointment windows not listed on reviewed pages.
Additional Resources
- Building code: County adopted its current building codes effective December 31, 2019. 2018 International Building Code series applies.
- Adopted Codes
- Right-of-Way Services
- License lookup guide: Alabama Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Alabama Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Alabama hub: Alabama Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Mobile County Inspection Services before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mobile County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Mobile County, AL?
- Almost any residential or commercial work requires a permit in unincorporated Mobile County.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Mobile County, AL?
- The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Mixed schedule; building permits are valuation-based; several trade or miscellaneous permits are flat-fee or unit-based.. Plan check fee: Included in the county fee schedule by permit category; exact amount varies by permit type..
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Mobile County, AL?
- 1. Confirm the property is in unincorporated Mobile County and not inside a municipality with its own building department. 2. Download the correct permit request and acknowledgement forms from the county Inspection Services downloads page. 3. Submit the application package, plans, and supporting documents to Inspection Services; county now uses Electronic Plan Review for residential and commercial permitting. 4. County staff review the permit request for code compliance, floodplain issues, contractor credentials, and completeness. 5. Address comments or upload revised plans if required. 6. Pay fees after approval and obtain the issued permit before work starts. 7. Request inspections through Inspection Services and keep the permit and approved plans available on site.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Mobile County, AL?
- The following work is generally exempt: Painting and redecorating; Changing countertops; Installing new cabinetry; Replacing light fixtures or ceiling fans where no rewiring is required; Replacing equipment that requires no rewiring; Erecting a fence 7 feet or less in height. Note: Confirm any claimed exemption with Inspection Services before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Mobile County, AL?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Mobile County Inspection Services.
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This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.