Semmes, AL — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Permitting and Inspections

Street address

City Hall - Building Department, One Main Street, Semmes, AL 36575

Phone

251-649-5752

permits@cityofsemmesal.gov

Coverage

The city states its jurisdiction for permitting, planning, and policing extends one half mile outside city limits. Confirm site-specific building jurisdiction with Semmes before filing.

Online portal

Municipal Online Payments

Additional resources

Permitting and Inspections ↗

§ 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.

Note: No concise exempt-work list was posted on the reviewed Semmes permitting page. Because Semmes publishes permit categories for most structural and trade work, applicants should verify any claimed exemption directly with the Building Department.

Required documents

Complete application
Architect- or engineer-stamped plans
Hard-copy and PDF plan sets
Subcontractor forms
Septic documentation (for certain projects)
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

Minimum permit fee

Refer to the current city fee schedule.

Plan check fee

Included in the published fee schedule by project type.

Permit fee formula

Mixed fee schedule by permit type, including valuation-based building fees and flat or unit-based trade and miscellaneous permit charges.

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

Building Department (in-person)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Time windows: Business hours.

Typical sequence: Inspections follow the approved permit and stamped plans. Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing inspection cards are published by the city for field use.

Source: Permitting and Inspections ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Semmes permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Semmes, AL? ▸

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.. 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 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: Building Department.

last verified April 2026 source Permitting and Inspections ↗ entry id permits/alabama/mobile/semmes

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Permitting and Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Semmes

Other jurisdictions in Mobile County.