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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Montgomery
The city states a permit is required for most building, electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical projects. The building inspections page says permits are required to construct, move, enlarge, alter, demolish, repair, change occupancy, or erect a sign. Grading permits are required for land disturbance greater than 3,500 square feet or 24 inches deep, or where part of a larger development.
Like-for-like roof replacement where there is no change to roofing material, roof slope, support, or bracing does not require a permit.
Fences 3 feet or lower appear exempt based on the city FAQ stating permits are required for new or replacement fences over 3 feet in height.
- Exempt Like-for-like roof replacement where there is no change to roofing material, roof slope, support, or bracing does not require a permit.
- Exempt Fences 3 feet or lower appear exempt based on the city FAQ stating permits are required for new or replacement fences over 3 feet in height.
Required documents
- Online application; plans and supporting documents as applicable; commercial submittals require one digital set of plans; fences require a site plan; sheds and storage buildings require a property drawing showing dimensions and setbacks; portal registration for contractors requires state master contractor card, driver license, City of Montgomery business license, and general contractor license for jobs over $50,000.
- Building code
- The city inspection page lists enforcement of the 2024 International Building Code, 2024 International Residential Code, 2024 International Existing Building Code, 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, 2024 International Plumbing Code, 2024 International Mechanical Code, 2024 International Fuel Gas Code, 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, and 2023 National Electrical Code. The building inspections page also links Ordinance No. 41-2024 adopting and amending the 2024 IBC.
- Permit validity
- Permits expire if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement.
- Owner-builder
- Yes. The owner may act as contractor for his or her own home if the owner will physically occupy it for at least one year after the Certificate of Occupancy is issued and signs an affidavit. Owner-builders may perform all work except gas piping. If they hire others for plumbing or HVAC, those parties must be Alabama licensed and hold a valid City of Montgomery license.
- Contractor requirements
- City portal registration requires contractor credential documents. The city says permits and approvals help ensure licensed contractors perform the work. Owner-builder exceptions are limited as noted above.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Residential plans are typically approved within 5 working days; commercial plan approval is typically completed within 10 working days, with longer timing possible depending on circumstances.
- 01 Create an account in the City of Montgomery Online Permitting Portal. First-time users must register and provide required contact and inspection email information.
- 02 Select the permit type and complete the online application. The city FAQ says all required fields marked with an asterisk must be completed for the application to be accepted.
- 03 Submit plans and supporting documents as required. Commercial plans require one digital set and city-published commercial plan requirements; digital drawings are required for commercial permitting.
- 04 If other approvals are needed, the permit is routed through other city departments such as Land Use and plan review.
- 05 Pay permit fees by check or major credit/debit card. The city states it does not accept cash.
- 06 Once approved, the permit is issued. For inspections, requests are submitted through the portal or by phone.
Typical processing time: Residential plans are typically approved within 5 working days; commercial plan approval is typically completed within 10 working days, with longer timing possible depending on circumstances.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Montgomery building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Building base fee $75.00; electrical base fee $25.00; plumbing base fee $50.00; mechanical base fee $50.00.
02
Plan check fee
Building fee schedule states one- and two-family dwelling plan review first through fourth submittals are no charge. No separate public commercial plan review fee was identified on the reviewed fee sheet.
03
Permit fee formula
Building permits are generally valuation-based at 0.0025 x cost plus a city-limits license fee of 0.0025 x cost; some items are flat-fee. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical fees are trade-specific schedules with base fees plus unit charges.
04
Reinspection fee
Building reinspection is no charge for the first reinspection, $50 for the second, and $100 for the third and later. Electrical reinspection is no charge for the first, $25 for the second, and $50 thereafter. Plumbing and mechanical reinspection is no charge for the first, $25 for the second, and $50 thereafter. Work beginning before permit issuance is subject to a 100 percent fee increase on building, plumbing, and mechanical fee sheets; electrical late permits are charged at double the normal permit amount.
The city accepts checks and major credit/debit cards and does not accept cash.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Request inspections in the online permitting portal or call 334-625-2073. (online)
- Inspection hours
- Morning inspections 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM; afternoon inspections 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The portal home page says the department is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Typical sequence: Foundation/footings, underground trade inspections, combination slab/foundation as applicable, rough-in inspections for electrical/plumbing/gas/mechanical, framing, above-ceiling if applicable, final inspections, then Certificate of Occupancy where required.
Reinspection fees apply by trade as listed above. Address must be posted on site, commercial jobs must keep stamped plans and review letter on site, and no structural or concealed work may be covered before approval.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Montgomery permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Montgomery, AL? ▸
The city states a permit is required for most building, electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical projects. The building inspections page says permits are required to construct, move, enlarge, alter, demolish, repair, change occupancy, or erect a sign. Grading permits are required for land disturbance greater than 3,500 square feet or 24 inches deep, or where part of a larger development.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Montgomery, AL? ▸
Building permit fees in Montgomery, AL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Building base fee $75.00; electrical base fee $25.00; plumbing base fee $50.00; mechanical base fee $50.00.. Fees are calculated as: Building permits are generally valuation-based at 0.0025 x cost plus a city-limits license fee of 0.0025 x cost; some items are flat-fee. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical fees are trade-specific schedules with base fees plus unit charges.. Plan check fee: Building fee schedule states one- and two-family dwelling plan review first through fourth submittals are no charge. No separate public commercial plan review fee was identified on the reviewed fee sheet..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Montgomery, AL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Montgomery, AL, follow these steps: 1. Create an account in the City of Montgomery Online Permitting Portal. First-time users must register and provide required contact and inspection email information. 2. Select the permit type and complete the online application. The city FAQ says all required fields marked with an asterisk must be completed for the application to be accepted. 3. Submit plans and supporting documents as required. Commercial plans require one digital set and city-published commercial plan requirements; digital drawings are required for commercial permitting. 4. If other approvals are needed, the permit is routed through other city departments such as Land Use and plan review. 5. Pay permit fees by check or major credit/debit card. The city states it does not accept cash. 6. Once approved, the permit is issued. For inspections, requests are submitted through the portal or by phone.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Montgomery, AL? ▸
Building permit processing times in Montgomery, AL typically run Residential plans are typically approved within 5 working days; commercial plan approval is typically completed within 10 working days, with longer timing possible depending on circumstances.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Montgomery, AL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Montgomery, AL. The following work is generally exempt: Like-for-like roof replacement where there is no change to roofing material, roof slope, support, or bracing does not require a permit.; Fences 3 feet or lower appear exempt based on the city FAQ stating permits are required for new or replacement fences over 3 feet in height.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Montgomery, AL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Montgomery, AL via: Request inspections in the online permitting portal or call 334-625-2073..
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/alabama/montgomery-al/montgomery
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Montgomery Inspection Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.