Montgomery County, AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

County permits apply outside the police jurisdictions of the City of Montgomery and the Town of Pike Road. County pages are inconsistent about the exact Pike Road police-jurisdiction distance; boundary confirmation should be obtained before filing.

Department

Montgomery County Engineering Department

Address

100 South Lawrence Street, 2nd Floor, Montgomery, AL 36104

Phone

334-832-1312 (building inspector); 334-832-1310 (main engineering office)

Website

https://www.mc-ala.org/departments/engineering/building-permits

Application Process

1. Confirm the property is in unincorporated Montgomery County and outside the police jurisdictions handled by the City of Montgomery or Town of Pike Road.
2. Determine whether the site is in a flood-prone area. The county states its Flood Plain Administrator or agent will classify the site as flood-prone, outside flood-prone area, or undetermined.
3. Submit the county building permit application to Montgomery County Engineering or the county building inspector.
4. If the site is flood-prone, provide an elevation certificate and no-rise certificate by a certified engineer, and design the first floor at least 2 feet above base flood elevation.
5. Pay the applicable permit fee. Non-flood-prone permits are a flat fee; flood-prone permits use the county sliding scale.
6. Receive the permit and begin construction within the published commencement window.

Source: Montgomery County Engineering Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required before construction begins for any structure in excess of 200 square feet in county jurisdiction.

Required Documents

• County building permit application
• If in a flood-prone area: elevation certificate by a certified engineer
• If in a flood-prone area: no-rise certificate by a certified engineer
• Flood-prone structures must be elevated at least 2 feet above base flood elevation

Permit validity

Non-flood-prone permits cost $100.00 per structure if construction is begun within six months of issuance.

Building code

Section 105 of the Standard Building Codes as cited in the county fee schedule resolution. County requires compliance with the Montgomery County Floodplain Prevention Ordinance effective December 16, 2025 for flood-prone construction.

Contractor requirements

No county-specific contractor licensing summary located on reviewed county permit pages. Alabama state and local trade licensing should be verified before filing.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$100.00

Permit fee formula

Non-flood-prone permits: $100.00 per structure. Flood-prone permits: sliding scale tied to structure cost, beginning at $100.00 up to $3,000 and scaling upward by valuation tiers.

Trade permit fee

Not separately listed; included in structure permit fee

Reinspection fee

If construction starts without first obtaining a permit, an additional $100.00 fee is charged.

Penalty (no permit)

Additional $100.00 fee if work begins without permit

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Structures 200 square feet or less

Important: No broader county exemption list located in reviewed sources. Confirm specific work types with the Montgomery County Engineering Department.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 334-832-1312 (building inspector) or 334-832-1310 (engineering office) (phone)

Additional Resources

• Building code: Section 105 of the Standard Building Codes as cited in the county fee schedule resolution. County requires compliance with the Montgomery County Floodplain Prevention Ordinance effective December 16, 2025 for flood-prone construction.
• Engineering Contact Page
• Permits and Licenses Page
• Property Development Page
• License lookup guide: Alabama Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Alabama Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Alabama hub: Alabama Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Montgomery County, AL?

A building permit is required before construction begins for any structure in excess of 200 square feet in county jurisdiction.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Montgomery County, AL?

The minimum permit fee is $100.00. Fees are calculated as: Non-flood-prone permits: $100.00 per structure. Flood-prone permits: sliding scale tied to structure cost, beginning at $100.00 up to $3,000 and scaling upward by valuation tiers..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Montgomery County, AL?

1. Confirm the property is in unincorporated Montgomery County and outside the police jurisdictions handled by the City of Montgomery or Town of Pike Road. 2. Determine whether the site is in a flood-prone area. The county states its Flood Plain Administrator or agent will classify the site as flood-prone, outside flood-prone area, or undetermined. 3. Submit the county building permit application to Montgomery County Engineering or the county building inspector. 4. If the site is flood-prone, provide an elevation certificate and no-rise certificate by a certified engineer, and design the first floor at least 2 feet above base flood elevation. 5. Pay the applicable permit fee. Non-flood-prone permits are a flat fee; flood-prone permits use the county sliding scale. 6. Receive the permit and begin construction within the published commencement window.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Montgomery County, AL?

The following work is generally exempt: Structures 200 square feet or less. Note: No broader county exemption list located in reviewed sources. Confirm specific work types with the Montgomery County Engineering Department.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Montgomery County, AL?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 334-832-1312 (building inspector) or 334-832-1310 (engineering office).