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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Montgomery County
A building permit is required before construction begins for any structure in excess of 200 square feet in county jurisdiction.
Structures 200 square feet or less
- 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.
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
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Non-flood-prone permits cost $100.00 per structure if construction is begun within six months of issuance.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm the property is in unincorporated Montgomery County and outside the police jurisdictions handled by the City of Montgomery or Town of Pike Road.
- 02 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.
- 03 Submit the county building permit application to Montgomery County Engineering or the county building inspector.
- 04 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.
- 05 Pay the applicable permit fee. Non-flood-prone permits are a flat fee; flood-prone permits use the county sliding scale.
- 06 Receive the permit and begin construction within the published commencement window.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Montgomery County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$100.00
02
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.
03
Trade permit fee
Not separately listed; included in structure permit fee
04
Reinspection fee
If construction starts without first obtaining a permit, an additional $100.00 fee is charged.
05
Penalty (no permit)
Additional $100.00 fee if work begins without permit
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 334-832-1312 (building inspector) or 334-832-1310 (engineering office) (phone)
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Montgomery County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Montgomery County, AL? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Montgomery County, AL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Montgomery County, AL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Montgomery County, AL, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Montgomery County, AL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Montgomery County, AL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Montgomery County, AL via: 334-832-1312 (building inspector) or 334-832-1310 (engineering office).
last verified April 2026
source Montgomery County Engineering Department ↗
entry id permits/alabama/montgomery/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Montgomery County Engineering Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.