Decatur, AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City limits and city permit authority; building department also handles zoning ordinance enforcement and floodplain management

Department

Building Department, City of Decatur

Address

402 Lee Street NE, Fourth Floor, Decatur, AL 35601

Phone

(256) 341-4570 for building; commercial permits (256) 341-4583

Email

building@decatur-al.gov

Website

https://www.cityofdecatural.com/departments/building-department/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

General Requirements

New construction, additions, repairs/remodeling, signs, fuel gas systems, HVAC units, electrical repairs, demolition, and CO issuance-related work

Required Documents

• Plot plan/survey, residential framing plans and elevations for new homes, and commercial design documents as applicable

Permit validity

Commercial submittals are discarded if the approved permit is not purchased within 180 days; other validity terms not fully stated in the public pages reviewed

Building code

Adopted building and construction codes page lists IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IECC 2009, IFC 2009, IMC 2009, IFGC 2009, IPC 2009, ICC electrical administrative provisions 2006, NEC 2008, and related ordinances

Contractor requirements

Building department references contractor licensing; sub-trade schedules and licensing docs are used, and licensed professionals are expected for many commercial projects

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$10 permit issuance fee is added to applicable permits; demolition fee is valuation-based

Permit fee formula

Residential one and two family permit fees are by Code of Decatur sections 7-57.1 and 7-57.2; commercial permit fees use total contract value and fee table; sub-trades use contract value and fee table

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Department, City of Decatur to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Not fully published on the pages reviewed; inspection activity is tied to permit issuance and final CO review (contact)

Inspection hours

Building office hours are Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Plan review, permit issuance, field inspections, final inspection, final survey, then CO if required

Additional Resources

• Building code: Adopted building and construction codes page lists IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IECC 2009, IFC 2009, IMC 2009, IFGC 2009, IPC 2009, ICC electrical administrative provisions 2006, NEC 2008, and related ordinances
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Other useful links
• Other useful links
• Other useful links
• License lookup guide: Alabama Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Alabama Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Alabama hub: Alabama Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Decatur Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Decatur, AL?

New construction, additions, repairs/remodeling, signs, fuel gas systems, HVAC units, electrical repairs, demolition, and CO issuance-related work

How much does a building permit cost in Decatur, AL?

The minimum permit fee is $10 permit issuance fee is added to applicable permits; demolition fee is valuation-based. Fees are calculated as: Residential one and two family permit fees are by Code of Decatur sections 7-57.1 and 7-57.2; commercial permit fees use total contract value and fee table; sub-trades use contract value and fee table.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Decatur, AL?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Not fully published on the pages reviewed; inspection activity is tied to permit issuance and final CO review.

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