Roanoke, AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City of Roanoke corporate limits

Department

City Clerk and Building Official, as referenced in Ordinance Number 811

Address

809 Main Street, P.O. Box 1270, Roanoke, AL 36274

Phone

334-863-4129

Email

sholloway@roanokealabama.org for revenue and business license contact , the permit ordinance itself directs applications to the Building Official or City Clerk

Website

https://roanokealabama.org/

Application Process

1. Submit plans to the Building Official or City Clerk.
2. The city reviews the application, plans, specifications, and intended use.
3. Pay the applicable permit fee.
4. The City Clerk issues the permit after approval.

Source: City Clerk and Building Official, as referenced in Ordinance Number 811

General Requirements

Required before excavation, construction, accessory structures, storage of materials, temporary field offices, moving, alteration, or repair. Repairs that do not change the character of the structure and do not exceed 2000 dollars are exempt, along with painting and wallpapering.

Required Documents

• Plans, specifications, intended use, septic certificate from the county health department if septic applies, plot showing lot dimensions, site plan showing structure locations, and full construction drawings.

Permit validity

Permit becomes invalid if work does not start within 6 months or if work is suspended or abandoned for 6 months after work begins. Extensions up to 90 days may be granted in writing.

Building code

The ordinance refers to the city ordinance and regulations and to Southern Building Code Standards in the inspection provision. The specific current adopted code edition was not clearly stated in the excerpt reviewed.

Owner-builder

The ordinance requires owners and general contractors to furnish information to the Building Official or License Inspector. No separate owner-builder exemption list was published.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must comply with the city ordinance, provide required information, and obtain any separate trade or business licensing that applies.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Building permit fee starts at 65 dollars for the first 15000 dollars of valuation

Plan check fee

Not separately published in the ordinance excerpt reviewed

Permit fee formula

Valuation based for building permits; separate flat or unit fees for mobile homes and trade permits

Reinspection fee

Up to 100 percent of the usual permit fee for work started before permit issuance. Reinspection fee of 25 dollars if Southern Building Code Standards are not met on initial inspection.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Repairs not changing the character of the structure and not exceeding 2000 dollars in cost
• Painting
• Wallpapering

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Usual procedure listed as footing, framing, final for building; temporary pole, rough in, final for electrical; rough in, septic tank or sewer tap, final for plumbing; upon completion for gas; rough in and final for mechanical

25 dollar reinspection fee if initial inspection fails Southern Building Code Standards

Additional Resources

• Building code: The ordinance refers to the city ordinance and regulations and to Southern Building Code Standards in the inspection provision. The specific current adopted code edition was not clearly stated in the excerpt reviewed.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• City hall page
• Zoning map notice
• License lookup guide: Alabama Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Alabama Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Alabama hub: Alabama Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Roanoke Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Roanoke, AL?

Required before excavation, construction, accessory structures, storage of materials, temporary field offices, moving, alteration, or repair. Repairs that do not change the character of the structure and do not exceed 2000 dollars are exempt, along with painting and wallpapering.

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

The minimum permit fee is Building permit fee starts at 65 dollars for the first 15000 dollars of valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation based for building permits; separate flat or unit fees for mobile homes and trade permits. Plan check fee: Not separately published in the ordinance excerpt reviewed.

How do I apply for a building permit in Roanoke, AL?

1. Submit plans to the Building Official or City Clerk. 2. The city reviews the application, plans, specifications, and intended use. 3. Pay the applicable permit fee. 4. The City Clerk issues the permit after approval.

What work is exempt from building permits in Roanoke, AL?

The following work is generally exempt: Repairs not changing the character of the structure and not exceeding 2000 dollars in cost; Painting; Wallpapering.

Other cities in Randolph County