How do I schedule a building inspection in Birmingham (Shelby County portion), AL?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Birmingham city permit office.

City Building Permits

Birmingham (Shelby County portion), AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Birmingham (Shelby County portion), Alabama. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Alabama Shelby County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Birmingham administers permits citywide, including its Shelby County portion.

Department: City of Birmingham Building Office
Website: https://www.birminghamal.gov/

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Birmingham

Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Shelby County Municipalities

Application Process

Verify the parcel is inside Birmingham city limits in Shelby County.
Route permit application through the Birmingham permit office rather than Shelby County.
Submit plans, contractor information, and trade details as required by city review.
Pay city fees and obtain permit.
Schedule city inspections.

Source: City of Birmingham Building Office

General Requirements

City-regulated building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and related work.

Contractor requirements: Alabama state licensing plus local city requirements likely apply.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Birmingham Building Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Birmingham city permit office (in-person)

Typical inspection sequence: Rough and final inspections by trade and discipline.

Additional Resources

Zoning information: View zoning info
Shelby County Municipalities
License lookup guide: Alabama Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Alabama Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Alabama hub: Alabama Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Birmingham Building Office before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham (Shelby County portion) Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Birmingham (Shelby County portion), AL?: City-regulated building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and related work.
How do I apply for a building permit in Birmingham (Shelby County portion), AL?: 1. Verify the parcel is inside Birmingham city limits in Shelby County. 2. Route permit application through the Birmingham permit office rather than Shelby County. 3. Submit plans, contractor information, and trade details as required by city review. 4. Pay city fees and obtain permit. 5. Schedule city inspections.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Birmingham (Shelby County portion), AL?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Birmingham city permit office.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Birmingham (Shelby County portion) can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

Other cities in Shelby County

Unincorporated Area Alabaster Calera Chelsea Columbiana Harpersville Helena Hoover Indian Springs Village Leeds Montevallo Pelham Vestavia Hills Vincent Westover Wilsonville Wilton

View all Shelby County jurisdictions →