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City building permits

City of Birmingham (Shelby County portion)

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

Last verified
April 2026
On this page 5
§ 01

Permit authority

City of Birmingham Building Office

Coverage
Birmingham administers permits citywide, including its Shelby County portion.
Online portal
City of Birmingham
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Birmingham (Shelby County portion)

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

Contractor requirements
Alabama state licensing plus local city requirements likely apply.
§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

  1. 01
    Verify the parcel is inside Birmingham city limits in Shelby County.
  2. 02
    Route permit application through the Birmingham permit office rather than Shelby County.
  3. 03
    Submit plans, contractor information, and trade details as required by city review.
  4. 04
    Pay city fees and obtain permit.
  5. 05
    Schedule city inspections.

Source: City of Birmingham Building Office ↗

§ 04

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule
  • Birmingham city permit office (in-person)

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

§ 05

Frequently asked

Common questions about Birmingham (Shelby County portion) permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Birmingham (Shelby County portion), AL?
City-regulated building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and related work.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Birmingham (Shelby County portion), AL?
To apply for a building permit in Birmingham (Shelby County portion), AL, follow these steps: 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.
03 How do I schedule a building inspection in Birmingham (Shelby County portion), AL?
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Birmingham (Shelby County portion), AL via: Birmingham city permit office.
last verified April 2026 source City of Birmingham Building Office ↗ entry id permits/alabama/shelby/birmingham

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Birmingham Building Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.