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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Shelby County
New construction, additions, manufactured home placement, new meters, and most structural work routed through county review.
Required documents
- Permit application
- Plot plan
- Foundation survey
- Zoning verification
- Parcel ID
- Owner/applicant contact information
- Project description
- Contractor details
- Contractor requirements
- Alabama state trade and general contractor/home builder licensing applies where applicable; county forms expect contractor information.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm jurisdiction and whether the property is in unincorporated Shelby County or a county-routed municipality.
- 02 Obtain zoning verification and foundation survey approval where required.
- 03 Submit building permit application, plans, plot plan, and contractor information to Development Services.
- 04 Pay permit fees after review.
- 05 Receive permit and schedule inspections through the county office.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Development Services (in-person)
Typical sequence: Foundation/site related approval, trade rough-ins as applicable, final inspection.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Shelby County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Shelby County, AL? ▸
New construction, additions, manufactured home placement, new meters, and most structural work routed through county review.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Shelby County, AL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Shelby County, AL, follow these steps: 1. Confirm jurisdiction and whether the property is in unincorporated Shelby County or a county-routed municipality. 2. Obtain zoning verification and foundation survey approval where required. 3. Submit building permit application, plans, plot plan, and contractor information to Development Services. 4. Pay permit fees after review. 5. Receive permit and schedule inspections through the county office.
03 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Shelby County, AL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Shelby County, AL via: Development Services.
last verified April 2026
source Shelby County Department of Development Services ↗
entry id permits/alabama/shelby/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Shelby County Department of Development Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.