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

The following work is generally exempt: Painting; Wallpapering; Replacement of appliances; Temporary emergency repairs such as holes in walls or roofs caused by natural acts.

City Building Permits

Chatom, AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Chatom, Alabama. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Alabama Washington County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Chatom

Department: Building Official, with zoning administration under the Town of Chatom zoning ordinance
Address: 44 West Front Street, Chatom, AL 36518
Phone: (251) 847-2580 for Town Hall
Website: https://chatom.org/

Application Process

General Requirements

excavation or construction of any building or other structure, accessory structures, storage of building materials, temporary field offices, moving, alteration, or repairs exceeding $1,500 in cost, and repairs that change the character of a structure.

Building code: the published control reviewed was the town zoning ordinance; a separate adopted building code edition was not clearly published in the public materials reviewed.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Painting
Wallpapering
Replacement of appliances
Temporary emergency repairs such as holes in walls or roofs caused by natural acts

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: zoning compliance review, then permit issuance

Additional Resources

Building code: the published control reviewed was the town zoning ordinance; a separate adopted building code edition was not clearly published in the public materials reviewed.
Town home page
Departments page
Printable documents
Zoning ordinance
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 Building Official, with zoning administration under the Town of Chatom zoning ordinance before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chatom Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Chatom, AL?: excavation or construction of any building or other structure, accessory structures, storage of building materials, temporary field offices, moving, alteration, or repairs exceeding $1,500 in cost, and repairs that change the character of a structure.
What work is exempt from building permits in Chatom, AL?: The following work is generally exempt: Painting; Wallpapering; Replacement of appliances; Temporary emergency repairs such as holes in walls or roofs caused by natural acts.

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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.

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