Jefferson
County Department of Inspection Services
Building Permits
Fees
on this site are subject to change. Please contact the Department of Inspection
Services at (205) 325-5145 for official values.
Return to the Department
of Inspection Services
The Jefferson County Department of Inspection Services is responsible for issuing building permits. Separate permits are required for:
(1) Building
(2) Miscellaneous construction
(3) Demolition
(4) Structure Moving
(5) Plumbing
(6) Gas
(7) Electrical Work
Fees - The cost of the requested permit is calculated at the time of permit issuance according to these guidelines:
- For a building permit where the valuation does not exceed $250.00, no fee shall be required unless an inspection is necessary, in which case there is a $20.00 fee (minimum permit fee)
- For a valuation over $250.00 up to and including $2,000.00 - $20.00
- For a valuation over $2,000.00 - $7.00 per thousand or fraction thereof
- Moving a structure - $100.00
- Demolish a building or structure - $35.00
- Erect a Group A tent - $20.00
- Erect a sign - $7.00 per thousand or fraction thereof the total valuation
When are permits required
?
Permits are required of any owner, authorized agent or contractor who
desires to:
- Construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure
- Erect or construct a sign of any description
- Install or alter fire extinguishing apparatus, elevators, engines
- Install a steam boiler, furnace, heater, incinerator heat-producing apparatus, or other
What information is required
from other departments prior to obtaining a permit?
Approval is required from the Jefferson County Health Department if a
project is to be located on a septic system.
The Jefferson County Environmental Services Department requires a sewer
impact fee if the project will be connected to the Jefferson County sewer
system.
A zoning approval number is required from the Land Development Department
before any building permit can be issued.
Who can legally obtain a
permit?
- A licensed General Contractor
- A licensed homebuilder
- A homeowner building their own home
- A master plumber, master gas fitter or master electrician holding a valid card and bonded in Jefferson County
- Homeowners can obtain plumbing and electrical permits under special conditions
How do I pay for a permit?
The cost of the permit is calculated by the plans examiners at the time
of permit issuance and the purchase can be made by check or cash.
Where can I obtain a permit?
Permits may be obtained at either the Birmingham or Bessemer Inspection
Services offices.
What additional fees might
I expect to be charged and why?
Three inspections are generally included in the cost of each permit. When
additional inspections are required due to faulty materials, equipment,
apparatus or workmanship, re-inspection fees are charged at a progressive
rate as follows:
1st re-inspection - $15.00
2nd re-inspection - $30.00
All additional re-inspections - $50.00
How can I become a plumbing,
electrical or gas contractor in Jefferson County?
Plumbing Contractor' State of Alabama Requirements - Any person,
firm, or corporation engaged in or proposing to engage in the business
of doing, or contracting to do, or superintending the installation of
plumbing, either or both, must be qualified as set forth in Statutory
Law and rules of the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board
Title 34 Chapter 37 Section 1-18 of the 1997 Regular Session of the Alabama
Legislature. A business license shall be obtained from the City, County
and State as required and proper bond posted.
Gas Fitters State of Alabama Requirements - Any person, firm, or
corporation engaged in or proposing to engage in the business of doing,
or contracting to do, or superintending the installation of gas fitting,
gas systems or gas work, either or both, must be qualified as set forth
in Statutory Law and rules of the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining
Board Title 34 Chapter 37 Section 1-18 of the 1997 Regular Session of
the Alabama Legislature. A business license shall be obtained from the
City, County and State as required and proper bond posted.
Electrical Contractor - Before any person, firm or corporation shall engage in the electrical business within Jefferson County, they shall be a qualified master electrician as set forth in the electrical code of Jefferson County, a business license shall be obtained from the City, County and State as required and proper bond posted.
How do I become bonded in
Jefferson County?
The electrical, plumbing or gas contractor should maintain continuously
and file with Jefferson County a bond in the sum of five thousand dollars
($5,000.00) with a bonding company duly authorized to do business in Alabama.
Jefferson County Department
of Inspection Services
Jefferson County Courthouse
Room B200
716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd North
Birmingham, AL 35203
Or
Jefferson County Department of Inspection Services
Bessemer Courthouse
Room 105
1801 3rd Avenue
Bessemer, AL 35020
