Building Plans Examination
Return to the Department
of Inspection Services
Construction plans are reviewed to insure that the design meets all applicable codes. Plan review greatly reduces the number of construction mistakes that occur during the construction process. Many dollars can be saved if problems are caught at the review stage and not during the actual construction. Commercial plan review is only conducted at the Birmingham location, residential plan review is conducted at both Birmingham and Bessemer locations.
Fees - A non-refundable application submittal and plans-checking fee is paid at the time of submitting plans and specifications for checking. The fee is $1.00 per thousand or fraction thereof of the valuation. If a building permit is obtained from the County within nine months of the application submittal, the cost of the permit is reduced by the amount of the application and plans-checking fee. This fee is generally limited to commercial construction. Residential plans are generally reviewed at the time of permit application.
What plans need examination?
Any plan submitted for construction is reviewed.
How many plan sets are required
for this service?
Two sets of plans and specifications are required as applicable.
How long does it take for
this service to be completed?
Residential plan review is generally done while the permit application
is being completed. The length of time for a commercial project will depend
on the size of the project and the complexity of design. Generally, one
to two weeks is the time required depending on the size of the project
and the backlog of review in place.
Jefferson County Department
of Inspection Services
Jefferson County Courthouse
Room 208
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
