▼

Building Department

Show All Answers

1. How do I apply for a building permit for a new home?

Print out and complete the Building Permit Application. You will need to provide a dimensioned site plan showing the location of the building on the lot, as well as two complete set of building plans. Submit this information to the Building Department for review & for permit issuance before construction begins. You may also visit our forms & applications page for additional helpful information on permit submittal.
Building Permit Application

2. When is a building permit required?

A building permit is required for any new construction and when any changes are done to a structure to include room additions and major alterations such as windows, vinyl siding, roof replacement, etc. If you are unsure if a building permit is required, please contact our Permitting Staff at (256) 772-5644 before construction begins.

3. How long does it take to get a permit?

Once plans are submitted, new residential homes, additions, and alteration permits can take up to three days for the review process. Commercial plans typically require a 14-day turnaround period for permit issuance. With most trade permits it only takes a few minutes to process.

4. Do I need a permit for a sign?

Yes. You must fill out a Sign Permit Application and attach a drawing of the sign. Commercial signs must be reviewed by the Planning Department as well as the Building Department to ensure they meet zoning and building code requirements. For further questions regarding sign regulations, contact Sherri Blair, Zoning Administrator, at (256)772-5638.

5. Does the Building Department process permits online?

You can access most of our permit applications under Forms & Applications. When completed, these forms are set so they can be emailed to our Permitting Staff, and for your convenience, this will speed up your visit to our office. However, at this time, you must come to our office to pay for the permit. Forms & Applications

6. What methods of payments can be used to purchase permits?

Our office accepts cash, checks, Visa, and MasterCard.

7. How do I request an inspection on my construction project?

Please call our office at (256) 772-5644.

8. Will the Building Department do a Code Interpretation on construction plans or on a job site?

Absolutely. Please call us at (256) 772-5644 to schedule this.

9. Do I need a building permit for a detached residential structure?

For residential detached structures more than 200 square feet in size (including all floors if a two story building) and for commercial structures more than 120 square feet in size (including all floors if a two story building), a building permit is required.

10. Can I act as a contractor to build my personal home?

Yes. However, you must physically occupy your home for a period of no less than one year from the date the house was issued a Certificate of Occupancy. You will also be required at the time of permit issuance to sign an affidavit stating that you plan to occupy the residence. All work may be performed by the owner/builder with the exception of gas pipe installations. If the owner/builder hires someone else to do certain work such as plumbing or heating and air conditioning, then Alabama licensed contractors must be used and they must have a valid City of Madison license.

11. When should I contact the Code Enforcement Division regarding a property where grass is overgrown?

It shall be a violation for any person to permit grass & weeds to grow to a height in excess of 12 inches on any premises or lot owned by such person within the City.

12. Is a fence required around a residential pool?

Yes. For safety reasons, a 4 foot fence is required around pools.

13. What are the permit fees for a new house?

Permit fees for a new house are calculated by taking the heated square feet and multiplying by 1.2, and taking the unheated square feet and multiplying by 0.3. Add the sum of the two and you will have your permit cost.

14. What is considered an abandoned vehicle?

An abandoned vehicle is any vehicle without a current required license plate and tag or one that is inoperable, unused, stripped, scrapped, junked, discarded, dismantled, wrecked, on blocks or similar devices or with deflated tires.

15. Is a permit needed to advertise my garage sale?

No, there is no permit required for a garage sale. However, please keep in mind that signs such as garage sale signs are only allowed on private property with the permission of the property owner. No signs will be permitted on any utility pole, traffic signs or placed in a manner that will obstruct roadway vision. No signs including garage sale signs are allowed in the right-of-way at any time.