Do I Need a Permit?
Development Services Building
171 N Ross St
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(334) 501-3170 -
webcodes@auburnalabama.org -
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Are building permits necessary?
Before construction of a building or structure, an owner or the owner's builder, architect, engineer or agent shall submit an application in writing to the appropriate enforcing agency for a building permit. A permit is also required when the use or occupancy of a structure or portion thereof is changed.
A permit is not required for ordinary repairs. Ordinary repairs to structures may be made without permit, but such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the exit requirements; nor shall ordinary repairs including addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.
When is a license necessary to secure a building permit?
Residential
A person engaged in the construction of a residential structure must be licensed as a Residential Homebuilder with the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board of Alabama. A person engaged in the construction of a commercial structures must be licensed as a General Contractor with the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. The State of Alabama also requires a license when the cost of materials and labor for the repair or replacement of a residential roof is $2,500.
Do I Need a Building Permit?
The list below will give you a general idea if a permit will be required. There are a number of variations to any given project that may require the need for a permit that is not listed below. If you are unsure please contact us. If a permit is required, select the link for that particular permit or choose to return to the permit application page.
| Type of Work | Permit Needed ? |
|---|---|
| New Residential Home (Twin Home, Townhouse, etc.) | YES |
| Residential Interior Alteration | YES |
| Residential Addition | YES |
| Painting, carpet, trim work | NO |
| Finish Out Basement | YES |
| Accessory Structures, Detached Garages and Carports, Barns and Gazebos | YES |
| Deck (new or repair) | YES |
| Retaining walls with no surcharge that are less than 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of wall | NO |
| Retaining walls with no surcharge, that are greater than 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of wall | YES |
| Siding Replacement | YES |
| Swimming Pools | YES |
| Window replacement other than maintenance of broken glass | YES |
| Children’s playhouse or playground | NO |
| Roofing | YES |
| Carports and garages attached to the house | YES |
| Fences over 7 feet tall | YES |
| Commercial (new, addition, or alteration) | YES |
| Fire Sprinkler System (new, addition, alteration) | YES |
| Fire Alarm System, Commercial (new, addition, alteration) | YES |
| Commercial Cooking Hood | YES |
Do I need a Plumbing Permit?
| Type of Work | Permit needed |
|---|---|
| Adding or replacing fixtures that involve piping alterations | YES |
| Fixture Repair or replacement with no piping alterations | NO |
| Water Heaters | YES |
| Sewer | YES |
Do I need an Electrical Permit?
| Type of Work | Permit Needed ? |
|---|---|
| Site Pole | YES |
| Electrical Service or Upgrade | YES |
| New Construction | YES |
| Alterations that involve running new circuits | YES |
| Appliance replacement using plug in devices | NO |
| Repair or replacement of electrical fixtures with no new circuits | NO |
Do I need a Mechanical (HVAC) Permit ?
| Type of Work | Permit Needed ? |
|---|---|
| Duct Work Replacement | YES |
| Furnace or A/C systems replacement | YES |