Pelham, AL

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Building Department

1. How much will my permit cost?: Please see Building Permit Fee Schedule. Also, if you are dealing with commercial properties, there is a State Craft Fee we add with the permit cost. The State Craft Fee is charged $1 for every $1,000. For more information about the State Craft Fee please contact the permit clerk. Building Permit Fee

2. My business is moving into a new building, what do I need to do? How do I get my water turned on?: Welcome to Pelham! For your new location in Pelham you will need to have an inspection done. The business occupancy inspection request forms will need to be completely filled out and returned. We perform a life safety inspection, on "new/added" location businesses to be sure nothing has been added without a permit, no loose wires, life safety items in place, etc. Once the business occupancy inspection request forms are returned we will start the internal zoning approval process. When we have zoning approval, we will accept payment for the inspection fee and set up inspection on the day and time you choose. The building & fire inspectors will inspect in person at the time and day you choose, pending availability. Forms of payment we accept are cash, check and card. However, if you use card (debit/credit) it will charge an extra $3 as a processing fee and we do not accept American Express. Our office is located at the Water Works building on the 2^nd floor, 3111 Cummings St. Pelham, AL 35124. If you want to mail everything, please mail to PO Box 1479 Pelham, AL 35124 Attn: Building Department.
Business Occupancy Inspection Request Form (PDF)

3. How do I get a garage sale permit? How much are they? How far in advance can I apply for one?: Our office is located at the Water Works building on the 2^nd floor, 3111 Cummings St. Pelham, AL 35124. The garage sale application is listed on Pelham’s website, it can be emailed to us, permits@pelhamalabama.gov. You can submit for a garage sale permit no more than 5 days prior to the proposed garage sale. Each garage sale permit is valid for a period not to exceed 2 consecutive days. You are only allowed 2 garage sales per calendar year.

4. Is there a permit required for signage?: The City of Pelham Sign Ordinance requires the issuance of a permit to erect, change or alter any type sign. The square footage of the building determines the copy area and height allowed for signs. A plot plan will be needed for any pole sign or monument sign. The permit fee is based on the cost of improvement.

5. Does the City of Pelham have a landscaping ordinance?: Yes, Ordinance No. 135-136. For a copy please contact us at 205-620-6411.

6. How can I request an inspection with the City of Pelham?: To set up an inspection call 205-620-6411. To talk with the inspector, call 620-6409 or 620-6451 until 4 p.m. When requesting an inspection provide the permit number and address. All inspections must be set up 24 hours in advance. Please leave a contact number. The inspector will call if there are any questions concerning the inspection. A subcontractor/suppliers list is to be submitted to the Building Department as soon as possible after purchasing permit. A framing inspection will not be scheduled until this form has been returned and all subs/suppliers have been reviewed for a license with the City of Pelham. There is a $50 re-inspection fee if an inspection is set up and is not ready or does not pass.

7. Is a contractor required to be certified by the contractor's board to do commercial construction?: Yes, this is a state requirement.

8. What is the time frame when submitting plans to obtaining building permit?: Pelham has a 10 business day turn around period for all commercial projects. For all residential projects, Pelham has a 3-4 business day turn around period.

9. How many sets of plans are required for construction?: Two sets of complete drawings are required for residential construction. Two sets of complete, stamped and signed, drawings for commercial construction. If civil plans are needed for commercial projects, three sets of complete stamped and signed.

10. What are the City of Pelham codes dealing with buildings, construction, and related activities?: For a full list of codes used by the City of Pelham, please see the Building and Codes page.