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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. 

2. I received a stop work order - now what?

Why do I need a permit to do work on my own property?

The City has adopted a comprehensive set of building codes that must be followed on construction projects within the City. These building codes govern the design, construction, alterations, and maintenance of structures. Building codes establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the building's occupants. The permitting process is designed to allow the City to ensure that work is in compliance with the building codes.  It also allows the City to ensure that contractors working in the City are properly licensed. 

Why was a Stop Work Order issued?

Stop Work Orders are issued by the City of Pelham when work is ongoing that does not conform to the City’s Code of Ordinances. The most common reason for a Stop Work Order being issued is for ongoing construction work not being properly permitted. The reason a Stop Work Order was issued on your property is listed on the Order. 

How much does a permit cost?

For new construction, the City charges a permitting fee. In response to large-scale events such as a tornado or a flood, the City will often waive all permitting fees. 

How do I obtain a permit?

You can find information about obtaining a permit in several ways:

1. Call the Building Department at 205.620.6409 and a member of the building department staff can walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
2. Email us your questions.

   3. All permit applications can be found here.

3. 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 new business inspection request form will need to be completely filled out and returned to our office, or it can be emailed to us. 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 an 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 it to PO Box 1479 Pelham, AL 35124 Attn: Building Department.

4. How do I get a garage sale permit? How much are they? How far in advance can I apply for one?

Garage sale permits are $10. The garage sale application can be found here. It can be emailed to us once complete, or you can drop it off in person. Our office is located at the Water Works building on the 2^nd floor, 3111 Cummings St. Pelham, AL 35124. 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.

5. 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.

View the Sign Permit Application.

6. Does the City of Pelham have a landscaping ordinance?

Yes, Ordinance No. 135-136. For a copy please contact us at 205-620-6411.

7. 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 205.620.6409 or 205.620.6451 until 4:00 pm. 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 permits. 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. 

Effective April 1, 2021, there will be a $50.00 first re-inspection fee for all inspections that are set up but not ready at said time and have to be rescheduled. Costs increase to $75.00 for a second re-inspection and $100.00 for a third re-inspection. This also applies to inspections that do not pass and have to be rescheduled. Your City of Pelham Building Permit Card has to be located on your job site in a waterproof enclosure and visible from the front of the structure being built. Failure to display your building permit card as outlined will result in no inspection and a $50.00 re-inspection fee. This permit card will reflect the status of your job; if the inspector signs and dates the approval of the inspection, continue with work or call 205.620.6411 and ask about the status of the inspection. If the inspection is turned down, the contractor will be charged a re-inspection fee, and the inspector will call the contractor to advise what needs to be fixed. All contractors are given ten (10) business days to pay for re-inspection fees. All re-inspection fees must be paid before a final inspection can be scheduled.

8. Is a contractor required to be certified by the contractor's board to do commercial construction?

Yes, this is a state requirement.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.