Planning, Engineering & Permits: FAQ

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Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the overall role of the Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits (PEP)?

The Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits exists to provide public safety to the citizens of Birmingham through conservation and development of communities that reflect their values, support their livelihood, and bring them beauty by engaging our city at the highest professional standard of planning, design, and construction.

PEP staff members include licensed or certified professionals in engineering, architecture, building code, surveying, planning, zoning, historic preservation, and right-of-way procurement.  These public servants work to enforce codes and regulations, issue various permits for public and private property, execute projects, provide emergency responses, and undertake regular updates to the city’s comprehensive plan and its various components.

The Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits works closely with other departments at City Hall, as well as with other agencies and not-for-profit organizations performing public service.  Through a spirit of cooperation with these organizations and support from the Mayor’s Office, the department strives to improve its standard of service to Birmingham’s citizens and assist daily in the City’s neighborhood revitalization efforts.  This department also represents the City of Birmingham in a number of regional forums that pertain to shared resources or programs in transportation, watershed management, air quality, emergency response, land-use planning, and business recruitment and retention.

How Can I obtain more information about the City’s Comprehensive Plan or Framework Plan for my area?

Please visit www.imaginebham.com for updates on the City’s Planning efforts.

How do I find out if my property is located in a historic district or commercial revitalization district?

Please contact Urban Design Staff at 205-254-2479.

Zoning

How do I obtain information about my property’s zoning?

Zoning for properties within the City of Birmingham can be found by using the City’s Online Mapping Program located at: https://www.birminghamal.gov/online-mapping/

After determining which zoning district your property is in, you can find the zoning regulations which govern the property by accessing the City’s Zoning Ordinance located at: https://www.birminghamal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/PEPZNINF_ZoningOrdinance_0921.pdf

You may also visit our office in Room 210 of City Hall or contact zoning staff at 205-254-2478.

What is the Zoning Board of Adjustment?

The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) is a quasi-judicial board comprised of seven members, appointed by the City Council, representing disciplines such as architecture, construction and real estate. The concurring vote of two-thirds of the members present is needed to approve a request or to render a decision in an appeal. Since the ZBA is a quasi-judicial board, its decision can only be appealed to the Circuit Court of Jefferson County and, in accordance with state law, such an appeal must be filed within 15 calendar days of the date of the decision.

What Does the ZBA actually do?

The ZBA has four main responsibilities:

  1. To consider requests for a VARIANCE from the terms of the Zoning Ordinance when it is not contrary to the public interest.
  2. To determine whether to approve or deny an application for a SPECIAL EXCEPTION to normal zoning rules when such a use or development is specifically not authorized or limited in the zoning ordinance.
  3. To hear and decide APPEALS of the zoning ordinance when it has been alleged that there is an error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by a city official in the administration of the zoning ordinance.
  4. To consider requests for a MODIFICATION from the terms of the Zoning Ordinance when it is not contrary to the public interest.

What is a zoning variance?  

A variance is a departure from any provision of the City’s Zoning Ordinance for a specific parcel, except use, without changing the zoning ordinance or the underlying zoning of the parcel. A variance is intended to be granted on rare occasions, when demonstration of unnecessary hardship based on the review standards set forth in Chapter 9, Article VI of the Zoning Ordinance in relation to other properties in the same zoning district.

How do I know if I need to apply for a variance?

To determine if a variance is needed for your property or site proposal, please contact Zoning Staff at 205-254-2478. The property address, a survey, site plan and/or information on adjacent properties may be requested to determine the need for a variance.

How Do I File for a ZBA Case?

The Application process consists of two parts: the application and a site plan. Applications are available in Room 210 of City Hall at the main counter, can be emailed to you or can be downloaded on-line from the City’s website at www.birminghamal.gov . Staff will be glad to assist with completing the application.

The owner and applicant (if different) both MUST sign the application, and a detailed description of the proposed variance, special exception, modification or appeal must be listed. The hardship/justification MUST also be included with the request. If the request is for a variance, special exception, or a modification a site plan MUST be included with an application.

Once the Application and Site Plan have been completed, staff will accept your case and notify the appropriate neighborhood association, who will be expected to render a recommendation prior to the ZBA meeting date.

What is a Site Plan?

A site plan is a drawing or plan (minimum of 8 ½ by 11 inches in size) drawn to scale, that shows what is, or will be, placed or built on the subject property. The Site Plan MUST include:

  • Accurate property lines.
  • Location, size, and height of all existing and/or proposed structures.
  • Parking layout and maneuvering space as well as driveways and walkways.
  • Setback (front, side and rear yard) dimensions for all existing and/or proposed structures, including main buildings, accessory structures; and for a commercial or multiple family development, the site plan must show the dumpster location and landscaping.

When is the deadline to apply for a ZBA case?

The filing deadline is four weeks prior the next agenda date. This time period allows for staff to notify the neighborhood association of your request, send notices to adjacent property owners, and prepare a staff recommendation report for your request.

When and where will my ZBA Hearing be held?

The ZBA meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month (except November and December) beginning at 2PM in the City Council Chambers on the 3rd Floor of City Hall.

Is there a fee required when submitting an application for a hearing before the ZBA?

Yes. The application fee for a ZBA case is typically based on the zoning of the property. The application fee for property zoned Residential is $150 and the application fee for Non-Residential zoned property is $500. Appeals of the Director’s Decision are $300. Application fees are due at the time of filing.

How Long Does it take for my ZBA Case to be heard?

Once a completed application has been received, (“completed” means that all the information required has been provided) and all fees paid, your request should be heard by the Board within 4-5 weeks.

Is there anything I should do before filing my ZBA Case?

Please contact staff at 205-254-2478 to discuss the details of your request. Recommended revisions to your site plan may eliminate the need for a variance or modification.

If the Board approves my zoning case, when can I pick up my permit?

Unless there is additional information you are required to submit, the ZBA Staff Planner will finalize your case during the week following your hearing. Signed Resolutions are mailed or may be picked up at City Hall in Room 210.You may then take the resolution to the Permit Counter, also located in Room 210 of City Hall to continue with the permit process.

I have made an application for a ZBA case or rezoning. Do I have to be present at the hearing?

The applicant (typically the property owner) filing the appeal is expected to appear in person at the hearing. If you cannot appear, you may authorize someone to act on your behalf; however, your representative must be familiar with your request, business operation, and authorized to bind you or your organization to the decision of the Board particularly as it relates to any approvals with conditions.

If you or your representative cannot be present for your hearing, please contact staff as soon as possible to request a continuance.

If the Zoning Board of Adjustment denies my request, can I request a rehearing or reconsideration from the Board?

All applications for a rehearing shall be made in the same manner as are applications for original hearings. Any application for rehearing will be denied by the Board if it appears that there has been no substantial change in facts or physical conditions since the original hearing.

I was granted a variance but did not get the permits yet. Will my variance expire?

It is very important that you read and understand the conditions attached to your ZBA Resolution. In most cases, there is a condition that all permits or certificate of occupancy associated with your request is obtained within two years from the date of approval. If this time period, has expired, your variance approval will be considered invalid and you must file another application.

What does it mean to rezone property?

The rezoning of property is an amendment to the Official Zoning Map of the City of Birmingham by changing the zoning district of a property. A rezoning is a time-consuming process, usually initiated by the property owner, but at times may be initiated by the Birmingham Planning Commission and/or the City Council. Typically, the process begins when an undeveloped piece of property is planned for development, or a developed piece of property is proposed to be used for a use other than one permitted by the current zoning. Rezoning applications are heard by the appropriate neighborhood association, the Zoning Advisory Committee of the Birmingham Planning Commission, and the Planning and Zoning Committee of the City Council before a final decision is made by the City Council.

What is the Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC)?

The Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC) is a subcommittee of the Birmingham Planning Commission whose principal purpose is to advise the City Council directly on changes to the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning District map. The Committee recommends decisions on matters related to the physical development of land, restriction of uses, and the pattern of development for property within the city limits of Birmingham. For purposes of rezoning property from one zone district classification to another or amending the text in the Zoning Ordinance, the ZAC is an advisory committee only with the City Council, the legislative body of the City, having the final authority for approval.

When and Where Does the ZAC meet?

The ZAC meets the first and third Tuesday of each month beginning at 6:00 pm in the City Council Chambers on the 3rd Floor of City Hall. The ZAC has seven members and a quorum of at least four members is necessary to render a decision.

When is the deadline to apply for a ZAC action?

The filing deadline is four weeks prior the next agenda date. This time period allows for staff to notify the neighborhood association of your request, send notices to adjacent property owners, and prepare a staff recommendation report for your request.

How Do I know if I need to go before the ZAC?

You must appear before the ZAC when you will be:

  • Requesting a Rezoning of a parcel or parcels of land;
  • Requesting Development Plan Approval within a D-6, R-8, B-5, B-6, HID, PRD, MXD, I-3 or M-3 zone district;
  • Requesting an amendment of Q conditions previously adopted by the City Council in a zoning case;
  • Seeking site plan approval for a proposed development on property that has been rezoned where Q conditions have been imposed which require site plan review and approval by the Zoning Advisory Committee;
  • Requesting an amendment of development standards which have been imposed by Q conditions as a part of a zoning case; or
  • Requesting a text change of the regulations in the Zoning Ordinance.

What documents will I need to request a rezoning and be heard by the ZAC?

  • A completed ZAC application signed by the property owner;
  • A detailed site development plan or survey;
  • A business summary (if applying for commercial zoning) outlining the name of the business, days and hours of operation, no.# of employees, and brief description of business activities;
  • Legal description of the property (in some cases a legal survey); and
  • Any required maps, plans or studies for any significant or high impact development. 

How long does the rezoning process take?

On average, the entire rezoning process takes approximately three months. Once a completed application has been received, (“completed” means that all the information required has been provided) and all fees paid, your request should be heard by the Zoning Advisory Committee within 4-5 weeks and the final decision made by the City Council within approximately 10- 12 weeks. A rezoning request can be time consuming due the notification period for properties within 500 feet of the subject property and the statutory advertisement requirement prior to the final public hearing by City Council.

How much does it cost to rezone property?  

The rezoning application fee is based on the requested zoning of the property. The fees are as follows:

  • $750 for Residential district;
  • $1,000 for Multi-family districts
  • $1,250 for Commercial, Mixed Use, Manufacturing and Industrial Districts

Do I need to own my property in order to rezone?

Yes. You must provide proof of ownership in order to rezone property. If you are not the owner, you must obtain permission from the owner via a signed application or letter providing authorization to act on the owner’s behalf.  A rezoning application may also be initiated by the City Council, the Zoning Advisory Committee or the Birmingham Planning Commission.

What are “Q” Qualified Conditions?

Qualified Conditions are those conditions specified under the Qualified District related to a rezoning ordinance passed by Council. These conditions may limit uses allowed on the property and  may impose standards on the subject property with respect to buffers, ingress and egress, development plans, drainage, and environmental plans as well as other considerations that may be necessary to make the proposed development compatible with surrounding development.

My rezoning application was denied by the City Council, what do I do next?  

If you are an aggrieved party from the City Council’s action regarding your rezoning request, you may appeal their decision to Circuit Court. If you decide not to appeal, a reapplication for the same or substantially same amendment to the official zoning map previously disapproved by the Council, at a public hearing, shall not be accepted by the ZAC for a period of one year following Council’s last action; provided, however, the Council may, by resolution duly adopted, vote to either (a) reinitiate the proposed zoning amendment before the ZAC or (b) schedule a rehearing of the petition for the proposed zoning amendment before the Council.

What is the Subdivision Committee?

The Subdivision Committee is a subcommittee of the Birmingham Planning Commission.  The committee is composed of five members (a quorum of at least 3 members is necessary to render a decision) who review proposals for subdividing land, combining lots, vacating public rights of way or dedicating public rights-of-way.

When must you go before the Subdivision Committee?

A Subdivision Application must be submitted when you want to:

  • Subdivide a Parcel of Land on an existing lot;
  • Combine More than One existing Lot into one or more Lots;
  • Create a condominium (multiple owners on one lot);
  • Vacate Public Rights-of-way and combine into an Abutting Lot; or
  • Dedicate a public right-of-way.

When does the Subdivision Committee meet?

The Subdivision Committee meets in the City Council Chambers at 5:30 pm on the 2nd and 4th  Wednesday of each month except for the months of November and December.

How long does a Subdivision Committee action take?

Once a completed application has been received, and all fees paid, your request should be heard by the Subdivision Committee within 1-3 weeks. If the request includes a vacation, a decision will be made by the City Council within approximately 5 weeks after the Subdivision Committee’s decision.

What documents or materials will I need for presentation to Subdivision Committee?

  • The original plat map and (5) five copies
  • Vicinity map
  • Names and addresses of adjacent property owners (Declaration of Vacation for a Vacation of Public Right of Way)
  • Surveyor’s certificate if there are existing buildings on property
  • Any required maps, plans or studies for any significant or high impact development

What are the standard fees associated with a Subdivision Action?  

Filing fee                           $100.00

Legal notice                     $6.67 for each adjoining property   owner

Lot fees                              $5.00 per lot

$5.00 per acre

What are the fees associated with a vacation of right of way? 

The amount of the vacation fee will be one-third of the value, as determined by multiplying the assessed value per square foot of all lots or tracts abutting that portion of the public right-of-way proposed for vacation, times the square foot area of the right-of-way to be vacated divided by three.

The advertising fee is $2,500 and is due to the Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits.

Are Subdivision Cases Required to Go Before The Neighborhood Association?

Subdivision cases are not required to go before the neighborhood association unless it involves a new subdivision of more than 10 lots.

Who Do I contact regarding a subdivision action?    

Please contact Zoning Staff at 205-254-2478 and ask for the Subdivision Planner.

When and where does the Birmingham Planning Commission meet?

The Planning Commission meets on  1st Wednesday of each month at 8:30am in the Council Chambers located on the 3rd

Fence Permits

When are you required to obtain a fence permit?

A fence permit is required for any new or replaced fence and for fence repair and alterations.

What is the cost of a fence permit?

The fence permit application fee is $40; however, if a fence is installed without a permit, a penalty fee of $40 will be added to the permit cost.

Does the owner have to sign the fence permit application?

Yes, the owner’s original signature is required. If you are not able to get the owner’s signature, you may bring in a letter from the owner stating that you have permission to pull the permit or the owner may email zoning staff to provide permission.

Do I have to show proof of ownership to obtain a fence permit?

Yes. If staff is unable to verify property ownership with the best available data, a deed or other proof of ownership will be required.

What are the height requirements for fences?

For residential properties and for commercial properties abutting residential zoning, fences in the front yard cannot be higher than 4 feet (only the post may go up to 5ft). Fences in the side and rear yard cannot be higher than 8 feet (9 feet for post only).

Are chain link fences allowed in the front yard?

No, only in the side or rear yard.

What is required to obtain a fence permit?

The fence/wall permit application signed with owner’s original signature, a site plan including the layout of the property as well as the location, height and type of material used to construct the fence. In some cases, a survey of the property may be requested; and special reviews are required for fencing in the floodplain or historic district.

Zoning Letters

I am closing on a piece of property and an official zoning letter is required. Does the City provided this service?

Yes. Zoning Staff will be more than happy to provide certification of a property’s zoning classification. A Zoning letter request form can be picked up at the 2nd Floor Permit Counter or by calling zoning staff at 205-254-2478 to have a request form mailed or emailed to you. There is a fee associated with zoning letters which is defrayment of the cost to research the zoning. 

What does a Zoning Certificate Letter includes and what is the Cost?

A basic zoning certificate letter will include the property’s zoning classification, whether or not it is in a landslide area, historic district, commercial revitalization district or flood area. The cost of a zoning certificate letter is $50.  The turnaround time for zoning certificate letter is typically 2-3 business days.

What does a Zoning Information Letter include and what is the Cost?

A detailed Zoning Information Letter will include the property’s zoning classification, whether or not it is in a landslide area, historic district, commercial revitalization district or flood area. The zoning of the surrounding parcels, whether a use is permitted or not and indicate if there is any regulatory cases on the property such as a previous variance or rezoning action.  Zoning information letters can also be sued to certify the legal use of property or the status of a legal non-conforming use.  Certification of full zoning compliance will require submittal of additional information as well as a detailed, up-to-date as-built survey. A Zoning Information Letter is $100 and the turnaround time is typically 5-7 business days.

If I have multiple parcels I need to certify the zoning for, would I need to make a request for each parcel?

It depends if the parcels are abutting each other and have the same zoning classifications. Zoning staff will make that determination upon receipt of your zoning letter request form.

Floodplain 

How do I determine if my property is located in a floodplain?

Please contact Floodplain Management Staff at 205-254-2478 for a review of the flood maps to the determine the flood zone your property is in. A letter certifying the flood zone of your property may also be requested.

What type of work requires Floodplain Development Review Approval?  

Any development taking place in the 100 Year Floodplain. Development means any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavating or drilling operations, or storage of materials or equipment.

Where do I obtain a Floodplain Development Application?

A permit application may be obtained from the Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits, 2nd Floor, City Hall, Room 210, telephone number (205) 254-2904.

What are the requirements for a Floodplain Development Approval?

  • The applicant must completely fill out an application for Permit to Develop in a Flood Hazard Area.
  • All drawings must be submitted on 18 inch by 24 inch size paper minimum.
  • The drawings must include the following:
    • A site plan (including all required flood protection information);
    • An emergency response plan when using dry floodproofing for flood protection;
    • A No-Rise Certification/Analysis for floodway developments only;
    • A Base Flood Elevation determination for Approximate Zone developments only;
    • A copy of the variance resolution for flood-related granted variances.
  • All drawings that are for assembly must be sealed by an Alabama licensed architect or engineer.

Also, please note that floodplain development approval is contingent upon satisfactory demonstration that all applicable local, state, or federal requirements have been met. 

What Can I expect after my permit for work in a floodplain has been issued?

For new construction, prior to beginning any vertical work, you will be required to submit a completed Lowest Floor Elevation Form, signed and sealed by a Registered Land Surveyor, Professional Engineer or Registered Architect, and the issued yellow building permit card for review and approval by floodplain management staff. When approved, the yellow permit card will be signed and all construction work may resume. Also, for new construction, you will be required to submit a completed Elevation Certificate or Dry Flood-proofing Certificate signed and sealed by a Registered Land Surveyor, Professional Engineer or Registered Architect and the issued yellow building permit card for review and approval by floodplain management staff just prior to receiving final building inspection approval. When approved, the yellow building permit card will be signed and final building inspection may proceed.

For requirements on all other construction or development types, please contact Floodplain

Management Staff.

Business Licenses

What do I need to get a business license?  Contact the Finance Department at 205-254-2198

What is the cost for a business license?  Contact the Finance Department at 205-254-2198

Why do I have to go to the 2nd floor Permit Office when I am getting a business license? 

The purpose of going to the 2nd floor is for zoning staff to verify that the use that you are getting a business license for is allowed per the zoning ordinance.

Do I need a business license if I want to use my home as a home office?

Yes.  You would start at the finance department on the 1st Floor of City Hall and apply for a business license.  Finance staff will send you to the 2nd floor for zoning approval.  Zoning staff will provide you with a Home Office Agreement Form which you will sign and date.  You will also need to provide your driving license or state I.D card when applying for a Home Office Agreement.  It is important to note that zoning inspectors may conduct periodic inspection to insure compliance of the home office conditions.

Use of Property

What is a Communal Living Facility (CLF)?

A Communal Living Facility is a dwelling unit in which four or more unrelated persons are occupied a single housekeeping unit. The term Communal Living Facility (CLF) is a very large umbrella under which many various programs or housing arrangements are covered. Some such facilities or arrangements are commonly known as boarding houses/homes, rooming houses, recovery houses, transitional homes, sororities and fraternities, domiciliaries, and nursing homes. Whether or not there is a rental agreement or financial exchange is not a defining element as it relates to zoning. It is simply the number of unrelated persons occupying the dwelling unit.

Is my property zoned to allow a communal living facility?

All CLFs must be granted a Special Exception by the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) prior to operating. The Special Exception is granted when the Board finds that the use “will not tend to impair the health, safety, convenience or comfort of the public, including that portion of the public occupying the property immediately contiguous to the parcel of land which the modification concerns.” Further, the Special Exception can only be granted for property located within the following zoned districts: R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, M-1, D-4, D-5, D-6, MU-M, MU-H, MU-D or C-2 Finally, the facility cannot be located within 1000 feet (spacing requirement) of another facility.

For additional information on Communal Living Facilities, please contact Zoning Staff at 205-254-2478.

Can I repair cars at my home if they belong to me?

If your home is residentially, zoned, automobile repair is not allowed. This use is only permitted in commercial and industrial zoning classifications under certain conditions.

Can my neighbor park in the front yard of their home?

No. Parking in the required front yard is not allowed. Please contact Zoning Staff at 205-254-2478 to determine if a variance is feasible.

How many pets am I allowed to have at my home?

No person shall keep or maintain in connection with any dwelling unit more than four dogs or cats, except in the Agriculture Zoned District.

Is my property zoned to allow a childcare?

There are various types of childcare facilities (Family Day Care Home, Family Group Daycare Home, Childcare Center, and Accessory Childcare). Each type of facility has limitations on number of children, location, and zoning designation; and are only permitted if conditions are met. A Zoning Certificate of Operation is required for all Childcare facilities.

Please contact zoning staff at 205-254-2478 obtain additional information about establishing a child care facility.

Can I park my cars on the vacant lot next door?

No. A parking lot is not allowed as primary use in a residential zoned area, except when used by a commercially zoned use on an adjacent property.

Can I place a storage building on my property?

Yes, you can place a storage building on your property as long as there is a primary structure on the property, and it is placed in the rear yard and the square footage of the storage doesn’t exceed 150. If the storage is exceeds 150 sq. ft, a building permit for an accessory structure is required per the zoning ordinance.

Can I place a carport on my property?

Yes, you can install a carport on your property but, carports in any yard other than the rear yard shall be attached to the principal structure and shall be built of compatible materials to the principal structure. A building permit is needed to construct a carport.

I received a Zoning Violation Notice, what should I do?

If you received a notice from zoning regarding a possible violation occurring on your property, please do not ignore the notice. Contact zoning enforcement staff at 205-254-2479 to discuss a remedy.

Address Verification Services

Who needs an address?

Every house or building fronting upon a street of the city shall bear a number corresponding to the number of the block section comprised by the parcel of land upon which such house or building is situated.

Where do I obtain an address?

An address may be obtained from the Engineering Division of the Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits, City Hall, 2nd Floor, Room 210, 254- 2333.

What are the requirements needed to receive an address?

Individuals seeking an address for new construction must present a site plan, plus the parcel identification number. This information is reviewed by an Engineering Division staff person and an address is assigned.

How long does it take to get a new address assigned?

Assigning an address takes 3 – 5 business days.

Sidewalk/Driveway Permit

How do I know if I need a Sidewalk/Driveway Permit?

Anyone constructing a new driveway or sidewalk, or adding onto an existing driveway within the public right-of- way of any street within the city must receive a permit before starting work.

Where do I obtain a Sidewalk/Driveway Permit?

A Driveway or Sidewalk permit may be obtained from the Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits, Room 210, City Hall, 254-2333.

What are the requirements for a Sidewalk/Driveway Permit?

  1. The owner/contractor completes an application and submits three (3) copies of a site plan (Commercial). Residential driveways require a simple drawing detailing length, width and other driveway dimensions.
  2. You must have an inspector check your forms before the concrete is poured. Call 297-8272 or 29708036 to schedule an inspection.
  3. The applicant accepts all responsibility to assure that the proposed work is to be performed within the right-of-way and on the property to be served by the driveway.

What is the review process for a new driveway?

  1. Permits for residential driveways 15′ or less in width will be issued same day if there are no issues.
  2. All commercial driveways (and residential driveways over 15’ in width) are reviewed by the City Engineer, Chief Planner and the City Traffic Engineer. The review process takes approximately three (3) days.

Building Permit Services

Where is the building permit office and when is it open?

The City’s One Stop Permitting Office is located at City Hall in Room 210 at 710 20th Street North.  The office is open from7 am to 6 pm Monday-Friday.

I am doing work on my home, do I need a building permit?

Any work that is being done to a Single Family Residence with the exception of painting and roof shingle replacement, when no decking is being repaired or replaced requires a Building Permit as per the Technical Code of the City of Birmingham.

All commercial construction work regardless of size of the project requires a building permit as per the Technical Code of the City of Birmingham.

Where do I obtain a building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical or other types of permits?

Permits may be obtained from the Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits located in Room 210, 2nd floor of City Hall, telephone number 254-2211. Permit applications can be found here: https://www.birminghamal.gov/work/building-permits-permit-inquiry/

Can I get building permits online?

Not at this time, however all applications can be downloaded from the City’s website at the following link: https://www.birminghamal.gov/work/building-permits-permit-inquiry/

Can I meet with staff to discuss an upcoming project?

Pre-construction meetings are available upon request. These meetings will include the plans examiners, inspectors, zoning staff, engineering staff, Fire Marshal’s office and Chief Inspectors. Please call 254-2904 to request a meeting.

Where can I obtain the Building Permit Requirements?

You may contact Permit Counter staff at 205-254-2904 or download the Technical Code here: https://www.birminghamal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/2015TechnicalCodeAmendedClean.pdf

What are the submittal requirements to obtain a building permit?

The applicant must fill out a permit application, (3) sets of plans for Commercial Renovations unless they include exterior changes in a Design District, which would require (4) sets; New Commercial buildings require (4) sets and (2) sets of plans for Single Family Residential are required.

Drawings must be submitted on 18 inch by 24 inch size paper minimum.

The drawings must include a site plan, a floor plan, a typical wall section, foundation plan and a framing plan. A code review sheet is required for all commercial work (copies of the code review sheet are available at the counter or may be downloaded from our website www.informationbirmingham.com

All drawings that are for an Assembly or Educational Occupancy or if the work is being performed in a building 2,500 square feet or larger or is a change of Occupancy, must be sealed by an Alabama licensed architect or engineer.

What does the building permit process entail?

  1. The Property’s address must be obtained and/or verified by the Permit Counter staff at the Permits counter
  2. Zoning and Land use requirements such as: zoning, flood plain, design review districts, historic districts regulations and land slide areas must be reviewed by the staff at the front counter to determine if applicable and if further review / approvals are required.
  3. If plans cannot be approved by the counter staff then the applicant will be counseled on the requirements for approval.
  4. Once Zoning and Land use requirements are approved by the counter staff the plans are routed to Inspections and Fire Department plans examiners for compliance with applicable codes.
  5. The counter staff routes one set of plans to the Planning Division, (two sets if in a Design District), one set to Permits Division; and one set to the Fire Department.
  6. Once review is complete, the application will be contacted with instructions to obtain permit or revise plans as needed.
  7. Upon satisfactory completion of all inspections, a certificate of completion or certificate of occupancy may be issued.

How long does it take to have a building permit reviewed and issued?

The review period is ten (10) working days or less for commercial projects, two (2) working days or less for single family residences. Express Permit review of three (3) working days or less, that is available for commercial renovation projects less than 5,000 square feet. The plans will be reviewed and a permit issued if there are no violations found or a plan review letter sent if deficiencies are identified and are required to be addressed.

If there are Zoning or Land use issues identified that require further hearings for the property use the please refer to the Zoning brochure for further instructions.

What are the Building Permit Fees?

Construction project permit fees are $9.50 per $1,000 of the total cost as described in the Technical Code. $1.00 per 1,000 for State of Alabama on Commercial Permits. Valuation is based upon the latest International Code Congress’s most current valuation tables for new structures or the contract value, whichever is higher.

You may download a copy of the Technical Code from our website that gives further detail and also addresses stand alone permits. Please contact Permit Counter staff at 254-2904 for questions regarding fees. Please also keep in mind that all fees are subject to change.

Are there any other requirements before obtaining a building permit?

If earth is being disturbed, a soil erosion permit is required and may be obtained from the front counter Engineering Staff (please see Engineering’s guidelines). If dirt is being removed, a building permit cannot be issued until a soil erosion permit has been obtained.

If plumbing is being added or changed a copy of the sewer impact permit is required. The sewer impact permit is obtained from the Jefferson County Environmental Services. A permit cannot be issued until this is received, if applicable.

If the work is valued at ten thousand dollars, ($10,000 ) or more for a single family dwelling and the owner is not doing the work themselves, then a Home Builders Licensed Contractor is required … this is a State Regulation.

If the work is valued at Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) or more for a commercial job and the owner is not doing the work themselves, then a State General Contractors Licensed Contractor is required to obtain the permit… this is a State regulation.

As an owner, can I obtain a building permit without hiring a contractor?

If an owner is doing the building work and intends to obtain the Building Permit themselves, then they must sign an affidavit affirming that no building contractor is involved… this makes the property owner responsible. The subcontractors will still be required to obtain appropriate State License, if applicable

What if the contractor failed to pull a permit for work done on my home?

Where any work on a building, structure, elevator, escalator, or the fire protection, electrical, plumbing, mechanical or gas systems is commenced before obtaining the necessary permits, the permit fee required shall be doubled as a penalty fine for performing work without a permit. This double fee penalty is attached to the property.

Who do we call about neighbors working on house without permit?  Can this be anonymous?

If you suspect work is being done without a permit, please obtain the property address and report this information to our Permit Dispatch Office at 254-2211. An inspector will be called to investigate the report. Complaints can be provided anonymously.

Bidding Opportunities

How do I find out about current bids?

City of Birmingham Bidding Opportunities can be found here: http://birminghambids.algraphics.com/View/Default.aspx

Engineering Services

Our street is flooding because of a blocked storm drain. What should I do?

Please call 311 from any phone in the Birmingham area or dial 205-254-CITY.

How do I report a pothole or a street that needs to be resurfaced?

Please call 311 from any phone in the Birmingham area or dial 205-254-CITY.