County building permit guide
Madison County, Alabama building permits — complete guide (2026)
Madison County is one of Alabama's fastest-growing counties, driven by Huntsville's aerospace and defense economy. The county Building Department handles unincorporated areas; Huntsville operates its own online permit system with rapid processing due to high volume.
Avg cost: $125–$400
Processing: 1–4 weeks
~6K permits/yr
Fastest-growing AL county
$125–$400Avg permit cost
1–4 weeksProcessing time
~6,000Permits/year
LimitedADU-friendly
Ready to apply for your Madison County, Alabama permit?
County handles unincorporated Madison County. City of Huntsville uses its own permit portal separately.
Apply via Huntsville Building Permits ↗
Madison County, Alabama Building Department
Yes
Madison County Building Department
(256) 532-3627
Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:30pm CT
100 Northside Square, Huntsville, AL 35801
Online portal
Madison County is one of Alabama's highest-growth markets. Permit volumes have increased significantly — allow extra time for plan review during peak periods (spring and summer). Huntsville city permits and county unincorporated permits are separate systems.
Permit fees — Madison County, Alabama, 2026
| Permit type | Fee range | Processing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Construction | $500–$1,500 | 2–6 weeks | High demand — allow extra plan review time |
| Room Addition | $300–$800 | 2–5 weeks | Structural plans typically required |
| Roofing | $100–$250 | 1–3 days | Full replacement requires permit in city and county |
| Pool | $175–$400 | 2–4 weeks | 48-inch barrier fence required statewide |
| Deck / Patio | $100–$300 | 1–3 weeks | Structural plans for attached decks |
| Electrical | $75–$200 | 1–3 days | Licensed electrician required |
| Plumbing | $60–$175 | 1–3 days | Licensed plumber required |
| HVAC | $75–$200 | 1–4 days | High volume — AC replacement common |
| Fence | $50–$150 | 1–5 days | Height limits and setbacks vary by zone |
| Solar | $75–$175 | 1–5 days | Growing market; streamlined process in Huntsville |
How to get a permit in Madison County, Alabama
1
Determine your jurisdiction
If your property is within Huntsville city limits, apply to Huntsville Building & Construction. Unincorporated Madison County uses the county Building Department.
2
Check if plans are required
Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) rarely require plans. Structural work requires architectural drawings in both city and county.
3
Submit and pay fees
Huntsville has an online portal. County permits can be submitted online or in person. Fees are based on project valuation.
4
Inspections
Phase inspections required for structural work. Schedule 48 hours in advance through the city or county system.
5
Final inspection and CO
New construction and major additions require a Certificate of Occupancy before use.
Jurisdictions within Madison County, Alabama
Special zone requirements
Floodplain Areas
Creek corridors, low-lying areas
Several creeks cross Madison County. Verify FEMA flood map for properties near Limestone Creek, Indian Creek, or Flint River.
High-Growth Zones
South Huntsville, Madison city
Rapid residential development means plan review queues can extend 2–3 weeks during peak periods. Submit early.
Frequently asked questions — Madison County, Alabama
Is Huntsville a separate permit system from Madison County?
Yes. The City of Huntsville operates its own permit portal and inspection staff. If you are within city limits, apply to Huntsville, not the county.
How long do permits take in Huntsville?
Trade permits typically 1–3 days. Structural permits 2–4 weeks. High construction volume can push timelines longer during spring and summer.
Does Madison County have ADU rules?
There is no statewide Alabama ADU law. Huntsville has limited ADU provisions in its zoning code. Most unincorporated areas do not permit ADUs by right — verify with zoning before designing.
Can I build a pool without a permit?
No. All in-ground and above-ground pools over 24 inches require a permit in Madison County and Huntsville. A barrier fence is also required by state law.
US Census Bureau BPS 2024 · Madison County Building Department