County building permit guide
Mobile County, Alabama building permits — complete guide (2026)
Mobile County sits on the Gulf Coast and is Alabama's most active coastal construction market. The county Building Inspection Department handles unincorporated areas; the City of Mobile operates its own permit system through BuildMobile.org.
Avg cost: $125–$400
Processing: 2–4 weeks
~5.5K permits/yr
Gulf Coast county
$125–$400Avg permit cost
2–4 weeksProcessing time
~5,500Permits/year
LimitedADU-friendly
Ready to apply for your Mobile County, Alabama permit?
County handles unincorporated Mobile County. City of Mobile uses BuildMobile.org separately.
Apply via Mobile County Building Inspection ↗
Mobile County, Alabama Building Department
Yes (county)
Mobile County Building Inspection Department
(251) 574-8530
Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:30pm CT
205 Government St, Mobile, AL 36644
Accela
Mobile County is in a Hurricane Wind Zone. Wind-rated materials and hurricane straps are required on all new construction and major renovations. Coastal flood zones apply to properties near Mobile Bay and the Gulf.
Permit fees — Mobile County, Alabama, 2026
| Permit type | Fee range | Processing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Construction | $500–$1,500 | 3–6 weeks | Wind-rated construction required; hurricane straps mandatory |
| Room Addition | $250–$750 | 2–5 weeks | Wind zone compliance required on all additions |
| Roofing | $100–$300 | 1–3 days | High-wind rated materials required post-2006 |
| Pool | $175–$450 | 2–4 weeks | Barrier fence + coastal flood zone check required |
| Deck / Patio | $100–$300 | 1–3 weeks | Coastal setbacks apply near Mobile Bay |
| Electrical | $75–$200 | 1–3 days | Licensed electrician required |
| Plumbing | $60–$175 | 1–3 days | Licensed plumber required |
| HVAC | $75–$200 | 1–4 days | Wind-rated units required in coastal zones |
| Fence | $50–$150 | 1–5 days | Wind load requirements apply |
| Solar | $75–$200 | 1–5 days | Wind uplift calculations required |
How to get a permit in Mobile County, Alabama
1
Verify flood zone and wind zone
Mobile County is in a High-Wind Zone. Check FEMA flood maps for your parcel before designing. Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas have additional restrictions near Mobile Bay.
2
Determine your jurisdiction
City of Mobile uses BuildMobile.org. If you are in an unincorporated area, apply to Mobile County Building Inspection.
3
Submit application
County permits are submitted via the Accela portal or in person. Structural permits require wind-load calculations.
4
Pass inspections
Foundation, framing, rough-in, and final inspections required. Hurricane strap inspection at framing stage.
5
Certificate of Occupancy
Required for new construction and major additions.
Jurisdictions within Mobile County, Alabama
Special zone requirements
Hurricane Wind Zone
Entire county
All new construction must meet ASCE 7 wind load requirements. Hurricane straps and clips mandatory for roof framing.
FEMA Flood Zone AE
Mobile Bay shoreline areas
Post-storm surge flood maps require elevation certificates and flood-resistant construction in AE zones.
Coastal Setbacks
Beachfront and bay-front
Alabama Gulf Coast setbacks apply to properties within coastal zone management areas. Additional DEM permits may be required.
Frequently asked questions — Mobile County, Alabama
Do I need wind-rated materials for my roof in Mobile County?
Yes. Mobile County is in a High-Wind Zone under ASCE 7. All roofing permits require wind-rated materials (typically 130 mph or higher rated shingles or metal roofing).
What is the difference between Mobile County permits and City of Mobile permits?
The City of Mobile uses its own portal (BuildMobile.org). If your address is within city limits, apply there. Unincorporated Mobile County uses the county Building Inspection Department.
Is Mobile Bay waterfront construction subject to extra rules?
Yes. Properties near Mobile Bay may be in FEMA flood zones requiring elevation certificates. Coastal setbacks from Alabama DEM may also apply.
Can homeowners pull their own permits?
Yes for most residential work. Licensed electricians and plumbers are required for trade work. Owner-builders may pull the overall building permit.
US Census Bureau BPS 2024 · Mobile County Building Inspection Department