County building permit guide
Montgomery County, Alabama building permits — complete guide (2026)
Montgomery County is Alabama's capital region. The City of Montgomery Building Inspections handles permits for the city; Montgomery County Building Department covers unincorporated areas. Both use the IBC/IRC 2021 code base.
Avg cost: $100–$350
Processing: 1–4 weeks
~3.5K permits/yr
State capital region
$100–$350Avg permit cost
1–4 weeksProcessing time
~3,500Permits/year
LimitedADU-friendly
Ready to apply for your Montgomery County, Alabama permit?
City and county share building inspection services through a unified department. Most residential permits handled online or in person at the main office.
Apply via Montgomery Building Inspections ↗
Montgomery County, Alabama Building Department
Partial
Montgomery City-County Building Inspections
(334) 625-2700
Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:30pm CT
103 N Perry St, Montgomery, AL 36104
Online / in-person
Montgomery County and the City of Montgomery operate separate permit systems. If your address is within Montgomery city limits, apply to the city Building Inspections office. For unincorporated county areas, contact Montgomery County directly.
Permit fees — Montgomery County, Alabama, 2026
| Permit type | Fee range | Processing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Construction | $400–$1,000 | 2–5 weeks | State capital market; lower fees than Birmingham |
| Room Addition | $200–$600 | 2–4 weeks | Plans required for structural additions |
| Roofing | $75–$200 | 1–3 days | Full replacement requires permit |
| Pool | $150–$375 | 2–4 weeks | Barrier fence required by state law |
| Deck / Patio | $100–$275 | 1–3 weeks | Structural plans for attached decks over 200 sq ft |
| Electrical | $75–$175 | 1–3 days | Licensed electrician required |
| Plumbing | $60–$150 | 1–3 days | Licensed plumber required |
| HVAC | $75–$175 | 1–3 days | Common permit — AC replacement |
| Fence | $50–$100 | 1–3 days | Height limits apply; verify with zoning |
| Solar | $75–$150 | 1–5 days | Growing market; standard IBC process |
How to get a permit in Montgomery County, Alabama
1
Verify your jurisdiction
City of Montgomery and Montgomery County share inspection services but have some separate processes. Confirm at the main office or via phone.
2
Determine plan requirements
Trade permits need minimal paperwork. Structural permits require site plans and drawings showing compliance with IBC/IRC.
3
Apply online or in person
The city has a partial online portal. Complex projects may require in-person submission at 103 N Perry St.
4
Pay fees and await approval
Fees are below average for Alabama. Trade permits approved quickly; structural permits 2–4 weeks.
5
Inspections and closeout
Required inspections: foundation, framing, rough-in trades, and final. CO required for new construction.
Jurisdictions within Montgomery County, Alabama
Special zone requirements
Alabama River Floodplain
Western Montgomery County
The Alabama River and its tributaries have floodplain designations. Verify FEMA flood maps for properties near the river or Autauga Creek.
Historic Districts
Downtown Montgomery
Several historic districts in Montgomery require additional review from the Historic Preservation Commission before permits are issued.
Frequently asked questions — Montgomery County, Alabama
Does Montgomery have online permit applications?
Partial online permitting is available for common permits. Complex structural projects typically require in-person submission. Check the city website for current online capabilities.
Are permit fees lower in Montgomery than Birmingham?
Generally yes. Montgomery typically charges lower permit fees per valuation dollar than Jefferson County or Birmingham. This reflects the difference in local cost of living.
What historic districts in Montgomery require extra review?
Downtown Montgomery, Old Cloverdale, and Garden District all have local historic preservation overlays. You need HPD approval in addition to a building permit.
Can I build a room addition without an architect in Montgomery?
Owner-prepared plans are accepted for simple additions in some cases, but most jurisdictions in Montgomery County recommend hiring a licensed designer for structural work to ensure code compliance.
US Census Bureau BPS 2024 · Montgomery County Building Department