Frequently Asked Questions

• International Building Code, 2021 Edition 
• International Residential Code, 2021 Edition 
• International Existing Building Code, 2021 Edition 
• International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 Edition 
• International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition 
• National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition 
• International Mechanical Code, 2021 Edition 
• International Property Maintenance Code, 2021 Edition 
• International Pool and Spa Code, 2021 Edition 
• International Fire Code, 2021 Edition

• Permits are based on job valuation.  
• Read the Building Permit Fee Schedule (Ordinance 067-12, Section 4.2)

• Residential – Two sets 
• Commercial – Two stamped and signed sets and a digital set (PDF) 

Pelham has a ten business day turn around period for all commercial projects. For all residential projects, Pelham has a three to four business day turn around period.

• If associated with a General Contractor or Home Builders' Building Permit, trades such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas, roofing, and landscaping are required to purchase their own permit. 
• Trade permits are charged a flat $65.00 fee upon application approval.  

• Mechanical  
  • Complete the Mechanical Permit Application 
  • Obtain a Pelham Business License 
  • Provide proof of Current Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditional & Refrigeration Contractors Certification 
  • Permit fee: $65.00 
• Electrical 
  • Complete the Electrical Permit Application 
  • Obtain a Pelham Business License 
  • Permit fee: $65.00
• Plumbing
  • Complete the Plumbing Permit Application 
  • Obtain a Pelham Business License 
  • Provide proof of Current State of Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Certification 
  • Permit fee: $65.00 
• Gas 
  • Complete the Gas Permit Application 
  • Obtain a Pelham Business License 
  • Provide proof of Current State of Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Certification 
  • Permit fee: $65.00
• Roofing 
  • Complete the Roofing Permit Application 
  • Obtain a Pelham Business License 
  • Provide proof of Current Alabama Home Builders Roofing Certification 
  • Permit fee: $65.00 
• Landscaping 
  • Complete the Landscaping Permit Application 
  • Obtain a Pelham Business License 
  • Provide proof of Current Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries Certification 
  • $65.00 

• The contractor that holds the permit is required to call in for inspections. 
• Requests must be made by 4:00 p.m. the day before the inspection is needed.
• There is 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 205.620.6495 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. 

Yes. Read Ordinance No. 135-136. For more information, please contact the Zoning Department at 205.620.6543. 

The City of Pelham Sign Ordinance requires the issuance of a permit to erect, change or alter any type of sign. The square footage of the building determines the copy area and height. For more information, please contact the Zoning Department at 205.620.6543. 

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 do I obtain a permit?
You can find information about obtaining a permit in several ways:

• Email us your questions.
• Call the Building Department at 205.620.6495, and a member of the building department staff can walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
• View all permit applications.

For your new location in Pelham you will need to have an inspection done. 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 Pelham City Hall, 3162 Pelham Parkway, Pelham, Alabama 35124. 

• Yes. The City of Pelham requires inspections by the Building, Fire, and Police Departments. Inspections are conducted annually prior to renewing or issuing a business license.
• The inspection fee is $75.00 for mobile food units. To set up an inspection, please call 205.620.6495.

Complete the Garage Sale Permit Application.  The permit costs $10. You can submit for a garage sale permit no more than five days prior to the proposed garage sale. Each garage sale permit is valid for a period not to exceed two consecutive days. You are only allowed two garage sales per calendar year. 

Garage Sale signs are only allowed in your yard where the sale is taking place per the sign ordinance. For more information on signage, please contact the Zoning Department at 205.620.6543.