Building Permits in Mobile

Mobile's construction permitting is administered through Build Mobile / Inspections under City-adopted construction codes and amendments.

Adopted Codes

Mobile adopted the 2021 International Building Code with City amendments in November 2022, effective 60 days after adoption. The City's coordinated code update identifies the 2021 IBC, IRC, IEBC, IMC, IPC, IFGC, IFC and Property Maintenance Code, together with the 2020 National Electrical Code. The City's annual report identifies these codes as effective January 7, 2023.

Contractor Rules

Mobile's IBC adoption ordinance requires contractors performing permit-required work to meet applicable City and Alabama licensing/bonding requirements and register with the Building Official. The ordinance also states that work exceeding $50,000 is subject to Alabama general-contractor/subcontractor statutory licensing requirements. Applicants should check current state licensing rules before relying on that threshold because state law can change.

Fees

Mobile adopted a separate Building Codes Permit Fee Schedule Ordinance for building, electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing and residential-code permits. The ordinance notes that other departments and agencies may require additional permits. This guide therefore does not replace the current fee schedule with a generic percentage.

Inspections and Timing

The City's Inspections Department performs building, mechanical, electrical and plumbing inspections. Historical City reporting described same-day or next-day inspection responsiveness, but that operational statement is not treated here as a guaranteed current deadline. Confirm current scheduling directly with Build Mobile.

Official Sources

Use Mobile's adopted-code ordinances, current Build Mobile materials, and Alabama licensing requirements for the specific project before construction begins.