Request a Building Code Inspection - Birmingham

Housing and Building Standards Alabama 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Alabama

In Birmingham, Alabama, property owners, contractors and tenants must follow the city’s building inspection procedures before and after construction, renovation or change of occupancy. This guide explains how to request a building code inspection through the City portal, what departments enforce code compliance, and the practical steps to schedule, prepare for, and follow up after an inspection. For official requirements and the municipal code that governs inspections, consult the Building Safety Division and the City code for building and construction standards Building Safety Division[1] and the City of Birmingham Code of Ordinances on the municipal code publisher site City of Birmingham Code of Ordinances[2].

Always confirm permit status before requesting a final inspection.

Before You Request an Inspection

Identify the permit type and inspection stage required (rough, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, final). Gather permit number, address, contractor license information and any approved plans or variances. Most inspection requests require the permit number and a clear site address.

  • Permit number and permit holder name.
  • Approved plans or stamped drawings.
  • Contact phone and email for the person onsite.
  • Preferred inspection date and time window.

Scheduling an Inspection

Use the City portal or official phone line to schedule inspections. Most cities allow online scheduling and payment for re-inspections; confirm by checking the Building Safety Division page and permit portal linked above[1]. Provide clear directions to the job site and confirm access arrangements to avoid delays.

Be on site or provide an authorized representative at the scheduled time.

Penalties & Enforcement

The Building Safety Division enforces building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical codes in Birmingham. Specific fine amounts, daily continuing penalties, and exact appeal timelines are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the Building Safety Division or in the City Code as referenced below[1][2].

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Continuing or daily fines for unresolved violations: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary orders: stop-work orders, correction notices, and orders to obtain permits.
  • Enforcement actions: citation to municipal court, permit suspension, or lien for unpaid fees (where authorized).
  • Enforcer: Building Safety Division and code enforcement officers; complaint and inspection request pathways are via the Building Safety Division portal and the municipal code pages cited above[1][2].
If you receive a violation notice, follow the correction timeline or contact the Building Safety Division immediately.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes permit applications and inspection request procedures on the Building Safety Division site. Specific form names or form numbers are not specified on the cited pages; contact the Building Safety Division for the correct permit application, inspection request form, and fee schedule[1]. If an online permit portal is available, you will generally submit inspection requests through that portal.

How Inspections Work

Inspectors check compliance with adopted codes, approved plans and any issued variances. Common outcomes are: pass, conditional pass with required corrections, re-inspection required, or failed. Keep records of inspection reports and final approval certificates.

  • Document inspection results and required corrections.
  • Complete corrections before scheduling a re-inspection.
  • Pay re-inspection fees if applicable (check Building Safety Division for fee details).

FAQ

How do I request a building inspection?
Request inspections via the City portal or Building Safety Division phone line; provide your permit number, address and contact information.
How long until an inspector arrives?
Response times vary by workload; the Building Safety Division page and permit portal list current scheduling information.
What if I disagree with an inspection result?
Follow the appeal or review procedures in the City Code or contact the Building Safety Division for instructions on administrative review; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited pages.

How-To

  1. Confirm you have an active permit and the permit number on hand.
  2. Gather approved plans, contractor license, and contact information for the site representative.
  3. Schedule the inspection through the City portal or Building Safety Division contact.
  4. Prepare the site, correct hazards, and ensure safe access for the inspector.
  5. Obtain and retain the written inspection report and final approval certificate.
Keep a paper or digital file of all inspection reports until the project is complete.

Key Takeaways

  • Always confirm permit status before inspection requests.
  • Provide clear site access and a contact to avoid missed inspections.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Building Safety Division - City of Birmingham
  2. [2] City of Birmingham Code of Ordinances - Municode

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