Administrative overview · FIPS 01003
Baldwin County permit authority
The first compliance decision is jurisdictional: identify the office with statutory authority over your parcel, then use its filing and inspection sequence to keep the project moving.
Jurisdictional status
County
This county profile is the primary starting point for unincorporated-area permitting.
Responsible agency
Baldwin County Building Department
For a project in or near Baldwin County, this office is the identified point of contact for permit intake, statutory code enforcement, plan review coordination, and inspection release conditions. Confirm the parcel’s boundary and project type before relying on the county lane.
Direct contact
251-972-6837
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
Foley: 201 East Section Avenue, Foley, AL 36535; Robertsdale: 22251 Palmer Street, Robertsdale, AL 36567; Fairhope: 1100 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, AL 36532; Bay Minette: 203 Oak Street, Suite B, Bay Minette, AL 36507
Operating hours
Building Department phone hours Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM CST. Foley and Robertsdale offices generally Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM; Fairhope Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM and Friday 8:00 AM-noon; Bay Minette typically Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM and Friday 8:00 AM-noon.
Review expectation
Residential trade permits and residential re-roofing: usually 1-2 business days. All other complete permit applications: usually 7-10 business days.
Compliance workbench
Choose the next project decision.
Apply online
Open the verified digital gateway, application form, and review timeline.
Open guide →Fees & penalties
Understand fee schedules, enforcement exposure, and stop-work liabilities.
Open guide →Codes & exemptions
Read the code framework, minor-work exemptions, and inspection lane.
Open guide →Agency website
Visit the primary public source for current notices and contact changes.
Open guide →Source trail
Official sources for this profile
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Frequently asked questions for Baldwin County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Baldwin County Building Department is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
How should I begin an application?
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 251-972-6837.
How long might review take?
Residential trade permits and residential re-roofing: usually 1-2 business days. All other complete permit applications: usually 7-10 business days.
How are inspections scheduled?
Request inspections in CitizenServe: My Account > View My Requests > View My Bldg Dept > select the permit > Request an Inspection. Same-day requests are not accepted. Alternatively call 251-972-6837 during business hours; requests are not accepted by voicemail or email. Reports are emailed and posted in the portal.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
2024 International Building Code with amendments; 2024 International Residential Code with amendments; 2024 International Mechanical Code; 2024 International Plumbing Code with amendments; 2024 International Fuel Gas Code; 2018 International Energy Conservation Code with amendments; 2023 National Electrical Code with amendments; and 2025 Baldwin County Building Code Modifications. Residential decks do not require a permit when detached, no more than 200 square feet, no more than 30 inches above grade, and not serving the required exit door. Outside flood zones, one-story detached accessory structures generally do not require a permit when they are no more than 200 square feet on a property with an existing primary residence, or no more than 120 square feet when serving an existing multifamily/commercial building. Manufactured-home roofing, HVAC, plumbing and interior alterations are outside the county's permit/inspection scope. Owner-builder licensing exemptions may apply, but permits are still required.