Codes, exemptions & field inspections
This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.
Regulatory framework
Madison County enforces the 2018 International Building, Residential, Existing Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, Swimming Pool & Spa and Fire Codes; 2017 National Electrical Code; 2018 NFPA Life Safety Code; and the state-mandated 2015 International Energy Conservation Code. Residential work uses the 2018 IRC with local amendments under the 2021 Residential Construction Resolution.
Inspection lane
Apply, pay, and request inspections through CityView, or request by email/phone. Requests must be received by 2:00 PM one business day before the desired inspection date; later requests are not scheduled for the next business day. Typical residential stages include footing/foundation, framing, under-slab plumbing, rough-ins, energy compliance, temporary power and final. A Certificate of Occupancy is issued within 2 business days after all required inspections and documents pass.
Minor-work playbook
The county’s current inspection page refers applicants to its Residential Construction Resolution for exceptions. The verified residential guidance states permits are required for new homes; work costing $1,000 or more; septic/plumbing-line changes; main-power work; gas work; mechanical-unit replacement; manufactured-home setup; pools/spas 24 inches or deeper; and roofing/re-roofing. Minor work below the applicable thresholds may be exempt, but the current resolution should be checked for the complete list.
Field rule
A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.
Inspection pipeline
Request with lead time
Apply, pay, and request inspections through CityView, or request by email/phone. Requests must be received by 2:00 PM one business day before the desired inspection date; later requests are not scheduled for the next business day. Typical residential stages include footing/foundation, framing, under-slab plumbing, rough-ins, energy compliance, temporary power and final. A Certificate of Occupancy is issued within 2 business days after all required inspections and documents pass.
Preserve access
Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.
Close the record
Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.
Contractor verification
Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.
Planning reference
A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.
Open planning reference ↗Source trail
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
Madison County Building and Fire Inspection Department is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact (256) 746-2950; inspection@madisoncountyal.gov.
Commercial plan review: typically 2-6 weeks for initial responses. The county targets next-business-day inspections in most cases; residential Certificate of Occupancy processing is within 2 business days after final requirements are complete.
Apply, pay, and request inspections through CityView, or request by email/phone. Requests must be received by 2:00 PM one business day before the desired inspection date; later requests are not scheduled for the next business day. Typical residential stages include footing/foundation, framing, under-slab plumbing, rough-ins, energy compliance, temporary power and final. A Certificate of Occupancy is issued within 2 business days after all required inspections and documents pass.
Madison County enforces the 2018 International Building, Residential, Existing Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, Swimming Pool & Spa and Fire Codes; 2017 National Electrical Code; 2018 NFPA Life Safety Code; and the state-mandated 2015 International Energy Conservation Code. Residential work uses the 2018 IRC with local amendments under the 2021 Residential Construction Resolution. The county’s current inspection page refers applicants to its Residential Construction Resolution for exceptions. The verified residential guidance states permits are required for new homes; work costing $1,000 or more; septic/plumbing-line changes; main-power work; gas work; mechanical-unit replacement; manufactured-home setup; pools/spas 24 inches or deeper; and roofing/re-roofing. Minor work below the applicable thresholds may be exempt, but the current resolution should be checked for the complete list.
Field sequencing matters
Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.
When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.
Closeout file
Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.