Administrative overview · FIPS 01117
Shelby 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
Shelby County Department of Development Services
For a project in or near Shelby 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
205-620-6650
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
Shelby County Department of Development Services, 1123 County Services Drive, Pelham, AL 35124-6128.
Operating hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.
Review expectation
Most inspections are completed within two business days; the official materials do not publish a fixed plan-review turnaround and state that applications are handled in the order received.
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 Shelby County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Shelby County Department of Development Services 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 205-620-6650.
How long might review take?
Most inspections are completed within two business days; the official materials do not publish a fixed plan-review turnaround and state that applications are handled in the order received.
How are inspections scheduled?
Subcontractors call in their own inspection requests by permit number; inspections are not scheduled by voicemail or email. Call 205-620-6650. Typical inspections include footing, slab and under-slab trades, setback verification where zoned, sewer, erosion control, energy, rough-ins, framing, insulation, finals and certificate of occupancy/completion. Most inspections are completed within two business days.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
Shelby County currently lists the 2024 International Building, Existing Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas and Fire Codes; 2026 National Electrical Code; 2015 International Residential Code with Appendix G; 2015 International Energy Code; and 2017 ICC A117.1 accessibility standard. The county lists likely permit-free minor work including fences under 7 feet, retaining walls under 4 feet, sidewalks and driveways, residential playground equipment, painting or wallpapering, hardwood floors or carpeting, new countertops and faucet replacement. New construction, moved/manufactured homes, RV connections, accessory structures, structural changes, most trade work, roofing-material replacement, pools and projects over 200 square feet generally require permits.