Permits & Inspections
The City of Prichard Inspections Department issues permits for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, signs, right-of-way work, and more. If your project requires inspections, this is where you start.
Building Permits
The Inspections Department issues building-related permits for residential and commercial projects. Permits help ensure work is performed safely and meets current building and trade codes.
What you need before a permit can be issued
Before you apply, be ready with:
Owner name and contractor name
Complete property address (no lot numbers)
Contact phone number
Details of the permit requested
Proof of property ownership for homeowner permits
If you are not the owner, provide a signed affidavit from the owner
Zoning verification (required to confirm the use is allowed)
Contractor licensing requirements
Work under $50,000 requires a current City of Prichard business license.
Work over $50,000 requires a State of Alabama General Contractor license and a copy of the signed contractshowing total valuation.
A bond may be required. Contact the City Clerk’s Office for business license and bond requirements.
Plan review and review fees
Commercial plan reviews require a $250 review fee (some projects may require $400).
New residential houses require a $75 review fee.
Commercial projects may also require: architectural drawings, flood review, and stormwater runoff drawings.
How permit fees are determined
After plans are reviewed, permit fees are based on the cost of construction, including labor and materials. Commercial permit fees are typically based on contract price.
Sign Permits
Sign permits are required for most permanent signs and many types of commercial signage. Permits help ensure signs meet safety and placement standards.
When a sign permit is typically required
You may need a sign permit if you are:
Installing a new permanent sign
Replacing or relocating an existing sign
Updating sign structure or mounting
What to submit
When applying, be ready to provide:
Business or property address
Owner and contractor information
Contact number
Basic description of the sign type and placement
Get started
Click Here To Download the Sign Permit form and submit it to the Inspections Department. If you are unsure what applies to your sign, call before ordering or installing.
Inspections
Inspections are required at key stages of work to confirm the project meets City code requirements before moving to the next phase.
Scheduling rules
Inspection Scheduling Rules
To receive an inspection for a specific day, it must be called in no later than 9:00 AM for that day.
All inspections must be called in by the contractor or permit holder.
There is no specific appointment time for inspections.
After an inspection is released to Alabama Power, the City cannot provide a time when power will be connected.
All inspections must be scheduled through the Inspections Office.
Required inspections by trade
Building
Foundation inspection: after trenches are excavated and forms erected
Frame inspection: after roof framing, fire blocking, and bracing are in place
Final inspection: after completion, ready for occupancy
Electrical
Underground: after conduit/cable installed, before backfill
Rough-in: before wall/ceiling finishes
Final: fixtures in place, ready for occupancy
Plumbing
Underground: piping installed, before backfill
Rough-in: water test required
Final: fixtures in place, ready for occupancy
Mechanical
Underground: underground duct/fuel piping installed, before backfill
Rough-in: ducting and concealed components complete
Final: system in place, ready for occupancy
Reminder
All construction must comply with the City’s current building, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC codes. Call the office if you need help understanding which inspections apply.
Planning & Zoning Reviews
Some permits require zoning verification and plan review before a permit can be issued, especially commercial work and new businesses.
Zoning verification
The zoning of the property must be verified to ensure the intended use is allowed.
Plans required for review
You may be required to submit:
Building plans and a site plan
For additions or new structures: site plan and building plan showing setbacks and openings/exits
For commercial buildings: architectural drawings may be required
Flood map review (Elevation Certificate may be required if in a flood zone)
For commercial projects: stormwater runoff drawings may be required
For new businesses: a floor plan is required before a permit is issued
New or existing businesses (expansion, upgrades, rehab)
Floor plan must include:
Scope of work and intended use
Life safety plan
Dimensions (new and existing)
Restrooms
Plumbing fixtures, kitchen fixtures (if applicable)
Fire walls (if applicable)
Parking
Site plan
Stormwater runoff (if required)
ADA compliance
Fixed additions (counters, partitions, walk-in coolers, etc.)
Materials to be used
Cost analysis broken down by trade
Plans must be neat, legible, and accurate
Some projects may require stamped drawings by an Alabama-licensed architect or engineer.
Right-of-Way / Street Cuts
Permits are required for excavation in the public right-of-way, including cuts in paved and non-paved areas.
What you’ll need
Applicant name and contact info
Work location (nearest address or description)
Description of work (type/size of cut or excavation, boring, etc.)
Proposed start date and expected completion date
Business license
Important note
All construction work must be repaired within 30 days of the start date and must comply with the City’s construction standards for right-of-way excavation and restoration.
Special Permits
Cell Tower Permits
Items needed:
Complete set of drawings
Site plan
Plan review fee of $250 (or $400 engineering if required)
City of Prichard business license
State license documentation (as applicable)
Copy of signed contract
Download: Cell Tower Permit Application
Car Wash Business Requirements
Steps:
Zoning must be approved
Building plans submitted for review
Plans must show restrooms
Plans must be approved by the Building Inspector
Inspector must complete a walkthrough and sign off before power is approved
Restrictions during operation:
No running water into streets
No running water into storm drains or ditches
No water into sewer system without proper oil/grease separator
Must connect to City sewer and prevent oil/grease from entering
Must have a cover over the washing area
6-Month Courtesy Inspection (Power Off 6+ Months)
A 6-month permit does not authorize work. It allows an inspection when power has been off a building for 6 months or more. If a second inspection is required, a $20 reinspection fee may be charged.
Common items checked include:
Smoke detectors with battery backup, interconnected
Covers on switches/receptacles
No exposed wires or open panel spaces
Meter can and panel in good condition and code compliant
Ground rod present
GFCI protection required near sinks and bathrooms
Burglar bars must be openable from inside without a key/tool
Electrical repairs must be done by a licensed electrician with permit, and only the electrician calls for service inspection