AL
Alabama permits & licenses
Last verified October 15, 2026
General information, not legal advice.
License thresholds and permit rules change, and your city or county enforces the permit. Local rules vary. Anything this research could not confirm is shown as “Check with your local building department,” not as a rule you can rely on.
Contractor license
Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board (residential); Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors (commercial)
Home Builders License required for residential work over $10,000 (roofing over $2,500). General contractor license for commercial/public work over $50,000 (pools over $5,000).
Licensing board
https://hblb.alabama.gov/License lookup
https://hblb.alabama.gov/Homeowner exemption
Summary
Homeowner exempt if acting as own contractor on a one- or two-family residence for own occupancy, personally supervising, and not for sale. Subcontracted work over $10,000 must be licensed.
Electrical
Check with your local building department
Plumbing
Check with your local building department
HVAC
Check with your local building department
Permit notes for common projects
Permit triggers are set and enforced locally (county/city building department), under the state code listed. Always confirm with the local building department.
Governing code
Check with your local building department
Water heater
Check with your local building department
Toilet
Check with your local building department
Ceiling fan, outlet, or GFCI
Check with your local building department
Fence
Check with your local building department
Deck
Check with your local building department
Shed
Check with your local building department
What this page does not confirm
- Homeowner trade rules and all permits are unverified.
- The statewide code status is unverified.
Sources
Projects that hit these rules
Published by Fixit Express. Last verified October 15, 2026. Full disclaimer