Inspections – FAQs
See a listing of Building Codes and Ordinances. Codebooks may be obtained from the International Code Council at 205-591-1853.
The state law requires that only a properly licensed contractor which holds a current certification through the Alabama Homebuilders Licensure Board or a currently licensed state general contractor with a license number below 18908 can build a one or two family dwelling. The owner of the property may also build their own residence if they hold title to the property and it is to be their personal residence, which will not be offered for sale for at least a year. The owner acting as their own contractor loses any protection from the Alabama Homebuilders Licensure Board for any defects. The owner must adhere to all codes and ordinances.
Yes. Please fill out the Structure Move Permit Application.
Yes. Accessory structures must be in the rear yard, at least five feet from the side and rear property line, off any easements that may be on the property, and cannot be over two stories. The accessory structures must be at least ten feet from any other structure including the main house. Plumbing in accessory structures is limited to one commode and one lavatory. On corner lots, accessory structures must meet the required secondary front yard setback. The secondary front yard setback may be obtained by called Zoning Administration at 256-564-8008.
No. Fences do not require a permit. If the fence is located in the Huntsville Historic District, it must have approval from the Huntsville Historic Preservation Commission. Most fence questions may be answered by calling Community Development at 256-427-5400.
Setback lines are measured perpendicularly from the actual property line to the foundation of the structure.
A building permit must be obtained if the cost of the material and labor for such work is in excess of $250 dollars or structural work is involved in any amount. Painting, wallpapering, fencing, and floor covering are exempt from permitting. When in doubt, call the Inspection Department 256-427-5331.
Yes. If you pay someone to do subcontractor or contractor work, they must be licensed with the Inspection Department. Subcontractors are only licensed to do certain work. Before you contract with a contractor or subcontractor, call the Inspection Department to find out if they are licensed to do the work.
Note: for specific information for properly licensed contractors and sub contractors please contact the Huntsville Inspection Department at 256-427-5331.
PLANS REVIEW
Brian Mandel – 256-427-5353
Claire Davies – 256-883-3698
Phillip Towry – 256-564-8002
BUILDING INSPECTORS 256-427-5339
Kelly Wilkerson – 256-924-2804
Jamie Bates – 256-924-2049|
Emmit Giddings – 256-924-5298
John Pieczynski – 256-763-8317
Jerry Matice – 256-929-2876
ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS 256-427-5335
Brandon Miller– 256-924-2068
Jason Brock – 256-924-0262
James Campbell – 256-924-4663
Kevin Higginbotham – 256-583-0272
Will Olson – 256-924-8375
Marcus Simmons – 256-947-2767
PLUMBING INSPECTORS 256-427-5340
Michael Morris – 256-924-2786
Guy Forrester – 256-924-5467
David Neely – 256-924-6047
GAS AND MECHANICAL INSPECTORS 256-427-5343
Dennis McGaha – 256-924-5636
Troy Ingram – 256-924-4780
Stacy Hatfield – 256-924-1307
Clifton McGinness – 256-924-4498
Chris Alley – 947-4196
LANDSCAPE INSPECTOR 256-427-5344
Charles Hawk – 256-924-2733
LICENSE AND PERMIT ENFORCEMENT OFFICER 256-427-5344
Position currently open.
LICENSING AND PERMIT CLERKS 256-427-5331
Lori Whisante – 256-427-5332
Ashley Robinson – 256-427-5332
Jennifer Rhodes – 256-532-5333
Yvette Navarro – 256-427-5333
Luke Gamble – 256-427-5333
ADMINISTRATIVE AIDE
Sharon Mize – 256-427-5337
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Allen Muzny – 256-883-3936
DIRECTOR
Randy Cunningham – 256-427-5342
