Residential Construction – FAQ

The Inspection Department is open from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday. The inspectors are in the office usually from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. and again at 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Inspection Department is located on the second floor of the Public Services Building at 320 Fountain Circle, which is the northwest corner of Fountain Circle and Williams Avenue.

The 2003 International Building Code, 2003 International Residential Building Code, 2003 Existing Building Code, 2003 International Plumbing Code, 2003 International Fuel Gas Code, 2003 International Mechanical Code and the 2002 National Electrical Code. 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. 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 calling the Inspection Department at (256) 427-5341.

No. Fences do not required a permit. If the fence is located in the Huntsville Historic District, it must have approval from the Huntsville Preservation Commission. Most fence questions may be answered by the City of Huntsville Traffic Engineer at (256) 427-5300.