Permits are required for all construction activities covered by the Prattville Building and Development Codes (Chapters 26 and 105, Code of Ordinances of the City of Prattville). Residential (one and two family) developments require a basic application and review following the process listed below. Commercial, industrial and multi-family projects follow the process detailed in Commercial Projects.

The Fire Department, Division of Codes and Standards and the Planning Department jointly enforce the adopted building codes. Construction plans are accepted for review and permits issued by the Planning Department. Inspections are also scheduled through the Planning Department. Inspection services are provided by the Division of Codes and Standards. Inquiries regarding the building code or the inspection process may be directed to planning@prattvilleal.gov or buildinginspector@prattvilleal.gov.

Adopted Building and Related Codes

The City of Prattville building code can be found in Chapter 105 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Prattville. Building construction and alteration must follow these standard codes:

• 2009 International Building Code
• 2009 International Residential Code
• 2009 International Existing Building Code
• 2009 International Fire Code
• 2009 International Plumbing Code
• 2009 International Mechanical Code
• 2009 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2009 International Property Maintenance Code
• 2008 National Electrical Code, NFPA 70

Copies of the standard codes are available for review in the Planning Department offices at 102 West Main Street. Full copies of the codes may be obtained from the International Code Council or the National Fire Protection Association.

Chapter 105 contains several local amendments adapting the standard codes to local conditions. Local amendments are contained in Section 105-24.

Local building official's interpretation or guidance

The following policy memorandums have been issued as interpretation or establishment of local policy

• Protection of refrigeration lines near roof decking
• Temporary Toilet Facilities and Construction Dumpsters
• Safety glazing window panels adjacent to windows
• Termites
• Structures

Permit Applications and Fees

Request for building and related permits are submitted on forms/applicationsprovided by the Planning Department. Forms are fillable. Once completed, print and bring with you to Planning & Development in the City Hall Annex.

Residential

Residential permit applications (new residential, addition, accessory structure, etc.) require 3-5 days for initial review. Applications are reviewed for compliance with the city's building code and the city's zoning ordinance. Permits are required for:

Accessory Structure (outbuilding)

Addition/Renovation

Manufactured Home Installation

New Residential Structure

Trade Permits

Electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fuel gas installations require a permit from the city. Trade permits are issued to the licensed professional performing the work. Permits for work under an overall building permit (i.e. new residential structure, new commercial use, etc.) may be obtained after the building permit is issued. Trade permits are generally issued the same day an application is presented to the Planning Department.

Commercial

Permits for new commercial uses (including industrial and multi-family residential) or renovations to existing commercial uses are issued after site plan and code review. The review process and the items required for review are further outlined under Commercial Projects. Per Section 10 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Prattville, initial reviews for site plans must be completed by the Prattville Planning Department within 45 days of submission.

Miscellaneous Permits

The Planning Department reviews applications and issues permits for several miscellaneous uses and activities. Initial reviews for these activities require 3- 5 days. Permits are required for:

Sign

Structure Moving/Demolition

Temporary Use

Fees are charged on all buildings, structures, electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems or alterations requiring a permit. Fees are calculated based on the schedule established by Section 105-26 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Prattville.

Inspections

All building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas and zoning inspections are scheduled through the Planning Department.

• Request for inspections received before 5:00 p.m. will be scheduled for the next business day.
• If received before 10:00 a.m., the following inspections will be completed in the same day requested:
  • foundation footing,
  • slab/foundation,
  • plumbing foundation, and
  • sewer tap/replacement.

To schedule an inspection, call (334)361-3613 or e-mail scheduleinspection@prattvilleal.gov. Inspections requested by e-mail or voice-mail are not scheduled unless confirmed by telephone or e-mail response by Planning Department personnel.

The following information is required when requesting inspections by telephone or by e-mail:

• Job address
• Contractor business name
• Inspection type
• City permit number
• Contact name and telephone