Alabama

Alabama Permit Guide for Metal Carports, Garages and Barns

Whether you need a permit for a carport in Alabama is a local matter, because building permits for homes and outbuildings are handled by cities and counties. A state residential code exists, but it is enforced only by the cities and counties that run their own permit and inspection programs. Many rural counties do not issue building permits at all, while others, like Baldwin County on the Gulf Coast, have a full building department. So the answer for your metal carport or garage depends on your county and whether you live inside a city.

Building code in effect

Alabama has no building code that every county must enforce for homes and accessory buildings. The state's Alabama Residential Building Code was first adopted by the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board, which set the 2015 International Residential Code and 2015 IECC, with amendments, effective October 1, 2016. House Bill 198 of the 2024 Regular Session (effective October 1, 2024) repealed that board's law (Ala. Code §§ 41-23-80 to 41-23-85) and gave the Home Builders Licensure Board sole authority to adopt the residential code under Ala. Code § 34-14A-12. That code is based on a published edition of the International Residential Code, and starting January 1, 2027 residential builders must follow the applicable code (§ 34-14A-12.1). Under § 34-14A-12(b), it is enforced by local jurisdictions that have permitting and inspection programs, it does not replace a local code already in effect on January 1, 2027, and local codes adopted after that date must meet the state minimum. The State Building Code run by the Division of Construction Management only covers state buildings, schools, hotels and theaters, not private homes or garages.

Who issues permits

Cities issue permits inside city limits, and some cities also enforce rules in their police jurisdiction just outside town. In unincorporated areas, the county issues permits only if the county has a building department. For example, Baldwin County's Building Department (251-972-6837) covers most unincorporated areas of that county, while Planning and Zoning (251-580-1655) handles zoning. If your county has no building department, you may still need county flood plain approval, a health department septic permit, or a zoning check where zoning exists. Residential builders on jobs over $10,000 must hold a state home builders license.

County permit guides

County guides are coming soon.

Don't see your county? Call 919-725-8176 and we'll help you find the right office.

When you need a permit

Statewide rule: There is no statewide size exemption that applies everywhere, because the state code only applies where a city or county enforces it. Where a local office uses the International Residential Code, R105.2 sets the small building exemption, and local offices can change that number.
Baldwin County example: Baldwin County uses the 2024 IRC and IBC. On a lot with a house and outside a flood zone, a one-story detached accessory building up to 400 square feet needs no permit. On commercial or multi-family lots the cutoff is 120 square feet.
Carports and garages: Baldwin County lists carports as detached accessory structures that need a permit unless they fit its exemptions. A garage bigger than the local exemption will need a permit wherever a building department exists.
Flood zones: In Baldwin County, any structure in a Special Flood Hazard Area needs a permit, even a small one. Expect the same kind of flood review anywhere near rivers or the coast.
Commercial property: Buildings for a business usually fall under the local building code for commercial work and may need sealed plans. Call the city or county before you order.

Farm buildings

Under Ala. Code § 34-14A-12(b)(4), as enacted by HB198 in 2024, the Alabama Residential Building Code does not apply to any agricultural building, except for any residence inside it. The Home Builders Licensure Board's rules define an agricultural building by pointing to Ala. Code § 40-8-1(b)(1). The old Energy and Residential Codes law (former § 41-23-82(f)) also did not apply to farm structures like barns, sheds and poultry houses, and it said a farm building later converted to another use no longer counts. Flood plain rules, zoning and electrical rules can still apply, so check with your county before you build.

Wind and snow

Alabama gets severe storms and tornadoes across the whole state, with spring and late fall being the worst. The Gulf Coast counties, Baldwin and Mobile, face hurricane wind and storm surge, so expect higher wind design numbers near the coast. North Alabama sees light snow and ice some winters. Your county sets the wind speed and snow load your building has to meet, so ask for those numbers when you call. Our partnered manufacturers offer certified buildings rated for 140 MPH wind and 35 PSF snow load, and higher ratings can be quoted where required.

Before you order

Call your county commission office first and ask if the county has a building department. If it does not, ask whether you still need flood plain, zoning or septic approval.
If you live inside or just outside a city, call the city too. Some cities permit work in their police jurisdiction beyond city limits.
Look up your flood zone before you order. Flood zone sites often need a permit even for small buildings.
Check HOA covenants and deed restrictions, and plan a level pad so the building sits square.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Alabama?
It depends on where you live. Many rural counties have no building permit program, but cities and counties with building departments often do. Baldwin County, for example, needs a permit for carports over 400 square feet on a home lot or any size in a flood zone.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage in Alabama?
If your city or county has a building department, a garage larger than its small building exemption will need a permit. If your county has no building department, you may still need flood plain or zoning approval, so call the county first.

Are farm buildings exempt?
Yes, from the state residential code. Ala. Code § 34-14A-12(b)(4) says the Alabama Residential Building Code does not apply to agricultural buildings, except for any residence inside them. Flood and zoning rules can still apply.

Sources

Permit rules change. Always confirm with your local permit office before you build.

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