Alabama, Houston County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Houston County Building Permit Requirements
In Houston County, Alabama, the Road & Bridge Department is responsible for issuing building permits for properties within the county, including those in unincorporated areas. They handle permits for new construction, mobile home installations, and relocation of used homes on county roadways.
Permit Application Process
- A completed building permit application is required.
- For new buildings, an approved Health Department permit for an On-Site Sewage System (OSS) is necessary.
- A Plot Plan/Survey showing the footprint of the structure is also required.
- Payment for the building permit is $100.
- Payments can be made via check, cashier's check, or money order. Credit card payments are not accepted.
Flood Zone Properties
Properties located in a flood zone have additional requirements:
- One set of plans must be submitted.
- A flood zone permit fee of $50 is required in addition to the building permit fee.
- Elevation must be checked after the lowest floor is installed and before walls are erected.
- All mechanical systems must meet Base Flood Elevation (BFE) requirements.
- Homeowners must also adhere to the guidelines outlined in the building resolution.
Unincorporated Areas
Houston County's Building Inspection department is responsible for permit processing and on-site inspections for construction permits within unincorporated areas of Houston County. They ensure projects comply with the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes and Georgia Amendments.
Resources to Learn More
Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Alabama, including Houston County.
Alabama Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
Plumbing Codes and Legislation in Alabama
Alabama does not utilize a single, mandatory statewide building code for all construction. Instead, building regulation is largely handled at the local level, with cities and counties choosing whether to adopt and enforce specific codes. However, the state does maintain standards for certain projects and professional licensing.
For projects under the jurisdiction of the Alabama Division of Construction Management (DCM), the state has adopted the 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC). Additionally, the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board mandates that certified plumbing contractors comply with the 2021 International Plumbing Code for commercial installations and the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) for residential plumbing installations, particularly in the absence of locally adopted codes.
Primary State Boards and Agencies
- Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board: This board is responsible for the statewide licensing, examination, and regulation of plumbers and gas fitters under the authority of the Alabama Plumbing and Gas Fitters Act (Code of Alabama ยง 34-37).
- Alabama Division of Construction Management (DCM): Part of the Alabama Department of Finance, this division adopts and enforces building codes (including the IPC) for state-owned or state-funded projects.
- Local Building Departments: In most jurisdictions, local municipal or county building departments are responsible for administering permits, conducting inspections, and enforcing the specific codes adopted by their local governing bodies.
- Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH): This agency oversees regulations regarding private sewage disposal systems and well connections.
Resources to Learn More