Frequently Asked Questions and Permit Requirements

1. The Building Departments Where's and When's?
The Building Department is located in the Tallapoosa County Courthouse, at 125 N Broadnax Street, Dadeville, Alabama, Room 12, which is in the south wing of the basement.
Business hours are from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday. (On occasions the office is closed for lunch.)

2. What is the Building Department responsible for?

• Review of all residential and commercial plans of new construction and alterations to an existing structure for code compliance.
• Issuance of permits for Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Gas Fitting, HVAC/Mechanical, Certificates of Occupancy, Swimming Pools, Demolition, and House Moving.
• Field inspections on permits to ensure code compliance.

3. When do I need a building permit?
A building permit must be obtained if the cost of the material and labor for such work is in excess of $10,000 dollars or structural work is involved in any amount. Painting, wallpapering, fencing, and floor covering are exempt from permitting. "When in doubt, call the Building Department."

4. Who can build a dwelling?
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 and will be required to sign an affidavit acknowledging this. The owner must adhere to all codes and ordinances.

5. Does everybody that I hire have to be licensed?
Yes. If you pay someone to do subcontractor or contractor work, they must be licensed with the State Licensing Board for their trade. Subcontractors are only licensed to do certain work. Call the Building Department to find out if they are licensed to do the work you contracted with them.One phone call can save you a lot of time and heartache.

6. What codes are the Building Department under currently?
The 2006 IRC. 2006 IBC, and 2012 Energy Codes are used by the Building Department. Codebooks may be obtained from the Southern Building Code Congress at (205) 591-1853.

7. Do I need a permit for a pier or boat house?
Not from the Tallapoosa County Building Department, you will need one from Alabama Power Company Land Department 256-825-0053.

8. Do I need a permit for a mobile or modular home?
Yes, you will need an electrical permit and inspection of the service connection.

9. What payment method should I use?
Check or money order only. No cash or credit cards will be accepted.

NOTE: For specific information regarding properly licensed contractors and sub contractors please contact the Tallapoosa County Building Department at (256) 825-1002.

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

Commercial General Contractor must have State of Alabama General Contractor License Subcontractor's must have State trade license Must have State/County Business License-County Judge of Probate Office 911 address-E-911 Board Two complete sets of plans with an Alabama architect stamp. (Which will be kept on file in the Building Department). Alabama architect or land surveyor stamped site plan Building permit application Subcontractor list Must have septic tank approval from the Health Department

Residential Contractor must have State of Alabama Home Builders License Subcontractor's must have State trade license Must have State/County Business License-County Judge of Probate Office 911 address-E-911 Board One set of plans (to be kept on file) Must have septic tank approval from the Health Department If homeowner is acting as general contractor, must sign a Sworn Statement in accordance with the Alabama Homebuilders Licensure with the Alabama Homebuilders Licensure law, Ala. Code 34-14A-1, et seq. (1975) (amended 2002) and also present a copy of the deed to the property.

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