Business License Forms Available for download
Building Permit Requirements
Before a Building permit can be issued for construction, plans must be submitted and reviewed. Minimum requirements for Residential plans and Commercial plans can be found at these links.
- Two (2) hard copies and one (1) digital copy of the plans should be delivered to the building department and plans should be reviewed within ten (10) business days.
- The minimum fee for all permits is $26.00. All contractors must obtain a current City of Bessemer business license before a permit is issued. The City of Bessemer currently enforces the 2015 International Building Code (IBC) suite of codes as well as the 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC)
- Building permit
- costs are calculated by 1%of the job cost plus $1.00 issuance fee. Any Commercial job costs over $50,000 will require a copy of the contractor’s state license.
Building Day Labor Permit
Homeowners may purchase a Building Day Labor Permit allowing them to operate as their own general contractor, holding themselves liable for all structural work being performed A Hold Harmless form is required prior to purchasing a Day Labor Permit.
However, all electrical, mechanical, plumbing, & gas work must be performed by a
licensed contractor and inspected by the Building & Inspections Department.
Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Permits
Electrical permit costs are calculated according to the work being done in reference to the fee schedule listed on the application. Electrical contractors must be bonded and obtain a license with the City of Bessemer in addition to a City of Bessemer Master Electrician Card. Master Electrician Cards are $40.00.
Mechanical permit
costs are calculated by 1% of the job cost plus one dollar issuance fee.
Plumbing permit
costs are calculated according to the work being done in reference to the fee schedule listed on the application. Any plumbing work that includes adding additional fixtures to a structure on sewer will require the pink copy of the sewer impact permit issued by Jefferson County before the plumbing permit can be issued.
Gas
according to the work being done in reference to the fee schedule listed on the application.
AS REQUIRED BY THE STATE OF ALABAMA, A FEE OF $1.00 PER $1,000.00 IS ADDITIONALLY ASSESSED OF ALL COMMERCIAL PERMIT FEES IN REGARDS TO THE ALABAMA BUILDING COMMISSION TO FUND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CRAFT TRAINING PROGRAM (CICTP)*.