Millbrook, Alabama Building Permit Guide

The City of Millbrook Building Department, at City Hall, 3160 Main Street (334-285-6428), permits and inspects residential and commercial construction inside the city and in its police jurisdiction. The Building Permit Application has to be completed and submitted by a state licensed general contractor. Under the fee schedule in the City code, a job valued between $100,001 and $500,000 pays $460 for the first $100,000 plus $3 for each additional $1,000.

What work needs a building permit in Millbrook?

Section 14-32 of the City code makes it unlawful to start excavation or construction of any building or other structure, including accessory structures, without a building permit. The same goes for storing building materials on a site, putting up a temporary field office, and moving, altering or repairing a structure.

Who issues building permits in Millbrook?

The Building Department is established by Section 14-1 of the City code under a Building Official, who enforces every building-related code the City Council adopts. The department also handles nuisance complaints, work done without a permit and the demolition of dangerous structures. A separate Planning and Zoning Department, also at City Hall, deals with zoning and subdivision approval for the city and the police jurisdiction.

Millbrook applications and forms

• Building Permit Application, a two-page form. The first page is the applicant’s; the second is the City’s record of zoning, Fire Department, flood prevention, utilities and building approvals.
• Sub-contractors list, attached to the application.
• Authorization to Act as Applicant, needed when the applicant is not the property owner.
• Subdivision Review Application and Rezoning Application, returned to the Planning and Zoning Department.

Trade contractors without a master card from another Alabama municipality or a state certification must pass the Block Examination for their trade before the City issues one.

Millbrook permit fees

The fee schedule is Section 14-33 of the City code, adopted by Ordinance 14-05 on July 18, 2014 and amended by Ordinance 16-06 on September 27, 2016. The City’s Building Department page gives no figures and tells applicants to call 334-285-6428 for the schedule, noting that some adopted ordinances are not yet in the code.

For example, a house with a contract valuation of $200,000 pays $460 plus 100 times $3, a building permit fee of $760. Valuation covers materials and labor, and the Building Official sets the final figure if the estimate looks low. Non-residential building permits pay a further $1 per $1,000 of construction, which goes to the state; it applies to renovations but not to repairs. Fees double when work starts before the permit is obtained.

Electrical, plumbing, mechanical and gas permits

Trade permits are separate from the building permit and are priced item by item in the same code section:

When wiring is finished, the installer notifies the Building Department; the inspector approves the work and tells the power company it can connect. The Fire Department reviews building plans alongside the Building Department, and the City enforces the 2024 National Fire Code/NFPA 101.

Documents to attach to the application

The City wants one complete plan set for a residential project and three for a commercial one, each with a PDF copy. The corner pins of the proposed structure must be set by an engineer, and any pier foundation must be designed by a professional engineer.

How to apply for a Millbrook building permit: 6 steps

Building inspections and closeout

All building, electrical, roofing, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas and zoning inspections are booked through the Building Department on 334-285-6428. It is the permit holder’s duty to tell the Building Official when work is ready; under Section 14-37, failing to do so cancels the permit automatically and a new one must be issued before work continues.

No building may be occupied or used until the department issues a certificate of occupancy. Once the owner or agent reports that the building is ready, the department has three days to make the final inspection and either issue the certificate or give its reasons in writing.

Local considerations specific to Millbrook

Police jurisdiction: both the Building Department and the Planning and Zoning Department work in the police jurisdiction as well as inside the city limits, so a lot just outside the city may still need Millbrook permits. The police jurisdiction stops at the county line, though: Act 2000-471, printed in the City code, keeps it out of Autauga County, so on that side Millbrook permits only inside its city limits.

Permit life: a building permit becomes void one year after it is issued. Written extensions are possible once the project has passed its first building inspection.

Flood zones: the Building Official is the floodplain administrator under Chapter 38 of the code (Ordinance 24-01, January 2024). A floodplain development permit is required in special flood hazard areas, and the lowest floor must be at least 1 foot above the base flood elevation.

Septic lots: the City will not issue a building permit until it has the county health department’s SAN-3 report. For the Elmore County part of the city that office is at 6501 U.S. Highway 231, Wetumpka (334-567-1171).

Sprinklers: Millbrook adopted the 2024 building and residential codes without their automatic sprinkler requirement for single-family homes.

Contractor vehicles: contractors and subcontractors working in the city must show the company name, address and phone number on both sides of their vehicles in letters at least 2 inches high; magnetic signs are accepted.

Zoning and subdivisions: Zoning Ordinance Z15-01 dates from February 10, 2015. The Planning Commission meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at 3900 Grandview Road, and the Board of Zoning Adjustments on the 1st Monday.

Alabama building code

From 1 January 2027, under Act 2024-443, a residential home builder must build to the applicable residential code (the Alabama Residential Building Code, or the local code where one applies) even where no building department inspects the work. Since 1 October 2024 the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board adopts the residential code, and the Licensing Board for General Contractors the commercial energy code. Alabama’s codes and the 2027 change

Official Millbrook permitting resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• City of Millbrook Building Department
• City of Millbrook Building Permit Application
• Millbrook Code of Ordinances (Chapter 14, buildings; Chapter 38, floods)
• City of Millbrook Planning and Zoning
• City of Millbrook interactive zoning map
• City of Millbrook Subdivision Review Application
• Elmore County Health Department contacts

Millbrook building permit FAQs

Who issues building permits in Millbrook, Alabama?

The City of Millbrook Building Department at City Hall, 3160 Main Street, 334-285-6428. It covers the city limits and the police jurisdiction.

How much is a building permit in Millbrook?

The City code charges by valuation: $15 for the first $1,000 plus $5 per additional thousand up to $50,000, $260 plus $4 per thousand up to $100,000, and $460 plus $3 per thousand up to $500,000. A $200,000 house pays $760.

Do I need a permit for a fence or a shed in Millbrook?

Yes. Fences and accessory structures such as outbuildings fall under the Residential Building Permit.

Can a homeowner file the building permit application?

The City says the Building Permit Application must be completed and submitted by a state licensed general contractor. If the applicant is not the owner, an Authorization to Act as Applicant goes with it.

How long is a Millbrook building permit valid?

One year from the date of issue. Extensions can be given in writing once the first building inspection has been passed.

How do I schedule an inspection or get a certificate of occupancy?

Call City Hall on 334-285-6428. After you report the building ready, the department has three days to make the final inspection.

What does a manufactured home permit cost in Millbrook?

$300 for installing or replacing a manufactured home, provided it complies with zoning and health regulations.

Simplify Millbrook permitting with Alliance Permitting

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Alabama. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Millbrook permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.