Plan Requirements

Residential Plans Requirements

One set of plans will be reviewed and returned to contractor or responsible party at issuance of permit. This reviewed set must be kept on job site at all times. Plans shall be drawn neat, straight lines, and to scale. Construction of exterior walls of dwellings and accessory buildings less than 5 feet from property line must be designed using Table R 302.1(1). In areas governed by Architectural Review Committees, please contact your ARC for further requirements.

Plans must contain:

  • foundation plan: cross section and overview
  • floor plan with dimensions
  • roof plan
  • front elevation view
  • rear elevation view
  • side elevation view

Decks, Porches, and Additions must also contain:

  • Foundation plan reflecting pier locations and dimensions
  • Beam and Joist sizes and spans
  • If covered with a roof system, rafter and header sizes and spans
  • If positive attachment cannot be verified, deck must be self-supported. (507.1)

Other must contain:

  • Detailed scope of work

Commercial Plans Requirements

One hard copy and one digital set of plans is required. The hard copy will be reviewed and returned to the contractor or responsible party at issuance of permit and must be kept on job site at all times. The electronic or digital copy must be submitted on a CD or thumb drive in a pdf format; or they can be sent in pdf format via email to ds@shelbyal.com.

Plans must contain:

  • Project Name
  • Structural designs
  • Architectural designs, stamped by an architect licensed in the State of Alabama if the project is 2,500 square feet in size or more; if the project is an initial build-out in a building of 2,500 square feet or more; or if the project is an assembly or educational occupancy.
    • Code Summary
    • Life Safety plan
    • Scope of work
  • Plumbing designs
  • Gas designs
  • Mechanical designs
  • Electrical designs stamped by an electrical engineer licensed in the State of Alabama
    • Electrical load calculation
    • Short-circuit study
    • Utilization equipment and panelboard schedules
    • Single lines for service, all feeders, separately derived systems, and major equipment branch circuits
    • Grounding electrode system and intersystem bonding requirements
    • Proposed use of the facility
    • Special requirements to comply with Chapters 5, 6, and 7 of NEC
    • Proposed communication systems
    • Verification of compliance with the 2009 IECC energy requirements
  • COMcheck compliance certificate is required to verify that the building envelope and the building systems comply with the International Energy Conservation Code.
  • Fire Sprinkler and Fire Alarm Systems, stamped by a professional engineer must be received prior to approval of the systems.
  • Fire District Affidavit, one set of plans must be delivered to the local fire district.

Other must contain:

  • Detailed scope of work

Note: A sign permit may be required.

Contact the Health Department at (205) 685-4178 for any and all work performed on restaurants, limited food services, mobile food services, schools, pools, day cares, or hotels / motels. One set of plans may be required.