Birmingham does not impose a general residential impact fee on accessory dwelling units. Alabama law does not broadly authorize municipal residential impact fees outside specific statutory grants. ADU costs include standard building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees through the Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits plus Birmingham Water Works Board and Alabama Power tap or capacity fees if a new service is required.
Alabama Code Title 11 does not grant municipalities general authority to impose residential impact fees in the way California (Gov. Code §66000 Mitigation Fee Act) and other states do. Birmingham does not charge a general ADU impact fee, school impact fee, transportation impact fee, or parks impact fee. ADU costs consist of: (1) Building permit fees set by the Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits, calculated on construction valuation per the fee schedule in Code Title 1 Chapter 6; (2) Separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical/gas permit fees; (3) Plan-review fees; (4) Zoning compliance review through the Planning Division. Birmingham Water Works Board (the regional water provider) charges tap and capacity fees when a new water/sewer service is required, and Alabama Power and Spire (gas) charge separate connection fees. Jefferson County does not impose school impact fees on residential ADUs. Stormwater management fees and street-cut permits may apply if the ADU triggers additional impervious surface or a utility cut in the public right-of-way under Code Title 10 (Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places). Property tax on the added improvement is reassessed by the Jefferson County Tax Assessor at the next assessment cycle.
Failure to pay required permit fees prevents permit issuance. Unpaid Birmingham Water Works tap fees prevent service connection. Building without permits triggers double permit fees as an after-the-fact assessment, plus daily fines under the general penalty in Code Sec. 1-1-6.
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham has no city ordinance restricting residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. The Birmingham General Code pro...
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to ri...
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham has no city ordinance setting installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday lights. Lights are permitted yea...
Birmingham, AL
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Birmingham require permits through the Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits: a building permit for the structure, a g...
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham has no city ordinance regulating residential backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired pizza ovens at single-family homes. Operation is gover...
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham adopts the International Fire Code through Code of Ordinances Title 11 (Fire Prevention and Protection). IFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking...
See how Birmingham's adu impact fees rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.