Huntsville, AL Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Huntsville adopted the 2017 edition of NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code, Article 90 and Chapters 1-9, under Sec. 7-203(a), with energy-code work carved out to the Alabama Energy Codes under subsection (b). Sec. 7-204 then rewrites the code's fee section, 90.4(A), to require payment to the City of Huntsville Inspection Department before any permit issues, valued on total labor and materials.

For new residential one- and two-family construction the fee runs $25.00 for a service entrance up to 225 amperes plus $0.20 per burning opening, switch or receptacle and $0.30 per power opening or receptacle; $30.00 up to 400 amperes; $40.00 from over 400 through 800 amperes; and $50.00 plus 1 percent of the contract price above 800 amperes. Additions, alterations, repairs and service changeovers under $1,000 and under 800 amperes cost a flat $25.00 plus 1 percent of the contract price; above that threshold the fee rises to $40.00 plus 1 percent. A temporary pole permit is $25.00. Commercial work is billed at the greater of $50.00 or 1 percent of contract value, with the same $50.00 temporary-pole fee. Failed inspections carry re-inspection charges of $25.00, $50.00, $75.00 and $100.00 for the first through fourth-or-later re-inspections.

Sec. 7-204(2) also adds NEC 230.85, requiring a readily accessible outdoor emergency disconnect for every one- and two-family service, marked EMERGENCY DISCONNECT and SERVICE DISCONNECT or an equivalent listed marking, and Sec. 7-204(3) amends 440.14 so HVAC and refrigeration equipment disconnects must sit within 6 feet of the unit and stay clear of access panels.