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Mobile, AL Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Minimum permit fee
$10.00
Exempt
minor repairs, lamp replacement
Exempt
temporary testing systems
200-amp service fee
$15.00

Summary

Mobile requires an electrical permit for most work under City Code Section 11-35, exempting only minor repairs, radio/TV transmission wiring, and temporary testing systems.

(1)Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Electrical permits shall not be required for the following:a.Repairs and maintenance: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.b.Radio and television transmitting stations: The provisions of this code shall not apply to electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions, but does apply to equipment and wiring for power supply, the installations of towers and antennas.c.Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not be required for the installation of any temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.(2)Electrical permit fee. On all electrical installations requiring an electrical permit, a fee for each permit shall be paid as required at the time of filing the application, in accordance with the schedule that follows.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 67).

Full Breakdown

Mobile City Code Sec. 11-35 requires a permit, with fees set on a sliding scale by ampere rating, for electrical system alterations, repairs, and installations. Only three narrow categories are exempt: minor repair work such as replacing lamps or plugging into existing outlets, wiring for radio/TV transmitting equipment (though not power supply or antenna installation), and temporary systems used solely for testing or servicing electrical equipment. New buildings' electrical work is billed inside the overall building permit fee under Sec. 11-34; standalone service work starts at a $10.00 minimum permit fee.

Violations & Fines

Performing electrical alterations, repairs, or installations without the required permit exposes the work to stop-work action and fee penalties under chapter 11's building code enforcement provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to replace a light fixture in Mobile?
No. Sec. 11-35 exempts minor repair work like replacing lamps or connecting portable equipment to existing outlets from the electrical permit requirement.
What's the minimum electrical permit fee in Mobile?
$10.00, per the fee schedule in City Code Sec. 11-35, with service-panel fees scaling up by amperage.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Mobile

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