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Mobile, AL Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

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

Key Facts

Enforcing body
Department of Municipal Enforcement
Entry timing
At reasonable times only
Occupied structure
Credentials shown, entry requested
Refused entry
City seeks legal remedies

Summary

Mobile's code official must inspect for Property Maintenance Code violations and may enter structures at reasonable times to check compliance.

105.2 Inspections. The code official shall make all of the required inspections, or shall accept reports of inspection by approved agencies or individuals. Reports of such inspections shall be in writing and be certified by a responsible officer of such approved agency or by the responsible individual. The code official is authorized to engage such expert opinion as deemed necessary to report on unusual technical issues that arise, subject to the approval of the designating authority.

105.3 Right of entry. Where it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this code, or whenever the code official has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in a structure or upon a premises a condition in violation of this code, the code official is authorized to enter the structure or premises at reasonable times to inspect or perform the duties imposed by this code, provided that if such structure or premises is occupied the code official shall present credentials to the occupant and request entry. If such structure or premises is unoccupied, the code official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner, owner's authorized agent or other person having charge or control of the structure or premises and request entry. If entry is refused, the code official shall have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry.

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

Under the Property Maintenance Code adopted at Mobile City Code § 52-1, the code official "shall make all of the required inspections, or shall accept reports of inspection by approved agencies or individuals," which must be in writing and certified. To enforce the code, the official may enter a structure or premises "at reasonable times to inspect," presenting credentials to an occupant or, if unoccupied, first making a reasonable effort to locate the owner before entry.

Violations & Fines

Refused entry lets the official pursue legal remedies to secure access; violations found during inspection proceed to notices of violation, citations, or summons under § 105.5.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Mobile's code official enter my home without notice?
No. If occupied, the official must present credentials and request entry; if unoccupied, must first try to locate the owner.
What happens if I refuse to let the inspector in?
The code official is authorized to pursue the legal remedies available to secure entry, per § 105.3.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Mobile

All Mobile rules

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