Building Safety in Dothan, AL (2026)
6 verified building safety rules for Dothan, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Sprinkler Requirements
The City of Dothan struck the residential fire sprinkler mandate from its adopted building code. Sec. 14-21 and Sec. 14-30(g) both delete IRC Section R313 when adopting the 2021 International Residential Code, so new one- and two-family homes are not required to install automatic fire sprinklers.
Dothan Deletes IRC Home Sprinkler Rule
Few RestrictionsDothan City Code §§ 14-21, 14-30(g)
2021 International Residential Code for One and Two Family Dwellings (IRC) including Appendices "A (IFGS)," "B (IFGS)," "C (IFGS)," "D (IFGS)," "E," "G," "H," "J (EB)," "M" and "N." Section R313 deleted. ... ... Sec. 14-30. - Amendments to International Residential Code (IRC). ... (g)Section R313. Deleted.
Green Building Code
The City of Dothan does not enforce a separate green building code. Instead, Sec. 14-30(h) replaces the IRC's Chapter 11 Energy Efficiency with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code as amended by the Alabama Residential Energy Code, and Sec. 14-22(f) makes the same swap for commercial energy references.
Dothan's Energy Code Replaces IECC
Some RestrictionsDothan City Code §§ 14-22(f), 14-30(h)
Sec. 14-22. - Amendments to International Building Code (IBC). ... (f)Any reference within this code using the term "International Energy Efficiency Code" is replaced with "applicable sections of the Alabama Commercial or Residential Energy Code". ... ... Sec. 14-30. - Amendments to International Residential Code (IRC). ... (h)Replace Chapter 11 Energy Efficiency with 2015 International Energy ...
Building Permits
In the City of Dothan it is unlawful to construct, erect, demolish, alter, repair, or move any structure, or to do land-disturbance, plumbing, electrical, heating, or air-conditioning work, without first notifying the building official, who decides whether a permit is required.
Dothan Building Permit Requirement
Some RestrictionsDothan City Code § 14-3(a)
It shall be unlawful to construct, erect, or otherwise place any structure, demolish, alter, repair or move any structure or part thereof, or perform any land disturbance plumbing, electrical, heating or air conditioning work in the city without first notifying the building official, who will determine whether a permit for such activity is required in accordance with this chapter.
Electrical Permits
The City of Dothan enforces the 2020 National Electrical Code on every wiring job. Sec. 14-56 requires anyone doing electrical work for others to hold a current city electrical license backed by a state master electrician's certificate, and Sec. 14-5 makes a permit mandatory before that work starts.
Dothan Electrical Permit and License Rules
Some RestrictionsDothan City Code §§ 14-21, 14-56
That certain documents ... being marked and designated as the International Code Council (ICC) Codes, 2021 Edition ... and Codes published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); National Electric Code, 2020 Edition (as prepared by the National Electrical Code Committee and copyrighted 2019) that are hereby incorporated by reference as a part of this article as though fully set fort...
Plumbing Permits
In the City of Dothan, plumbing work for others requires a current city plumber's license backed by a state master plumber's certificate under Sec. 14-91. The 2021 International Plumbing Code governs installations, and Sec. 14-92 cuts off water service if inspection and connection fees go unpaid.
Dothan Plumbing Permit and License Rules
Some RestrictionsDothan City Code §§ 14-91, 14-92
Sec. 14-91. - License required. (a)Before engaging in the business of or doing any plumbing installation or repair work for others in the city, each person must possess a current city plumber's license.(b)Every applicant for a license to engage in the business of or doing any plumbing work for others in the city must possess a master plumbers' certificate issued by the State Plumbers and Gasfit...
Building Inspections
In the City of Dothan, contractors and owner-builders must call for inspections before covering any building, electrical, plumbing or mechanical work. Sec. 14-4 requires notice to the inspection office at least 12 working hours ahead, and Sec. 14-3 bars occupancy until the building official issues a certificate of occupancy after a compliance inspection.
Dothan Building Permit Inspection Rules
Some RestrictionsDothan City Code §§ 14-3, 14-4
(b)The building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy at the completion of the work for which a building or structure permit has been issued if, after inspection, it is found that such work complies with the provisions of this chapter or other laws that are enforced by the City of Dothan. It shall be unlawful to use or occupy a building or premises or part thereof without a certificat...