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Development Services
The City of Leeds Development Services Department is responsible for the permitting and inspection of construction (including new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, and remodeling) throughout the City's building permitting jurisdiction as required by the International Building Codes. The Development Services Department enforces the Building Codes and the City's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
Zoning Map
Building Codes
The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions that include product evaluation, accreditation, technology, training, and certification. The Code Council's codes, standards, and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable, and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide.
The Leeds City Council has adopted and enforced the International Code Series
- International Building Code, 2015
- International Residential Code, 2015
- International Mechanical Code, 2015
- International Plumbing Code, 2015
- International Fuel Gas Code, 2015
- International Energy Conservation Code, 2015
- National Electric Code, 2011 for Commercial Buildings and Residential Buildings containing more than two dwelling units
Note
Should any of the above-adopted codes have a minimum requirement that is in conflict, the more restrictive requirement will prevail and will be required.
Commercial Checklist
View the Commercial Checklist (PDF)
Self Certification Program & One Permit
The City of Leeds announces the new Self-Certification and One Permit programs for Home Builders and Contractors. We are very excited about these new processes in our city for our citizens and contractors. The City of Leeds is the first city in the state of Alabama to offer the self-certification process for permitting. The One Permit allows for the licensed Home Builder or General Contractor to make an application for, and be issued, One Permit for a project. The implementation of these new permits will make the permitting process easier for the citizens and contractors and either of these processes are officially available.
View more information Self Certification Program and One Permit
- Do I need a permit?
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Per the 2015 International Building Code and International Residential Code: any owner or owner's authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the code, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the Building Official and obtain the required permits.
- How do I get a permit?
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Review the checklists below and gather all the required documents. Then, complete and submit your permit application online through the Citizenserve Portal at Citizen Serve.
In the portal, you can upload construction plans and required documents, check application review status, pay fees, schedule inspections, and much more. The portal is compatible with most tech devices - phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. You can log in anytime and anywhere - from your office, home, or even from the job site. The portal is most compatible with the Google Chrome internet browser.
You may also contact the Development Office. Staff members are available to walk you through the process.
- How much does a permit cost and how do I pay?
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View the Permit Fee Schedule for the costs of permits.
You will be required to pay the permit fees after the application has been reviewed and approved. You may pay by credit or debit card online in the Citizenserve Portal. Log into the portal, tap on My Account, then navigate to View My Requests. Hit on the permit number, then hit on the Make a Payment tab. You may also choose to pay by check or cash at City Hall - 1400 9th Street, 35094 during normal business hours.
The permit will not be issued and you should not start any work on the project until after the fees are paid and the permit status is changed to "Issued" or "Issued by Email".
- How long is a permit good for?
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Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
- How long does it take to get a permit?
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After you submit a Complete permit application with all required information and documents, prepare for the following application processing times:
- Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Re-Roofing Permits - up to 24 to 48 hours
- All other Permit Types - up to 7 to 10 days