Frequently Asked Questions

Building permit fees vary by type of permits needed to complete a project. Reference the Permit Fee Schedule for permit costs.

If you need to make a code complaint, please notify the Building Department at 334-448-2740. Once the department is notified, a code enforcement officer will give a 7-to-10-day notice to the offender. If the notice hasn’t been complied with within the time given, law enforcement may intervene to rectify the problem.

In addition to permitted uses, there are other uses which may be necessary or desirable to allow on certain locations in certain districts, but because of their actual or potential impact on neighboring uses, need to be carefully regulated with respect to their location. Such uses, on account of their peculiar location need or the nature of the service offered, may have to be established in a district in which they cannot be reasonably allowed as a permitted use. Such uses are generally specified in the district requirements under “Uses Permitted on Appeal.” These uses are called “special use.” Such uses require special permission granted by the Board of Zoning Adjustments and Appeals. These uses must be in harmony with the intent and purpose of the neighborhood in which it is to be located. Review the Special Exception Application.

Any property owners may file an application for a variance from the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Phenix City, Alabama where it is claimed that, by reason of exceptional narrowness, shallowness, or shape, or by reason of other exceptional topographic conditions, or other extraordinary and exceptional situations or conditions of such place of property existing at the time of the adoption of the Ordinance, the strict application and literal enforcement of the provisions of the Ordinance would result in peculiar, exceptional undue and unnecessary hardship upon such owner.

It is the intent of the Ordinance that variances be used only to overcome some physical condition of a parcel of land, which poses a practical difficulty to its development and prevents its owner from using the property in conformance with the provisions of the Ordinance. Any variance granted shall be the minimum adjustment necessary for the reasonable use of the land.

All variance applicants must go before the Board of Zoning Adjustments and Appeals.

You’re able to find out the area and dimensional requirements for your lot by contacting the Building Department at 334-448-2740, or by referencing the Phenix City Zoning Ordinance.

At this time, a permit is not required for tree removal.

Yes a permit to replace or repair and fence is required. Reference the Commercial Building Permits section and the Residential Building Permit section for more information on fence permits.

Yes, a permit is required to hold a yard sale. The rules and regulations of holding a yard sale in Phenix City can be found within the Yard Sale Ordinance and Permit Application.

If you need to make a code complaint, please notify the Building Department at 334-448-2740. Once the department is notified, a code enforcement officer will give a 7-to-10-day notice to the offender. If the notice hasn’t been complied with within the time given, law enforcement may intervene to rectify the problem.

Current Code Editions

Full copies of the current code editions are available for review at the Building Department (effective August 1, 2023).

  • International Building Code – 2021 Edition with Alabama Commercial Energy Code Amendments to include Appendixes A, B, C, E, F, H, I, and J.
  • International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings – 2021 Edition with Alabama Residential Building and Energy Code amendments, to include Appendixes AA, AB, AC, AD, AE, AF, AG, AH, AJ, AK, and AM; Amend R315 – Carbon Monoxide Detectors required in all Dwelling Units.
  • International Energy Conservation Code – 2021 Edition.
  • International Fire Code – 2021 Edition with Appendixes A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and N (Delete Section D107).
  • International Mechanical Code – 2021 Edition with Appendix A.
  • International Fuel Gas Code – 2021 Edition with all Appendixes.
  • International Plumbing Code – 2021 Edition with Appendix, B, C, D, and E.
  • International Property Maintenance Code – 2021 Edition (Delete Section 111.2), which code shall be inapplicable in the police jurisdiction.
  • International Existing Building Code – 2021 Edition.
  • International Swimming Pool and Spa Code – 2021 Edition.
  • ICC A117.1 – Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities – 2017 Edition.
  • National Electrical Code – 2020 Edition.

There are several items needed when obtaining a building permit in the City of Phenix City. A list of required documents can be found on the page that references your type of project:

The Phenix City Building Department will be glad to assist you in finding the correct zoning of a piece of property. Please provide them with a street address and/or tax map number. It would be most helpful to fax a copy of the lot in question to 334-448-2742, so they can therefore provide you with the proper setback and other requirements of the zone. View a copy of the Phenix City Zoning Ordinance.