Thinking about adding a pole barn on your Wilmer property? It is a smart way to gain storage, protect equipment, or set up a flexible workspace. The steps can feel confusing if you are not sure who issues permits or what kind of pad you need. This guide breaks it down so you can plan with confidence, avoid delays, and keep costs under control. Let’s dive in.
Permits in Wilmer: who to call
Wilmer is in unincorporated Mobile County, so permits come from Mobile County Inspection Services. You will work through the county’s permit process, not a city. Mobile County does not have county zoning in unincorporated areas, but private deed restrictions or HOA rules may apply and can limit accessory buildings. Always check your deed, plat, and any covenants first.
- Start with the Mobile County Inspection Services permits page for requirements and forms. You can also call 251-574-3507 or email [email protected] for guidance. Mobile County Inspection Services permits page
- Learn about the county’s approach to development and zoning in unincorporated areas. Mobile County Planning and Development
Do you need a building permit?
Almost all pole barns need a building permit in Mobile County. There is a narrow exemption for one-story detached accessory structures if every condition below is met:
- 200 square feet or less under roof.
- No conditioned space.
- No electric, water, fuel gas, solar, or wind power.
- Not in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
- Not in Exposure Category D for wind.
If your plan exceeds 200 square feet, includes utilities, or sits in a mapped flood area, expect to permit the project. The county’s adopted codes and amendments outline these rules. Mobile County adopted codes and amendments
If you will add wiring, plumbing, or HVAC, you will also need separate trade permits and inspections. Forms are on the county downloads page. Inspection Services downloads
Plans and when you need engineering
Many pole barns require drawings prepared by an Alabama-licensed engineer or architect. Plan on sealed drawings when:
- The building is larger than the small-structure exemption or will be enclosed or conditioned.
- The site is in a Special Flood Hazard Area or high-wind Exposure Category D.
- Your design includes large door openings, long spans, or higher risk uses.
Mobile County uses ASCE 7 design criteria for wind. Proper post embedment, footing size, and roof-to-wall connections are essential for approval. Mobile County adopted codes and amendments
Pads and foundations that work here
Your pad or foundation choice affects cost, lifespan, and permit details. Common options include:
Embedded posts
Posts set in augered holes and backfilled with concrete. This is cost-effective for open storage but requires correct embedment depth and anchorage for local wind and soil. Post-frame foundation overview
Concrete piers with post brackets
Columns are anchored to poured concrete piers or footings. This can improve durability, reduce rot risk, and make future column replacement easier.
Full concrete slab
A monolithic slab offers a durable floor for shops or heavier use. It adds excavation, compaction, and drainage work and often increases total cost. Pole barn slab and cost considerations
Wind, flood, soil, and drainage
Mobile County’s coastal location means wind design matters. Your plans must match the county’s adopted wind maps and exposure categories. If your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, additional elevation, foundation, and floodproofing rules will apply, and the small-structure exemption may not apply. Good grading and drainage protect your slab and posts from moisture issues. Mobile County adopted codes and amendments
Fees, valuation, and the permit process
Mobile County calculates building permit fees using a valuation method. For unconditioned residential accessory structures, the county fee schedule shows a valuation of 30 dollars per square foot for fee calculations. Plan review charges and separate trade permits are additional. Always use the current county fee schedule to estimate costs. Building Permit Fee Schedule
- Submit applications and plans through the county’s Electronic Plan Review and forms portal. Inspection Services downloads
- Plan review timing varies based on workload and whether corrections are needed. Ask the county for current timeframes. Inspection Services permits
Typical timelines
- Research and pre-checks: 1 to 7 days to confirm covenants, look up flood status, and decide on utilities.
- Permit submittal and review: a few days to a few weeks, depending on completeness and engineering.
- Construction and inspections: a few days to several weeks for simple barns; longer with slabs, utilities, or interior finishes.
Budget planning: what to expect
Construction pricing varies by size, finishes, and site work. Basic shell structures often range about 11 to 40 dollars per square foot, with enclosed or insulated barns on the higher end. Finished spaces and barndominium-style projects can run much higher. Use the county fee schedule for permit cost estimates and get at least two local bids for construction. Pole barn cost ranges
If you plan plumbing or a new on-site system, the Mobile County Health Department handles septic and well permits. This is a separate process with its own fees and inspections. Mobile County Health Department Onsite Services
Step-by-step checklist
- Confirm your property status. Verify you are in unincorporated Mobile County and review your deed, plat, and any HOA rules that could limit accessory buildings. Planning and Development
- Review wind and flood exposure. If in a Special Flood Hazard Area, plan for elevation and floodproofing requirements. Adopted codes and flood provisions
- Consult a local builder or Alabama-licensed engineer. Decide on size, layout, and foundation type. Expect sealed drawings for most larger or enclosed barns.
- Contact Inspection Services early. Confirm needed submittals, how to use Electronic Plan Review, fees, and expected timelines. Inspection Services permits
- Plan utilities and septic. File electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits if needed, and coordinate septic or well approvals. Inspection Services downloads | MCHD Onsite Services
- Hire qualified pros. Use properly licensed contractors as required by county and state rules.
- Schedule inspections. Do not cover work until it passes footing/post set, rough, trade, and final inspections.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Building without a permit. The county lists penalties for work started without approval. Permit fee schedule and penalties
- Skipping covenants or HOA review. Private rules can restrict or ban accessory buildings even without county zoning.
- Underestimating wind or flood requirements. Designs must meet ASCE 7 wind loads and flood rules where applicable. Adopted codes
- Assuming a slab avoids other requirements. Slabs need proper compaction, drainage, and plan details.
How a local real estate partner helps
A pole barn can add real utility and buyer appeal when done right. If you are buying land or selling a home that could benefit from a well-planned barn, a local advisor can help you evaluate property access, setbacks on a plat, flood considerations, and how improvements may influence market value. We know the Mobile County process and can point you to the right county pages and local pros so you move forward with clarity.
Have questions about property selection, value impact, or prepping your place for market once the barn is up? Reach out to Jordan Doole for friendly, local guidance backed by the reach of Coldwell Banker Smith Homes.
FAQs
Do I need a permit for a 12×16 shed in Wilmer?
- If it is 200 square feet or less, has no utilities, is not conditioned, and is not in a Special Flood Hazard Area or Exposure Category D, it may be exempt; otherwise, you need a building permit. Adopted codes
Who approves electrical work for a pole barn in Mobile County?
- Electrical work requires a separate trade permit and inspections through Mobile County Inspection Services. Inspection Services downloads
How are Mobile County permit fees calculated for a pole barn?
- The county uses a valuation method; unconditioned residential accessory structures are valued at 30 dollars per square foot for fee calculations, plus plan review and trade permit fees. Permit Fee Schedule
Can I build a pole barn in a flood zone near Wilmer?
- Yes, but you must meet flood elevation and foundation requirements, and the small-structure exemption may not apply in mapped flood areas. Adopted codes and flood provisions
How long does Mobile County plan review take?
- Time varies with workload and plan completeness; simple projects can move quickly, while engineered plans or corrections can add weeks. Contact the county for current timelines. Inspection Services permits
