Bathroom Remodel Permit in Foley, AL (2026)

Research by DoINeedAPermit Research Team · Updated May 2026

The Short Answer

A full bathroom remodel in Foley requires a permit if you relocate any plumbing fixture, add electrical circuits, install a new exhaust fan, convert a tub to shower, or move walls. Surface-only work — new tile, vanity swap in place, faucet replacement — is exempt.

Foley Building Department follows Alabama state building code (currently adopting 2015 IBC/IRC with Alabama amendments) and enforces permits through a straightforward over-the-counter review process for most bathroom work — submit plans, get approval in 1-3 business days for standard remodels, then schedule inspections. What sets Foley apart from larger Alabama cities (Birmingham, Montgomery) is the speed and accessibility: you can walk into City Hall with your plans and get same-day feedback from the plan reviewer, rather than a 2-week mail review. Foley's coastal-plain sandy-loam soil means drainage and slope-to-daylight concerns are minimal (unlike the Black Belt clay areas inland), but the warm-humid climate (Zone 3A) makes exhaust-fan ductwork termination and shower waterproofing assembly critical — condensation and moisture penetration are the enemy. Alabama does not require a license for owner-builders on owner-occupied 1-2 family homes, so you can pull your own permit and do the work yourself, though Foley will still require a licensed plumber and electrician for rough-in inspections (municipal code may require licensed contractor sign-off; verify with the department). The permit fee is typically $200–$400 for a mid-range bathroom remodel (under $10,000 valuation) and covers one rough plumbing, one rough electrical, and one final inspection; additional inspections run $50–$75 each.

What happens if you skip the permit (and you needed one)

Stop-work orders from Foley code enforcement cost $200–$500 to resolve, plus you'll owe double permit fees ($400–$800) when you finally pull the legal permit to finish the job.
Insurance claims denied: if a bathroom flood or electrical fire occurs in unpermitted work, your homeowner's policy can reject the claim entirely and leave you liable for water/fire damage (often $15,000+).
Title and resale trouble: unpermitted bathroom remodels trigger Sellers' Disclosure requirements in Alabama real estate transactions; you must reveal the unpermitted work, which kills buyer confidence and can force removal or costly retrofits before closing.
Lender and refinance blocks: if you ever refinance, FHA/VA appraisers will flag unpermitted bathroom work as a condition of funding — you cannot close until it's legalized or removed.

Foley, Alabama full bathroom remodels — the key details

Foley Building Department requires a permit for any bathroom remodel that involves moving a plumbing fixture (toilet, sink, tub/shower), adding new electrical circuits, installing a new exhaust fan, converting a tub to a shower (or vice versa), or relocating any walls. The trigger is simple: if the work involves the building envelope, mechanical systems, or structural changes, it requires a permit. The exempt work is equally clear — you can replace a faucet, toilet, or vanity cartridge in the same location without a permit, and you can re-tile, paint, or swap hardware with no paperwork. What often confuses homeowners is the gray zone: if you're moving a pedestal sink 3 feet to a new wall, that's a plumbing-fixture relocation, so you need a permit. If you're installing a new bathroom (adding a second bathroom where none exists), that's a different and more complex permit path (requires new drain and vent stacks, which involves structural rough-in). The code authority is Alabama's adoption of the 2015 IBC/IRC with state amendments; Foley does not publish a local amendment list online, but the city enforces the base code plus any state-level amendments (such as enhanced ventilation for high-humidity climates).

Plumbing and drain requirements are governed by IRC Chapter 3 (IPC), which Foley enforces. The most common rejection in bathroom remodels is improper drain-trap-arm length or lack of proper venting. IRC P3201 requires trap arms to slope 1/4 inch per foot toward the trap (no backslope), and the arm length is limited based on vent distance — this is where DIY mistakes happen. If you're relocating a toilet drain, the new trap arm cannot exceed 6 feet without a vent within that distance; if it does, Foley will reject the plan and require you to add a vent stack or relocate the toilet closer to the main stack. For tub-to-shower conversions, IRC R702.4.2 mandates a waterproofing assembly behind tile — cement board plus a liquid or sheet membrane is the standard, and Foley requires you to specify this on the permit plan. The inspectors will verify the membrane at rough plumbing (before drywall) and again at final. Failure to show waterproofing details is the #1 reason for plan rejections on shower conversions.

Electrical work is governed by NEC Chapter 5 (articles 500-590), and Foley strictly enforces bathroom-specific rules. NEC 210.12(B) requires all 15- and 20-amp circuits in a bathroom to have arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection — this is non-negotiable. NEC 210.8(A)(1) requires all bathroom receptacles (outlets) within 6 feet of a sink to have ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection. The reject-trap here is homeowners who add a new outlet 'just over there' without showing it on the electrical plan, or who re-use an old 15-amp circuit for a heated towel rack or ventilation fan (which require dedicated 20-amp circuits). If you're adding a new exhaust fan or heated towel rack, you need a dedicated 20-amp circuit; Foley's electrical inspector will verify this at rough inspection. If you're moving the vanity and sink to a new wall, any new receptacles must be on a new GFCI-protected circuit unless they're beyond 6 feet from the sink (and you must show the distance on the plan). Pressure-balanced or thermostatic tub/shower valves are required by IRC P2706 if you're installing a new valve; if you're re-using an old non-balanced valve, Foley may flag this at rough inspection and require an upgrade.

Exhaust fan and ventilation rules are critical in Foley's warm-humid climate (Zone 3A), where moisture control prevents mold and rot. IRC M1505.4 requires exhaust fans in bathrooms without operable windows to discharge to the outdoors — not into the attic or soffit. The duct must be minimum 4 inches rigid or semi-rigid (not flex duct directly to the outside, which clogs easily), and the termination must be dampered and located to slope back toward the building so condensation drains inside the duct, not outside. Foley inspectors will request a photo of the duct termination at final inspection; common rejections include flex duct terminating in the soffit (condensation trap), ductless fans (not allowed), or fans ducted into the attic (code violation). The fan CFM (cubic feet per minute) must be sized per the bathroom square footage: 1 CFM per square foot, or minimum 50 CFM if the room is small. If your bathroom is 60 square feet, the fan must be at least 60 CFM; undersized fans are common and fail inspection.

The permit process in Foley is owner-friendly: you can pull a permit yourself (no contractor license required for owner-occupied 1-2 family homes in Alabama), walk your plans to the Foley Building Department counter, get feedback same-day or next-day, and resubmit. Plan review typically takes 1-3 business days for a bathroom remodel. Once approved, you have 180 days to start work (standard in Alabama). Inspections must be called 24 hours in advance; the sequence is rough plumbing, rough electrical (often combined), and final. The final inspection checks waterproofing (shower), GFCI outlets, AFCI breaker, exhaust fan venting, and overall code compliance. Foley requires a licensed plumber and electrician to pull rough permits (even if you're the owner-builder doing the demolition and drywall); verify this requirement directly with the Building Department, as Alabama code sometimes allows owner-builder electrician work on single-family, but local jurisdiction rules vary. The total permit fee for a standard full bathroom remodel is typically $250–$400; additional inspections beyond the standard package run $50–$75 each. If you fail an inspection, you pay the re-inspection fee and must correct the deficiency.

Three Foley bathroom remodel (full) scenarios

Scenario A

Relocate toilet and sink 4 feet, new tile and exhaust fan, East Foley bungalow (pre-1978)

You're gutting a 5-foot-by-7-foot bathroom in a 1972 Craftsman-style cottage in East Foley. The old toilet (floor-mounted on the outside wall, vented through the roof) will move 4 feet to the adjacent interior wall. The pedestal sink will move from the far corner to the opposite wall, above the toilet. You're installing a new exhaust fan in the ceiling (no existing fan). New tile, new vanity, new fixtures. The toilet relocation requires a new drain-trap arm (approximately 3 feet from the old stack location) — this is within the 6-foot limit without additional venting, so the existing vent stack will serve both toilets. The sink drain relocates similarly. You'll need a permit because: (1) plumbing fixture relocation, (2) new exhaust fan duct. Lead-paint rule applies (pre-1978): you must disclose lead to buyers and follow EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, Painting) rules if you're renting the property or planning to sell within 5 years; Foley does not enforce RRP directly, but your contractor must be EPA-certified if you hire one. The permit process: sketch the new drain and vent locations, show the fixture relocation dimensions, specify the exhaust-fan CFM (minimum 35 CFM for a 5x7 bathroom), and confirm GFCI outlets. Foley Building Department will approve in 2-3 days. Estimated permit fee: $250–$350. You'll pay for rough plumbing inspection ($75–$100 if not bundled), rough electrical ($50–$75), and final ($100–$150). The trap arm on the toilet must slope 1/4 inch per foot toward the old stack; if the new arm exceeds 6 feet from the existing vent, the plan will be rejected and you'll need to add a new vent or move the toilet closer. Timeline: 3-4 weeks from permit approval to final sign-off, assuming no re-inspections.

Scenario B

Tub-to-shower conversion, new waterproofing assembly, 2005 Foley split-level in coastal zone

A 2005 builder-grade split-level in central Foley has a standard fiberglass tub-shower that's cracking. You want to remove the fiberglass, open the wall, install a custom tile shower with a zero-threshold base, and upgrade the waterproofing. This is a classic tub-to-shower conversion — it requires a permit because the waterproofing assembly changes (IRC R702.4.2 applies). The tub sat on a standard acrylic-lined surround; the new shower will have cement board (per ASTM C1325) plus a sheet membrane (or liquid membrane) behind the tile. The existing drain may serve both (no relocation), so you're not triggering plumbing-fixture relocation, but the waterproofing upgrade is itself a permit requirement. You'll also add GFCI receptacles if you're adding a heated floor or lighting (common in upgrades). The permit application must include: (1) waterproofing material specifications (e.g., "USG Durock cement board + Schluter Systems membrane"), (2) tile layout and grout type (epoxy or urethane for high-moisture areas is preferred in coastal 3A climate), (3) drain/slope details. Foley's plan reviewer will check for proper slope (1/4 inch per foot toward drain), membrane overlap (all seams sealed), and penetrations sealed. Common rejection: submitting "tile shower" without specifying the waterproofing — Foley will send the plan back requesting the material data sheets. Lead paint rules apply (post-1978 home, so no RRP required). The exhaust fan (existing or new) must vent outdoors; if the current fan is ductless or vents into the attic, you'll be asked to remediate at final. Estimated permit fee: $200–$300. Rough inspection (framing + waterproofing assembly) must occur before drywall/tile; final inspection confirms all tile is sealed and drain is sloped properly. Timeline: 4-5 weeks including material-lead time. If the home is in a flood-zone area (Foley has some FEMA flood maps), additional wet-floodproofing may be required — verify with the Building Department.

Permit required (waterproofing assembly change) | Waterproofing material specs must be submitted | Cement board + membrane required (IRC R702.4.2) | Rough inspection before tile installation | Estimated permit cost $200–$300 | Verify exhaust fan outdoor termination | Total project estimate $6,000–$12,000

Scenario C

Add new bathroom in basement, new plumbing rough-in, remove interior wall, owner-builder, 1980s Foley ranch

You're adding a second bathroom in a 1980s ranch in Foley — a basement corner space that will include toilet, sink, and a shower stall. This is more complex than a remodel: you're adding a new bathroom (not remodeling an existing one), which means new drain and vent stacks, new electrical circuits, and a structural wall removal (removing a non-load-bearing partition to create the shower niche). This project requires a permit for: (1) new plumbing (toilet drain, vent stack, sink), (2) new electrical (GFCI circuits), (3) structural change (wall removal). Alabama allows owner-builders to pull permits on owner-occupied 1-2 family homes, so you can be the permit applicant, but you'll need a licensed plumber to rough-in the drains and vents, and a licensed electrician for the panel connection. The challenge: the basement is concrete slab, so the toilet drain must either connect to an existing branch (if within distance) or require a new drain line (possible ejector pump if the slope doesn't allow gravity drain). If you need an ejector pump, that's an additional permit line-item and cost. The interior wall removal: if it's non-load-bearing, you only need confirmation on the permit plan; if it's load-bearing, you'll need a structural engineer's stamped plan showing a beam. Foley's Building Department will ask for a floor plan showing (1) fixture locations, (2) drain/vent routing, (3) electrical outlet locations with GFCI notation, (4) wall removal details, (5) wall framing plan if removing load-bearing wall. Lead-paint rules apply (1980s, pre-1978 exemption does not apply, but RRP only applies if you're renting or selling). Estimated permit fee: $400–$600 (higher because it's new construction, not remodeling). Inspections: rough plumbing, rough electrical, framing (if wall is removed), and final. Timeline: 5-6 weeks including plan revision rounds (common for new bathrooms). If an ejector pump is required, add 1-2 weeks for the pump manufacturer's rough-in inspection.

Permit required (new bathroom, new drains, wall removal) | Licensed plumber required for drain/vent rough-in | Licensed electrician required for panel connection | Structural engineer stamp required if load-bearing wall | Ejector pump may be required (slab basement) | Estimated permit cost $400–$600 | Total project estimate $12,000–$25,000 (including ejector pump, if needed)

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Waterproofing and moisture control in Foley's warm-humid climate

Foley is in IECC Climate Zone 3A (warm-humid), which means high moisture in the air and frequent rain. Bathroom waterproofing is not optional — it's a climate necessity. IRC R702.4.2 requires a waterproofing assembly behind tile in showers and tubs, but Foley inspectors enforce this strictly because mold and water damage are common failure modes in this region. The standard assembly is cement board (not drywall or gypsum board) plus a liquid or sheet membrane. Cement board is treated to resist moisture; standard drywall will degrade behind tile in a humid bathroom. Foley's code adoption (2015 IRC) does not override R702.4.2, so the requirement is non-negotiable.

The permit plan must specify the waterproofing product by name and model number. For example: 'USG Durock cement board (5/8 inch) plus Schluter KERDI sheet membrane' or 'QuietRock cement board plus Aqua Defense liquid membrane.' Foley's plan reviewer will request product data sheets if not included. The assembly must include: (1) substrate (cement board, fastened per manufacturer), (2) waterproofing layer (sheet or liquid, with all seams and penetrations sealed), (3) drainage plane behind the tile (slope 1/4 inch per foot to the drain), and (4) sealant at all corners and penetrations (light fixtures, soap niches). Epoxy or urethane grout is recommended for the tile in humid climates (better than standard Portland cement grout, which can absorb moisture). Foley's rough inspection will occur before drywall or final tile; the inspector will verify that the waterproofing layer is complete and sealed. Common mistakes: using drywall instead of cement board (fails inspection), not sealing membrane seams (fails inspection), using non-epoxy grout (not code violation, but inspector may recommend upgrade).

Exhaust ventilation is the second critical moisture-control element. IRC M1505.4 requires continuous exhaust to the outdoors (not soffit, not attic). In a warm-humid climate, the exhaust duct itself must slope back toward the building to allow condensation to drain inside the duct; if the duct slopes away from the building, condensation drains outside and clogs the termination. Foley inspectors will request a photo of the duct termination at final to confirm it's outdoors (typically a through-roof or through-wall dampered hood). Flex duct is permitted by code but clogs easily and should be avoided in humid climates. The fan CFM should match the bathroom size: 1 CFM per square foot of floor area, minimum 50 CFM. A 60-square-foot bathroom needs at least a 60-CFM fan. Undersized fans are common (builder-grade 50-CFM fans in large master baths) and fail to move moisture — Foley's inspector will not reject an undersized fan at inspection, but you'll have persistent humidity and mold risk.

Plumbing fixture relocation and trap-arm code traps

The most common plumbing mistake in Foley bathroom remodels is improper trap-arm length or slope. IRC P3201.7 limits trap-arm length based on the pipe diameter and vent distance. A standard toilet (3-inch trap arm) can be a maximum of 6 feet from the vent stack without additional venting; a sink (1.5-inch trap arm) can be 2.5 feet from the vent without additional venting. If you're relocating a fixture beyond these distances, you must add a new vent (wet vent, re-vent, or stack vent). Foley's plan review will check trap-arm distances; if they exceed code, the plan will be rejected with a request to add a vent or relocate the fixture closer. This is where sketching the new drain path on the permit plan is critical — don't guess at distances.

The trap-arm slope must be 1/4 inch per foot minimum downhill toward the trap. Backslope (sloping uphill) is prohibited and will cause traps to fill with water and siphon. If you're moving a toilet drain from an exterior wall to an interior wall, the new arm will be 3-4 feet long; confirm the slope with a level and transit. The trap itself must be accessible for cleaning (not boxed in by cabinetry). Foley's rough inspection will verify trap-arm slope with a level; if the slope is insufficient, you'll fail inspection and must correct it. The remedy is sometimes as simple as lowering the vent stack connection or raising the toilet flange, but it adds time and cost.

Sink relocation is similar: the new sink drain (1.5-inch trap arm) must slope to the trap and connect to a vent within 2.5 feet. If your sink is moving across the room, a new trap may be required, or you can extend the existing drain line if it reaches far enough. The rough inspection will confirm the trap-arm slope and vent connection. Common rejection: moving a sink drain to a location where the trap arm exceeds the code maximum without a vent — the inspector will reject the rough and ask for a new vent to be added. Plan ahead: if you're moving fixtures more than a few feet, have a plumber sketch the new drain path before you submit the permit plan. It costs $200–$300 for a plumber's pre-bid, but it saves permit rejection and re-inspection fees.

City of Foley Building Department
City Hall, Foley, AL (verify current address with city)
Phone: (251) 968-8484 (main city line; ask for Building Department) | https://www.foleyalabama.us/ (check for online permit portal or e-permit system)
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (typical; verify locally)

Common questions

Can I do a bathroom remodel in Foley without a permit if I hire a contractor?

No. Foley requires a permit for any bathroom work involving fixture relocation, new electrical circuits, new exhaust fans, or wall changes — regardless of whether you hire a contractor or do it yourself. The contractor is responsible for pulling the permit (or you can pull it yourself). Skipping the permit exposes you to stop-work orders ($200–$500 fine), double permit fees, insurance claim denial, and resale disclosure liability. Foley Building Department does not offer 'contractors' exemptions' from permit requirements.

How long does a bathroom remodel permit take in Foley?

Foley's plan review typically takes 1-3 business days for a standard bathroom remodel (fixture relocation, new exhaust fan). Once approved, you have 180 days to start work. Inspections (rough plumbing, rough electrical, final) are typically 1-2 weeks apart, depending on your contractor's schedule. Total timeline from permit approval to final sign-off is usually 3-4 weeks, plus any material lead times (tile, fixtures). If the plan is rejected for missing details (waterproofing specs, trap-arm lengths), add 1-2 weeks for resubmission and re-review.

Do I need a licensed plumber and electrician for a bathroom remodel in Foley if I'm the owner-builder?

Alabama state code allows owner-builders on owner-occupied 1-2 family homes to pull permits and do the work themselves without a license. However, Foley's local code may require licensed contractor sign-off on plumbing rough-in (drain and vent installation) and electrical rough-in (new circuits, breaker connections). Contact Foley Building Department directly to confirm whether you can do your own electrical and plumbing, or if you must hire licensed contractors for the rough inspections. Most homeowners hire a licensed plumber for drains and vents, and a licensed electrician for new circuits, to ensure code compliance and avoid rejection at inspection.

What is the permit fee for a bathroom remodel in Foley?

Foley's bathroom permit fee is typically $200–$400 for a standard remodel (fixture relocation, new exhaust fan, tub-to-shower conversion) with valuation under $10,000. The fee is often calculated as a percentage of the project valuation (1-2% is typical). Additional inspections beyond the standard package (rough plumbing, rough electrical, final) run $50–$75 each. A new bathroom (not a remodel) is typically $400–$600 due to higher valuation. Ask Foley Building Department for the current fee schedule and whether your project includes bundled inspections or à la carte fees.

Do I need special waterproofing for a shower in Foley, or can I use drywall and tile?

IRC R702.4.2 requires cement board (not drywall) plus a waterproofing membrane (liquid or sheet) behind all tile in showers. Standard drywall will fail in a bathroom's humid environment and will degrade over time. Foley enforces this strictly because the warm-humid climate (Zone 3A) makes moisture damage common. Acceptable assemblies include USG Durock + Schluter KERDI, QuietRock + Aqua Defense, or similar cement-board-and-membrane systems. Foley's plan reviewer will request product specs; the rough inspector will verify the assembly before drywall. Failure to specify proper waterproofing will result in plan rejection.

What if I move a toilet just a few feet in Foley — do I still need a permit?

Yes. IRC P3201 defines any relocation of a plumbing fixture as requiring a permit — even a 2-foot move triggers plan review and inspection. Foley does not have a 'minor move' exemption. The inspection verifies proper trap-arm slope (1/4 inch per foot), vent distance (6-foot maximum for toilets without additional venting), and connection to the existing drain stack. Moving a toilet may require a new trap-arm run, and if the distance exceeds code limits, you'll need an additional vent. Plan ahead with a plumber to sketch the new drain path before submitting the permit.

Is a GFCI outlet required in every bathroom outlet in Foley?

NEC 210.8(A)(1) requires GFCI protection on all receptacles (outlets) within 6 feet of a bathroom sink. Outlets beyond 6 feet from the sink do not require GFCI. If your bathroom has multiple outlets, you can install one GFCI outlet protecting downstream outlets on the same circuit, or install GFCI breakers at the panel. Foley's electrical inspector will verify GFCI protection at rough and final inspection. Any new circuits you add must be on a GFCI-protected breaker. This is non-negotiable and will be checked at inspection.

Can I vent my bathroom exhaust fan into the attic in Foley?

No. IRC M1505.4 requires exhaust fans to discharge to the outdoors (not into the attic or soffit). Attic exhaust traps moisture and causes mold and rot — especially in Foley's warm-humid climate. The duct must be 4-inch minimum (rigid or semi-rigid), dampered at the termination, and slope back toward the building to drain condensation inside the duct. Foley's inspector will request a photo of the duct termination at final inspection. Terminating in the soffit (common shortcut) violates code and will be flagged for correction.

What if my home was built before 1978 — do I need to worry about lead paint in a bathroom remodel?

Lead-based paint regulations (EPA RRP Rule) apply to homes built before 1978 only if you are renting the property or planning to sell within 5 years. If you own the home and are not planning to rent or sell soon, RRP certification is not legally required (though disclosure is required at sale). Foley Building Department does not enforce RRP directly; it's an EPA/HUD issue. However, if you hire a contractor for the work, you must hire an EPA-certified RRP contractor to legally disturb pre-1978 paint. The work must include containment and lead-safe cleanup. If you're in a pre-1978 home and uncertain about lead paint, get an inspection ($300–$500) before starting — it's cheaper than legal liability.

What is a 'trap arm' and why does Foley care about its length?

A trap arm is the pipe segment between the fixture (toilet, sink) and the trap (the curved pipe below the fixture that holds water to block sewer gas). IRC P3201.7 limits trap-arm length based on pipe diameter and vent distance: a toilet's 3-inch trap arm can be a maximum 6 feet from the vent stack, and a sink's 1.5-inch arm can be 2.5 feet. If the arm exceeds these limits, sewer gas can siphon the trap water, causing odor and code violation. Foley's rough plumbing inspector will measure trap-arm distances on a relocated fixture and reject the work if the distance is excessive or slope is insufficient (must be 1/4 inch per foot downhill). This is why submitting a scale plan with fixture locations and drain paths is critical — guessing at distances results in rejection and re-inspection fees.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on research conducted in May 2026 using publicly available sources. Always verify current bathroom remodel (full) permit requirements with the City of Foley Building Department before starting your project.

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