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Building a New Construction Home in Orange Beach? Here's What You Need to Know
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
If you're considering building a new home in Orange Beach, Alabama—whether it’s your forever home, a vacation retreat, or a smart investment—it's essential to understand the steps and requirements before you break ground. As a real estate advisor with over 20 years of experience in luxury home sales and new construction, I help buyers navigate the entire process—from securing the perfect lot to working with builders and understanding local permitting procedures.
Below, I’ve outlined everything you need to know about the required permits and documentation, based on the latest checklist provided by the City of Orange Beach Building Department. This process is vital to ensuring your new construction is compliant, timely, and smoothly executed.
âś… Step One: Apply for the Required Permits
Before any work begins, three main permits must be submitted through the Orange Beach Permit Portal:
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Building Permit
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Site Permit – includes stormwater, tree removal, and driveway permits
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Roofing Permit (if roofing will be subcontracted separately from the builder)
Documents You’ll Need to Submit
When you apply, you’ll need to upload several documents in PDF format:
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Proof of Ownership – such as a recorded deed
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Boundary Survey – signed by a licensed Alabama surveyor
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Site Plan – showing proposed elevations, setbacks, water flow, drainage, and more
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Construction Plans – detailed and signed by an Alabama registered design professional
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Wind Load Design Certification
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REScheck Energy Compliance Certificate
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Subcontractor List (preliminary and final)
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Sewer Tap Confirmation – proof of existing or new sewer tap
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Fill Sample – if sand, gravel, or soil will be used
Each of these plays an essential role in the approval process. If you’re unsure how to obtain these documents, I can connect you with trusted professionals in the area to get the job done right.
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Special Conditions for Coastal Properties
If your property is within the Coastal Zone or a Flood Zone VE/AE, you may also need:
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V-Zone Certificate
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Coastal AE Certificate
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U.S. Army Corps Permit (if wetlands are present)
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Home Builder Licensure Exemption Affidavit (if you’re acting as your own builder)
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Impact Fees Form – based on the market value of the proposed improvements
These coastal-specific requirements are especially important in our area. I’ve helped dozens of clients navigate these steps on Ono Island and throughout Orange Beach, ensuring everything from drainage to FEMA regulations is taken into account.
Permits for Subcontractors After the Main Approval
Once your main permits are issued, your subcontractors will then obtain the following:
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Roofing Permit (if not already acquired)
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Electrical Permit
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Mechanical Permit
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Plumbing Permit
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Gas Permit (if applicable)
Each structure—even pools, docks, and accessory buildings—will require its own permit.
Let Me Help You Through the Process
I love helping clients bring their dream homes to life along the Gulf Coast. Whether you're just beginning to explore new construction in Orange Beach or you’ve already selected a lot and are ready to start building, I can walk you through each step, connect you with architects, builders, and inspectors, and ensure you're confident and compliant from start to finish.
You can explore current new construction listings in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores on my website, and contact me directly if you’d like personalized guidance.
Meredith Amon is a Gulf Coast Expert Real Estate Advisor, licensed in Alabama and Florida. She specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate the buying and selling of homes along the Gulf Coast.
When it comes to finding the home of your dreams in a fast-paced market, knowing about new listings as soon as they are available is part of our competitive advantage.Sign up to see new listings in an area or specific community. Contact Meredith with any questions you may have.
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