Ono Island Requirements for Home Builders and Contractors: What You Need to Know

Building a home on Ono Island involves a set of specific regulations and licensing requirements that must be adhered to for successful permitting and construction. Whether you're a contractor, trade specialist, or a property owner acting as your own contractor, it is essential to ensure compliance with Baldwin County Building Department guidelines and policies. Below are the key requirements:

General Contractor Requirements

All contractors working in the Baldwin County building jurisdiction, including Ono Island, must hold an active State of Alabama business license. During the Building Department’s application review process, it will verify that:

The contractor is registered on the Citizenserve Portal.
The proper licenses are held for the scope of work and job valuation provided.

Contractors must register and upload their licenses to the portal. Baldwin County offers step-by-step guides and how-to videos to help contractors through the process.

Trade Contractor Licensing (Electrical, Mechanical/HVAC, Plumbing, Gas, and Fire Protection)

Trade contractors must have the appropriate licenses before working on new homes on Ono Island:

Electrical: Requires an Electrical Contractor license from the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board.
Mechanical/HVAC: Requires an HVAC license from the Alabama Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors Board.
Plumbing & Gas: Requires a Master Plumbers or Gas Fitters license from the Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board.
Fire Protection: Requires a Fire Protection Layout Technician Level III credential and a Sprinkler System Permit.

All subcontractors performing work valued at $100,000 or more must also be licensed by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Ono Island-Specific Requirements

Building on Ono Island brings additional complexities, such as flood zone designations and wind-borne debris regulations. Here are the key Ono Island-specific requirements for home builders and contractors:

Flood Zones and Elevation: Homes must be built at Base Flood Elevation (BFE) + 1 foot of freeboard or higher. No plumbing, appliances, or HVAC systems are allowed below this level.
Truss Layout: A copy of the truss layout and details must be submitted prior to scheduling the 4-Way Inspection.
Wind-Borne Debris Protection: Homes located in the Wind-Borne Debris Region require impact-rated windows or other forms of windborne protection.
Attic Ventilation: Ensure compliance with 2018 IRC R806 attic ventilation requirements, unless insulation is applied on the underside of roof sheathing.
Safety Glass: Required in hazardous locations as per 2018 IRC R308.4.

Residential Construction and Roofing

Contractors handling residential construction or roofing with a job valuation over $2,500 must have a home builders roofers license and bond. For jobs exceeding $10,000, a home builders license is required.
Any structural work involving more than one trade must be carried out by a contractor with an unlimited home builders license.

Special Considerations for Flood and Wind Zones

Flood-Resistant Materials: Materials used below the BFE + 1-foot freeboard must be flood-resistant.
Windows/Doors: Windows and doors must meet egress requirements and be rated at a minimum DP 50 unless otherwise approved by an engineer.
Hydrostatic Vents: Enclosed areas below the BFE + 1-foot freeboard must include hydrostatic vents to prevent structural damage during flooding.
Elevation Certificate: Since homes on Ono Island are located in FEMA flood zones, an Elevation Certificate prepared by a licensed surveyor or engineer is mandatory before permits can be issued.

Permits for Property Owners Acting as Their Own Contractor

Property owners may choose to act as their own contractor, but permits are still required, and the owner assumes all responsibility for ensuring that subcontractors hold proper licenses. Owners claiming exempt status waive their rights to protection under the Home Builders Licensure Law. Additionally, any home built by an owner cannot be sold within one year of construction completion without violating the exemption.

Stay Compliant and Informed

Whether you’re working on new construction or major repairs, it’s critical to remain compliant with Baldwin County and Ono Island regulations to avoid delays, fines, or penalties. Be sure to check all relevant licensing requirements and understand that permits are essential to proceed legally.

For more information, review Baldwin County’s portal or contact the Baldwin County Building Department