Ala. Code § 22-21-44: Payment of Fees.

An initial fee payment of five hundred dollars ($500) shall accompany the first drawing submittal for each project. Upon written approval of the final stage drawings, 75 percent of the estimated fee, less the initial five hundred dollar ($500) payment, shall be paid. The estimated fee shall be based on the architect’s estimated cost of construction. At the final building inspection, the remainder of the fee shall be paid to the State Board of Health. This payment shall be the final fee less fees previously paid or waived. The final fee shall be based on the actual cost of construction. A copy of the contractor’s latest pay request shall be furnished to the department as the evidence for actual cost. Except as specifically provided herein, no fees paid shall be refundable. The Alabama Department of Mental Health shall be exempt from all fees described herein.