Building permits, zoning and land rules in Blount County, Alabama
67Index Score / 100 #51 of 67 in Alabama
A general building-permit requirement for an ordinary home in unincorporated Blount County, Alabama, could not be confirmed, and the county lists no building-permit office1. County permits still apply to development in regulated floodplains and to driveways entering county rights-of-way23. Septic applications and permits go through the Blount County Health Department under Alabama's statewide onsite-sewage program45.
At a glance
Building permit
No general county requirement confirmed for an ordinary home in an unincorporated area1
Building codes
State code covers limited project types; Oneonta and Highland Lake enforce their own documented codes678
Zoning
No countywide zoning rule confirmed; Oneonta has municipal zoning910
Septic permits
Apply through Blount County Health Department before installing a system where public sewer is unavailable511
Floodplain permit
Required before construction, structures, encroachments or fill in a designated floodplain2
County-road driveway
County Commission approval is required before building or using access into a county right-of-way3
Owner-builder
Available for a qualifying owner-occupied one- or two-family residence under state licensing rules12
RV / tiny home living
No countywide answer confirmed; municipal, septic, floodplain and subdivision rules may still control the site911213
Administers the Blount County Subdivision Regulations, issues Flood Plain Development Permits, and administers driveway access permits onto county roads
Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.
Do you need a building permit in Blount County, Alabama?
A general county building permit for an ordinary home in unincorporated Blount County could not be confirmed, and the county's department list has no building-permit or inspection office1. Alabama's State Building Code does not fill that gap for ordinary residential or commercial property; its jurisdiction is limited principally to state-owned or state-funded work, schools, public postsecondary facilities, hotels, motels and movie theaters6. When a local authority does require a residential permit, it must withhold the permit from a builder who needs a state home-builder license but cannot show a license or exemption14. Separate county approvals remain important: development in a designated floodplain needs the County Engineer's approval, and access into a county right-of-way needs County Commission approval23. Inside a municipality, ask the city before building; Oneonta uses the 2021 code family, while Highland Lake subjects new construction and additions to inspection under its adopted code158.
Who handles building, driveway and septic permits in Blount County?
Blount County has no listed general building-permit department, so the right contact depends on the work1. The Blount County Engineering Department administers subdivision regulations and is the practical county contact for subdivision, floodplain and county-road-access questions16. Reach Engineering at 6454 Second Ave. West, Oneonta, AL 35121, by phone at 205-274-2128 or by email at [email protected]16. Blount County Health Department Environmental Services handles local onsite-sewage applications and permits within Alabama's state program45. Its environmental-services contact is 1001 Lincoln Avenue, Oneonta, Alabama 35121, phone 205-947-107617. For land inside a city, contact that municipality as well: Oneonta has building inspections and zoning, and Highland Lake has its own inspection requirement for new construction and additions1078.
Does Blount County have zoning?
A county-administered zoning ordinance for unincorporated Blount County could not be confirmed, and the county lists no planning or zoning department9. That finding does not make every parcel unrestricted: subdivision standards can govern lots, setbacks, roads and plat approval, while floodplain, septic and driveway rules operate separately from zoning18192113. Municipal rules are different from county rules. Property within Oneonta's city limits is subject to a zoning ordinance, with the Planning Commission making recommendations and the Mayor and City Council deciding zoning changes10. Oneonta also uses the 2021 family of building, residential, plumbing, electrical and mechanical codes157. Highland Lake applies its adopted building code and certified inspections to new construction and additions8. Before relying on a rural address, verify whether the parcel is inside municipal limits or a municipal planning jurisdiction because that location determines which local rules may apply13.
How do septic permits work in Blount County?
Blount County Health Department handles local onsite-sewage applications and permits as part of Alabama's statewide program45. Where public sanitary sewer is unavailable, submit a complete application and plans to the Health Department and wait for the Permit to Install before construction begins; the installer must be licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board11. Site suitability deserves attention before purchase because only 6.9% of Blount County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field20. A difficult rating does not itself forbid a system, but it makes early soil evaluation and system design especially important1120. For a residential subdivision lot without public water or sewer, Health Department regulations determine the lot size, subject to a county floor of 7,500 square feet, and the proposed plat needs Health Department approval when septic tanks or wells are necessary21. The available information does not establish a general permit rule for every individual private well, so ask Environmental Services about the particular site2217.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Blount County?
Blount County has no confirmed countywide rule that answers whether an RV or tiny home may be occupied on an unincorporated parcel9. Before treating either as a residence, ask the County Engineer about the parcel's subdivision, floodplain and road-access status, and ask the Health Department how wastewater must be approved161711. Inside Oneonta, municipal zoning and the city's adopted building-code family can change the answer1015. A manufactured home is a distinct regulated category: Alabama requires installation by a certified Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission installer and requires qualifying homes to carry the federal label and data plate23. Ask the authority governing the parcel how it classifies a proposed tiny home. We could not confirm a county minimum home size, an RV occupancy duration, or a short-term-rental rule for unincorporated Blount County; ask Engineering rather than assuming those uses are unrestricted16.
Building a home in Blount County: the steps, in order
Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside a municipality, because Oneonta and Highland Lake have documented local code requirements158.
Ask the Engineering Department whether subdivision approval, a Flood Plain Development Permit or a county-road Driveway Access Permit applies161323.
If access is from a state highway, submit the state driveway application to the ALDOT District Administrator24.
Confirm sewer availability; if an onsite system is needed, obtain the Health Department's Permit to Install before septic construction1117.
Decide who will build. A qualifying owner may act as contractor for an owner-occupied one- or two-family residence by personally supervising the work, but the state licensing exemption does not erase any local permit requirement12.
Before starting, confirm any municipal permit, inspection and occupancy requirements; where a municipality issues a certificate of occupancy, the builder must provide an updated subcontractor list first25.
What should you check before buying land in Blount County?
Start with legal access and development status. A driveway into a county right-of-way requires approval, while access to a state highway uses ALDOT's permit process324. Confirm that a newly created subdivision lot has a recorded final plat before planning construction13. Major subdivisions carry a $250 proposed-plat review fee plus $25 per lot, site or unit, while minor and rural subdivisions have no submittal fee; other inspection, testing, postage and filing costs may still apply26. Qualifying agricultural roads and buildings can be exempt from subdivision review, and a qualifying division into parcels of at least 20 acres can also be exempt, but both routes require an Exempt Subdivision Letter from the County Engineer and do not waive health, state, highway-setback or applicable municipal rules2728. Check septic feasibility early because only 6.9% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for conventional drain fields20. Finally, confirm floodplain status, municipal boundaries and road classification before closing because each can change the approvals, setbacks and costs21019.
Watch-outs
Do not read the absence of a listed county building office as proof that every project is permit-free; Blount County's general residential permit, inspection and occupancy-certificate rules remain unconfirmed1.
Oneonta zoning and building codes apply within the city, and Highland Lake has a separate building-code and inspection rule, so a Blount County mailing address alone does not answer which rules govern1078.
An agricultural subdivision exemption is not automatic: obtain an Exempt Subdivision Letter from the County Engineer, and expect health, state, highway-setback and applicable municipal requirements to remain in force29.
Written September 29, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.
Blount County highlighted among the Alabama counties · colored by Index score
How Blount County scores
Seclusion35100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency69100% ev.
Admin Boringness86100% ev.
Durability66100% ev.
Property Autonomy39100% ev.
Carry Cost83100% ev.
Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
Each button opens a current land search for Blount County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.
Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances
Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.
Working estimate
—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—
A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.
Before an offer
Parcel due diligence
0/8 checked
Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.
Answers from the rulebook for Blount County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Blount County rules
Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Blount County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Blount County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing blountcountyal.gov.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
“Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Blount County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Blount County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing blountcountyal.gov.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
“Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Residential lots in subdivisions within the Blount County subdivision jurisdiction, generally outside incorporated municipal limits.
For residential lots without public water and/or sewer fronting a proposed road within a major subdivision, the Health Department regulations determine the minimum lot size, but it may not be less than 7,500 square feet.
For residential lots tied to an existing sanitary sewer system and fronting a proposed road within a major subdivision, the minimum is 7,500 square feet.
Lots fronting an existing local county road not located in a major subdivision require at least one-half acre.
Lots fronting an existing numbered County road, farm-to-market road, arterial, or collector require at least one acre.
minimum lot size, major subdivision without public water and/or sewer: >= 7500 square feet (Health Department regulations determine the applicable minimum, but not less than 7,500 square feet) · minimum lot size, major subdivision tied to existing sanitary sewer: >= 7500 square feet · minimum lot size, existing local county road outside major subdivision: >= 0.5 acre · minimum lot size, numbered County road, farm-to-market road, arterial, or collector: >= 1 acre
“The minimum lot size shall be one half (1/2) acre for lots fronting an existing local county road not located in a major subdivision.”
SetbacksSpecified
Residential subdivision lots within the Blount County subdivision jurisdiction.
For existing numbered County roads, farm-to-market roads, arterials, and collectors: front 50 feet, rear 30 feet, side 20 feet.
For local city or County roads not located in a major subdivision: front 40 feet, rear 25 feet, side 15 feet.
For proposed and existing city or County roads located in a major subdivision: front 25 feet, rear 20 feet, side 10 feet.
Front setbacks are measured from the right-of-way.
front setback, numbered County road/farm-to-market road/arterial/collector: 50 feet · rear setback, numbered County road/farm-to-market road/arterial/collector: 30 feet · side setback, numbered County road/farm-to-market road/arterial/collector: 20 feet · front/rear/side setback, local city or County road outside major subdivision: 40/25/15 feet · front/rear/side setback, road in major subdivision: 25/20/10 feet (Front measured from right-of-way)
“For existing numbered County roads, farm-to-market roads, arterials, and collectors the minimum setback lines shall be as follows: Front Yard* 50 feet”
Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Blount County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Blount County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing blountcountyal.gov.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
“Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
Building height · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Blount County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Blount County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing blountcountyal.gov.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
“Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Blount County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Blount County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing blountcountyal.gov.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
“Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Blount County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Blount County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing blountcountyal.gov.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
“Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Blount County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Blount County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing blountcountyal.gov.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
“Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Blount County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Blount County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing blountcountyal.gov.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
“Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Blount County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Blount County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing blountcountyal.gov.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
“Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
Who permits septicCounty
Local administration of onsite sewage applications and permits in Blount County.
The county health department operates within the Alabama Department of Public Health framework.
“For more information about environmental services, call the Blount County Health Department at 205-947-1076, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays. [...] Onsite Sewage Application and Permits, Septic Tanks, and Grease Trap Permits”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Residential subdivision lots without access to public water and/or sewer in unincorporated Blount County.
The minimum lot size is determined by Health Department regulations for lots fronting a proposed road within a major subdivision, subject to a minimum of 7,500 square feet.
Septic tanks and/or wells require Blount County Health Department approval on the proposed plat.
This does not establish that every off-grid sanitation method is allowed.
minimum lot size: >= 7500 square feet (Residential lots without access to public water and/or sewer fronting a proposed road within a major subdivision)
“Residential Lots without access to public water and/or sewer The minimum lot size shall be determined by the regulations of the Health Department for lots fronting a proposed road within a major subdivision, but no less than seventy-five hundred (7,500) square feet”
Well permitLimited
Water wells associated with subdivision development in Blount County.
The Blount County subdivision regulations require Health Department approval on the proposed plat if wells are necessary.
ADEM states that it does not have regulatory authority over individual private wells; this claim does not establish a general county permit requirement for every private well.
Other well classes or public water-supply wells may have separate state requirements.
“A Certificate of Approval by the Blount County Health Department (if septic tanks and/or wells are necessary).”
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Division of land in Blount County where all resulting parcels are at least 20 acres and are used only for agriculture or single-dwelling residential purposes.
No roadway, drainage, or other improvements may be needed.
The property must be described by meets-and-bounds description or by an aliquot part of a section in the U.S. Public Land Survey System.
Each parcel must have at least 60 feet of deeded right-of-way on any adjoining existing county road.
If existing deeded right-of-way is less than 60 feet, the developer must dedicate at least 60 feet.
The entire required right-of-way must be provided where any part of the subdivision is on both sides of the existing road.
If the subdivision is on only one side of an existing road, at least one-half of the required right-of-way measured from the road centerline must be provided.
An Exempt Subdivision Letter from the County Engineer is required, with supporting documentation substantiating the exemption claim.
The exemption does not waive state law, Health Department requirements, highway construction setbacks, or municipal planning commission regulations applicable in a municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction.
minimum resulting parcel size: >= 20 acres · minimum deeded right-of-way on adjoining existing county road: >= 60 feet (If less than 60 feet is deeded, the developer must dedicate a minimum 60 feet.)
“Divisions of land where all resulting parcels are 20 acres or more and no roadway, drainage or other improvements are needed, and where all parcels are to be used for agriculture or single-dwelling residential purposes only.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Conditional — Construction or development of roads or buildings on private property used for agricultural purposes within Blount County's subdivision jurisdiction.
“Exempt subdivisions require an Exempt Subdivision Letter from the County Engineer. The following are exempt from these regulations: a. The construction or development of roads or buildings on private property to be used for agricultural purposes.”
Conditional — Agricultural roads, buildings, and qualifying agricultural land divisions under the Blount County subdivision regulations.
“The construction or development of roads or buildings on private property to be used for agricultural purposes.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision plats and subdivision development within the Blount County Commission subdivision jurisdiction, including subdivisions outside municipal corporate limits.
The County Commission reviews, approves, or disapproves plats and may inspect developments, charge inspection fees, and enforce the regulations.
No building development may take place until the final plat has been recorded in the Probate Office.
Subdivision standards include applicable Health Department, ALDOT, ADEM, County, and utility requirements.
“The regulations established herein shall be applicable to the development of any subdivision within the County’s subdivision jurisdiction”
Driveway accessRequired
Any turnout or driveway access into a public county right-of-way covered by the Blount County Commission's Driveway Access Permit.
The applicant must obtain approval from the Blount County Commission before constructing, maintaining, or using the turnout.
The permission is a revocable license and may be denied or revoked for noncompliance.
Pipe, if required, must be galvanized metal, double-wall plastic (HPDE), or reinforced concrete, at least the required size and shape, and the permitted pipe length may not exceed forty feet.
The applicant must contact the County Commissioner for the district with the contractor's name and address after purchasing the pipe.
The turnout must comply with applicable Article V sections of the Blount County Subdivision Regulations.
Construction may not damage the county road or right-of-way or create a hazard to the traveling public.
The license permits only highway access and maintenance of the turnout; structures must be beyond and not encroach on the right-of-way with adequate setback.
The applicant must comply with applicable Clean Water Act, Alabama Nonpoint Source Management Program, EPA, and ADEM requirements.
The applicant must maintain necessary drainage structures at the applicant's sole cost.
If repairs or reconstruction are required by the County Engineer, the applicant has no more than thirty days to perform the work after notice, at the applicant's expense.
Modifications or additions to the turnout or adjacent highway right-of-way require a new permit.
The permit does not authorize violations of recorded denial-of-access provisions.
A copy of an ADEM Notice of Registration must be provided when issued; if an NOR is not required, the County Engineer may require a Best Management Practices plan.
Authorized work must be completed within one year, and the County Engineer's decision is final on questions concerning the work.
maximum permitted pipe length: <= 40 feet · repair or reconstruction period after notice: <= 30 days (Required work directed by the County Engineer) · authorized work completion period: 1 year (Work must proceed continuously and diligently once begun)
“The APPLICANT hereby requests permission of the Blount County Commission to permit APPLICANT for a License to construct and to forever maintain a turnout to the above noted County Road and agrees with the Blount County Commission that upon in the event of approval of this request by the Blount County Commission, the permission for the APPLICANT to construct, maintain and/or use such turnout shall be subject at all times to revocation by the Blount County Commission”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Construction, encroachments, structures, or fill material within a designated floodplain in subdivisions governed by the Blount County Subdivision Regulations.
A Flood Plain Development Permit must be submitted and approved by the County Engineer before encroachments, structures, or fill are placed in a designated floodplain.
All development in a designated floodplain must comply with the Blount County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
“No encroachments, including structures or fill material, shall be placed within a designated flood plain unless and until a Flood Plain Development Permit has been submitted and approved by the County Engineer. All development within a designated flood plain must comply with the Blount County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.”
Permit feesVariable (with conditions)
Subdivision-development review and inspection fees within Blount County's subdivision jurisdiction, generally outside municipal corporate limits except where otherwise subject to a municipal planning commission.
The published schedule is an initial guide and is not a complete list of fees.
The total fee depends on subdivision type.
The developer is responsible for postage, actual staff inspection and testing costs, and filing fees.
Minor and rural subdivisions have no submittal fee.
Major subdivisions have a $250 proposed-plat review fee and a $25 fee per lot, site, or unit.
major subdivision proposed plat review fee: 250 USD · major subdivision lot/site/unit fee: per 25 USD · minor and rural subdivision submittal fee: 0 USD
“The submittal fee schedule is as follows: Minor and Rural Subdivisions: No Submittal Fee Major Subdivision: (1) Proposed Plat Review Fee: $250 (2) Lot Fee: $25 per lot, site, or unit”
County-wide zoningAbsent
No county planning/zoning department is listed; the county administers only subdivision regulations (zoning-district documents found under blountgis.org are Blount County, Tennessee, a name collision, not Alabama).
Residential construction undertakings in Alabama for which the Home Builders Licensure Law requires a residential home builders license and a local incorporated municipality, municipal subdivision, or county authority issues the building or similar permit.
The issuing building official must refuse the permit unless the applicant provides evidence of the required license or an exemption.
The cited provision addresses undertakings requiring a license; it does not establish that every residential project statewide requires a building permit.
Local building-permit rules and local building codes remain applicable.
“to refuse to issue a permit for any undertaking which would require a license hereunder unless the applicant has furnished evidence”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Residential home-building undertakings in Blount County for which a building permit is required or sought and which fall within Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board jurisdiction.
“It is the duty of the building official, or other authority charged with the duty, of issuing building or similar permits, of any incorporated municipality or subdivision of the municipality or county, to refuse to issue a permit for any undertaking which would require a license hereunder unless the applicant has furnished evidence that he or she is either licensed as required by this chapter or is exempt from the requirements of this chapter.”
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
An owner acting as the owner’s own contractor for building or improving a one-family or two-family residence in Alabama, including Blount County.
The owner must provide all material supervision personally.
The residence must be on the owner's property.
The residence must be for the occupancy or use of the owner.
The residence must not be offered for sale.
The exemption is nontransferable and may not be transferred to another person, including an agent through a power of attorney.
Offering the residence for sale within one year after completion is presumptive evidence that construction was undertaken for the purpose of sale.
An owner who hires or compensates anyone to supervise the building or improvement is not acting as the owner’s own contractor.
A subcontractor hired by a homeowner claiming the exemption must be licensed if the cost of that subcontractor's undertaking exceeds $10,000.00.
This licensing exemption concerns Alabama residential home-builder licensing and does not establish whether a separate local building permit is required.
residence type: one-family or two-family residence · subcontractor undertaking cost: > 10000 USD (Subcontractors hired by homeowners claiming the homeowner exemption must be licensed above this amount.) · sale timing: within one year after completion (Presumptive evidence that construction was undertaken for the purpose of sale.)
“Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing all material supervision themselves, when building or improving one-family or two-family residences on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale. This exemption is a nontransferable privilege.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Conditional — An owner acting as the owner-builder for a one-family or two-family residence in Blount County.
“Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing all material supervision themselves, when building or improving one-family or two-family residences on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale. This exemption is a nontransferable privilege.”
Available (with conditions) — Alabama Home Builders Licensure Law licensing exemption for an owner acting as the owner’s own residential contractor when building or improving a one-family or two-family residence for the owner’s own occupancy or use.
“Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing all material supervision themselves, when building or improving one-family or two-family residences on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale. This exemption is a nontransferable privilege.”
Conditional — Owners building or improving one-family or two-family residences in Alabama for their own occupancy or use.
“Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing all material supervision themselves, when building or improving one-family or two-family residences”
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
The Alabama State Building Code as it applies to state-jurisdiction projects and specified public, educational, hotel, motel, and movie-theater work within or affecting Blount County; it does not establish countywide residential-code adoption.
The State Building Code is limited to new construction, additions, renovations, modifications of mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, sitework, and generally work on state-owned property or using state funds, plus public and private K-12 schools, public postsecondary schools, hotels/motels, and movie theaters.
The Division of Construction Management does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except for hotels/motels and movie theaters.
Adoption authority of the residential building code was transferred to the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board effective October 1, 2024 under Act 2024-443; the official page states that a code was to be presented for adoption by October 1, 2025.
Adoption authority of the commercial energy code was transferred to the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors effective October 1, 2024 under Act 2024-443; the official page states that a proposed code was due by December 31, 2025.
International Building Code: 2021 IBC, amended with portions of the 2024 IBC on March 17, 2025 (Exceptions listed on the official State Building Code page) · International Existing Building Code: 2021 (Adopted July 1, 2022) · International Plumbing Code: 2021 (Adopted July 1, 2022) · International Fuel Gas Code: 2021 (Adopted July 1, 2022) · National Electrical Code: 2020 NFPA 70 (Adopted July 1, 2022) · International Fire Code: 2021 (Exceptions listed on the official State Building Code page; amended March 17, 2025)
“The 2021 International Building Code adopted on July 1, 2022, with exceptions as noted below amended March 17, 2025 with portions [...]”
11 more reviewed findings on this topic
Partial — Buildings and projects in Blount County that fall within Alabama Division of Construction Management jurisdiction.
“The State Building Code is limited to any new construction, addition, renovation, modification of mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, sitework and generally any and all work on state-owned property and/or using state funds, on all public and private kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) schools, on public postsecondary schools, on hotels/motels and on movie theaters. DCM's code jurisdiction over plans and specifications of all municipal and county-owned projects is limited to such projects meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards. DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except for hotels/motels and movie theaters.”
Adopted (with conditions) — State Building Code requirements administered and enforced by the Alabama Division of Construction Management for state-owned or state-funded construction, K-12 schools, public postsecondary schools, hotels and motels, movie theaters, and other work within DCM jurisdiction.
“The State Building Code is limited to any new construction, addition, renovation, modification of mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, sitework and generally any and all work on state-owned property and/or using state funds, on all public and private kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) schools, on public postsecondary schools, on hotels/motels and on movie theaters. DCM's code jurisdiction over plans and specifications of all municipal and county-owned projects is limited to such projects meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards. DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except for hotels/motels and movie theaters.”
Partial — Residential construction and improvements governed by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Law, including ordinary residential construction beginning January 1, 2027.
“The Alabama Residential Building Code shall be enforced by local jurisdictions that have permitting and inspection programs for residential construction and improvements that are adhered to by residential home builders. The Alabama Residential Building Code shall not supersede any local residential building code adopted by any county or municipality in effect on January 1, 2027. [...] Beginning January 1, 2027, a residential home builder within this state who constructs, renovates, or repairs a residence or structure shall do so in accordance with applicable residential building code adopted pursuant to Section 34-14A-12 or, if applicable, the local jurisdiction’s residential building code.”
Partial — Construction within the Alabama Division of Construction Management jurisdiction, including state-owned or state-funded work, public and private K-12 schools, public higher-education institutions, hotels, motels, and movie theaters.
“The 2021 International Building Code [...] DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except for hotels/motels and movie theaters.”
Partial — Construction within the Alabama Division of Construction Management jurisdiction, including state-owned or state-funded property, public and private K-12 schools, public higher-education institutions subject to the stated ACCS limitation, hotels/motels, and movie theaters.
“The State Building Code is limited to any new construction, addition, renovation, modification of mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, sitework”
Partial — Residential building-code investigations by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board involving contracts entered into on or after February 13, 2022, in Alabama cities and counties that have not adopted a residential building code.
“In cities and counties that have not adopted a residential building code, the Board will apply the 2015 International Residential building Code (IRC)”
Partial — Alabama's statutory framework authorizing county commissions to adopt building laws and codes for unincorporated areas and recognizing municipal building laws or codes within municipal police jurisdictions.
“The county commissions of the several counties are authorized and empowered to adopt building laws and codes by ordinance”
Partial — Residential construction and improvements statewide under the Alabama Residential Building Code framework.
“The Alabama Residential Building Code shall not supersede any local residential building code adopted by any county or municipality in effect on January 1, 2027.”
Partial — Residential construction and improvements governed by Alabama's Home Builders Licensure Law, including construction in local jurisdictions without an already adopted residential building code.
“Beginning January 1, 2027, a residential home builder within this state who constructs, renovates, or repairs a residence or structure shall do so”
Partial — Projects within the Alabama Division of Construction Management's State Building Code jurisdiction, including state construction and specified school, hotel/motel, and movie-theater projects; not ordinary residential property.
“DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except for hotels/motels and movie theaters.”
Partial — Residential construction in Alabama where a county or municipality has a permitting and inspection program or has adopted a local residential building code; this is not a uniform DCM residential-code jurisdiction.
“The Alabama Residential Building Code shall be enforced by local jurisdictions”
InspectionsLimited
Required DCM construction inspections, pre-construction conferences, and substantial-completion determinations for projects within the narrower DCM inspection jurisdiction.
DCM-required inspections are limited to state-funded construction, any project on state-owned property, public K-12 schools including charter schools, public universities, and ACCS projects with Notices-to-Proceed issued before August 1, 2021.
DCM's broader plan-review/code jurisdiction also includes private K-12 schools, hotels/motels, and movie theaters, but the official DCM jurisdiction page does not include those categories in its stated required-inspection list.
Inspections must be requested by the contractor in writing or by email to the design professional, who coordinates with the DCM inspector.
A permit fee must be paid before scheduling the required DCM pre-construction conference; inspection benchmarks, including periodic, special, final, and year-end inspections when applicable, must then be met.
Fully locally-funded public K-12 projects require DCM pre-construction conferences and inspections regardless of estimated construction cost.
“Conducts required pre-construction conferences, inspections and substantial completions limited to state-funded construction, any project on state-owned property, public K-12 (including charter) schools, on public universities, and on ACCS projects with Notices-to-Proceed issued prior to August 1, 2021.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Residential construction and improvements in Alabama local jurisdictions that have permitting and inspection programs.
“The Alabama Residential Building Code shall be enforced by local jurisdictions that have permitting and inspection programs for residential construction and improvements”
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Residential projects in Alabama municipalities that issue a certificate of occupancy and for which the builder is subject to the Home Builders Licensure Law.
An updated list of subcontractors must be furnished before issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the municipality.
The provision does not establish a statewide requirement that every residential project obtain a certificate of occupancy.
The builder must provide the subcontractor list within three working days after hiring an added subcontractor; the initial list is due within 15 days after issuance of the building permit if requested by the issuing municipality.
No license fee for subcontractors is required as a condition of issuing a building permit or certificate of occupancy.
initial subcontractor list deadline: 15 days after building permit issuance (only if requested by the issuing municipality) · added subcontractor list deadline: 3 working days after hiring
“An updated list of subcontractors shall be furnished by the builder before the issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the municipality.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Residential construction in Blount County when an incorporated municipality issues a certificate of occupancy under its own authority.
“An updated list of subcontractors shall be furnished by the builder before the issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the municipality.”
Septic permitRequired
Homeowners and businesses statewide that are not connected to a public sanitary sewer and intend to install a new onsite sewage system or repair an existing one.
A permit from the local health department must be obtained before installation or repair.
The application and plans must satisfy applicable state rules.
Construction may begin only after the Permit to Install is issued.
A registered professional may be required for soil testing and system design; only registered engineers may design systems where soil percolation exceeds 60 minutes or where a shallow limiting zone exists.
soil percolation threshold for engineer-only design: > 60 minutes (The source also identifies shallow limiting zones as requiring a registered engineer.)
“Alabama State Law requires homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer to obtain a permit from the local health department”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Construction of an onsite sewage disposal system in Blount County when public sanitary sewer is unavailable.
“Before the construction of an onsite sewage disposal system, you must submit an Application for a Permit to Install an Onsite Sewage Disposal System to your local county health department. If the application and plans are complete and meet all the requirements of the rules, a 'Permit to Install' will be issued. Then and only then can you begin the construction of your system.”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Residential or mobile/modular-home development statewide where wastewater service is being planned.
The property should be checked with the city sewer authority or local health department for availability of city sewage disposal.
If public sanitary sewer is unavailable or the property is not connected to it, an onsite sewage system may be used only under the applicable ADPH permit and approval requirements.
The source does not establish a statewide mandatory connection-to-sewer rule.
“If it is not, you will be required to have the soil tested to see if the soil is suitable”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Alabama construction sites requiring ADEM Construction Stormwater permit coverage.
The applicant must read the current Alabama Construction General Permit, retain a Qualified Credentialed Professional, prepare the required construction best management plan, and submit a Notice of Intent through AEPACS.
The application requires responsible-official and QCP signatures, maps, and the application fee.
typical project review determination: 2–3 days (ADEM states determinations are generally issued by email within 2–3 days.)
“You will receive a permitting determination via email generally within 2 –3 days.”
county zoning authorityLimited
Alabama county authority to adopt zoning for unincorporated land.
Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
Counties may regulate land use in flood-prone areas under Ala. Code § 11-19-1 et seq.; flood-prone areas are areas with a frequency of inundation of once in 100 years as defined by qualified hydrologists or engineers using generally accepted methods.
Counties may adopt airport zoning regulations under Ala. Code § 4-6-4 to prevent airport hazards within airport hazard areas.
For airport zoning, the county zoning jurisdiction is unincorporated county land except within a municipality's police jurisdiction and within two miles of a municipal airport when the municipality exercises or declares its intention to exercise zoning control, unless local law provides otherwise.
The handbook notes an exception to the airport-zoning provision for counties with a population of not less than 54,500 nor more than 56,000 according to the 1970 federal decennial census.
“Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — County authority over land use and zoning in unincorporated Alabama; general Alabama law does not grant counties broad general zoning authority, but limited authority exists through special local laws and specified statutory circumstances.
“Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law”
county building authorityGeneral
Alabama county commissions adopting and administering residential building laws and codes in unincorporated areas.
A county commission must act by resolution to adopt building laws or codes.
The resolution must be provided to the Home Builders Licensure Board within 10 business days.
A local building law or code generally may not take effect until 120 days after adoption; for insurance claims requiring licensed work, the effective date is the date of adoption.
County building laws and codes may be enforced in a municipality's police jurisdiction outside municipal corporate limits as provided by Section 11-40-10(b)(2).
Application within municipal corporate limits requires express consent of the municipal governing body.
The county commission may employ building inspectors and exact fees from owners of inspected property.
A county may discontinue administration and enforcement by resolution, but discontinuation generally does not take effect until 120 days after adoption and the resolution must be sent to the Board within 10 business days.
Counties and municipalities may enter mutual agreements, compacts, and contracts for administration and enforcement, with a copy due to the Board within 10 business days.
Beginning January 1, 2027, residential builders must follow the applicable state or local residential building code.
resolution transmission deadline: 10 business days (Copy must be provided to the Home Builders Licensure Board.) · local-code delayed effective period: 120 days (Insurance-claim work requiring a license is effective on the local adoption date.)
“A county commission, by resolution, may adopt building laws and codes”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
General — Alabama county authority to adopt and enforce residential building laws and codes in unincorporated areas.
“There are two general statutory provisions authorizing counties to adopt building codes: the Home Builders Licensure Law found at Ala. Code § 34-14A-1 et seq. and the law on the state minimum building standards code found at Ala. Code § 41-9-160 et seq.”
Inside cities and towns in Blount County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
New construction and additions in the Town of Highland Lake, Alabama.
All new construction and additions are subject to inspection by a certified building inspector.
code edition: 2015 (International Building Code edition stated by the Town.) · inspection charge: 50 USD per applicable inspection
“All buildings must conform to standards as set by the 2015 International Building Code.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — Building-code enforcement within the City of Oneonta, Blount County, Alabama.
“October 1, 2025 marks the beginning of the Oneonta Building and Inspection Department utilizing the Council Adopted 2021 International Code Council family of building codes and guidance.”
Adopted (with conditions) — Construction subject to the City of Oneonta Building Inspections and Permits program.
“The City of Oneonta City utilizes the 2021 edition of the International Building Codes®.”
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Property located within the City of Oneonta, Alabama, city limits.
A rezoning is a change to the zoning ordinance because the zoning map is part of that ordinance.
The Planning Commission makes recommendations; the Mayor and City Council make the final decision to accept or reject a recommendation.
“Because the zoning map is a part of this ordinance, any rezoning of property located within the city limits would be considered a change to this ordinance.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Present (with conditions) — Property located within the municipal limits of the City of Oneonta, Alabama.
“any rezoning of property located within the city limits would be considered a change to this ordinance.”
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Septic inspection — Inspection requirements for septic installation or repair in Blount County.
Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Blount County, including unincorporated areas and incorporated municipalities.
Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.
Living off-grid in Blount County, Alabama
Is Blount County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Blount County scores 67/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 55,261 people within a 30-minute drive and a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.
Do you need a building permit in Blount County, Alabama?
Blount County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Blount County Health Department Environmental Services (ADPH). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Blount County?
Living in an RV on your own land in Blount County is allowed: Unincorporated Blount County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Blount County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing blountcountyal.gov. Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits. Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.
How much does land cost in Blount County, Alabama?
Land in Blount County runs about $5,006 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Blount County?
Blount County gets about 57.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.7% of years.
How remote is Blount County?
A representative private-land location has about 55,261 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,481,233 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.
Off-grid gear
Going off-grid in Blount County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:
