Bolthole Index

Calhoun County, Alabama

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Weaver, Alabama

The City of Weaver, Alabama no longer issues building permits, but it still issues zoning permits for all new construction and for additions that add square footage1. Weaver sets its own zoning inside city limits, with A-1 agricultural, R-1 single-family and R-2 two-family districts23. Septic permits inside Weaver come from the Calhoun County Health Department, not the city4. Weaver sits in Calhoun County.

At a glance

Building permit
Weaver does not issue building permits; it issues zoning permits for new construction and additions1
Zoning
City zoning inside Weaver: A-1 agricultural, R-1 and R-2 residential districts23
Septic
Calhoun County Health Department, Environmental Services4
RV living
Not allowed as a dwelling on a residential lot; one unoccupied RV may be kept in a side yard5
Manufactured homes
Allowed on an individual lot, one per lot, once city requirements are met6
Minimum home size
R-1: 1,500 sq ft; R-2: 1,300 sq ft single-family; A-1: 800 sq ft789
Owner-builder
Alabama exempts owners building their own home from contractor licensing; Weaver's own rule is unconfirmed10

Who to call

Building permits

City of Weaver Code Enforcement Officer

Zoning permits for new construction and additions inside Weaver city limits, plus city zoning and code enforcement questions

(256) 820-1121 ext. 104

[email protected]

Septic permits

Calhoun County Health Department (Environmental Services)

Onsite sewage (septic) applications and permits, septic tank permits and grease trap permits for Calhoun County, including addresses inside Weaver

(256) 237-4324

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Weaver means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Weaver, Alabama?

Weaver does not issue building permits. The city's code enforcement page says that although the City of Weaver no longer issues building permits, zoning permits are still issued for all new construction and for additions to existing structures that add square footage111. The page does not say which other office, if any, issues building permits or inspects construction inside the city1. We could not confirm which building code applies inside Weaver, who inspects, or whether a certificate of occupancy is required, so ask the Code Enforcement Officer before you break ground11. A zoning permit is still a permit: skipping it on a new house or an addition puts you on the wrong side of the city's ordinance.

Who issues zoning permits in Weaver, and how do you reach them?

The City of Weaver's Code Enforcement Officer handles zoning and code enforcement questions and is the contact for zoning permits1211. Call (256) 820-1121 ext. 104 or email [email protected]11. The city page does not publish application forms or review timelines, and we could not find a Weaver fee schedule for zoning permits, so ask when you call12. Septic permits are a separate office: the Calhoun County Health Department's Environmental Services handles them at (256) 237-4324, for addresses inside Weaver as well as outside413.

Does Weaver have zoning, and what does it mean for homes, RVs and lot size?

Weaver zones the land inside its city limits and publishes a zoning map2. The ordinance has A-1 Agricultural, R-1 Single-family Residential and R-2 Two Family Residential districts3. Minimum dwelling size depends on the district: 1,500 square feet in R-1, 1,300 square feet for a single-family home in R-2, and 800 square feet in A-1789. Minimum lot size is 15,000 square feet in R-1 and R-2 where municipal sewer serves the lot, and 20,000 square feet in A-1141516. Structures in all three districts are capped at 35 feet or 2.5 stories unless exempt171819. Maximum impervious surface in R-1 is 20 percent on lots under one acre and 15 percent on larger lots, and 30 percent in R-22021. Outside city limits, Calhoun County does not appear to zone unincorporated land, so these district rules stop at the Weaver boundary22.

How do septic permits work inside Weaver?

Septic permitting inside Weaver belongs to the Calhoun County Health Department's environmental program, which lists onsite sewage applications and permits, septic tanks and grease trap permits among its services413. Where a lot is not on municipal sewer, Weaver's zoning ordinance adds that the lot must hold the district minimum plus whatever extra area the Calhoun County Health Department decides is needed to site the septic system1416. In Calhoun County, the health department schedules an inspection before installation and issues an Approval for Use before the building can be occupied23. Only 20.6% of soils in Calhoun County rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so have the site evaluated before you buy24.

Can you live in an RV, manufactured home or tiny home in Weaver?

An RV cannot be your home on a residential lot in Weaver. The city allows one privately owned, unoccupied camper-trailer or motorhome up to 10 feet wide and 40 feet long beside a dwelling in a side yard, and it may not be used for living, sleeping or housekeeping on a residential lot5. Manufactured homes are allowed, with no more than one on an individual lot outside a manufactured home park, and each must meet the city's requirements before occupancy, including a HUD seal, skirting, anchoring and the district setbacks6. R-1 allows accessory residential dwelling units inside single-family dwellings only25. We could not find a Weaver provision that addresses tiny homes, so ask the Code Enforcement Officer, and note that the district minimum dwelling sizes above may rule out a small footprint11.

Building a home in Weaver: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm the parcel is inside Weaver city limits and check its district on the city zoning map2.
  2. Call the Code Enforcement Officer to confirm the zoning permit for new construction and ask who handles building-code review and inspections, since the city no longer issues building permits111.
  3. If the lot is not on municipal sewer, contact the Calhoun County Health Department for a septic site evaluation and permit before you design the house413.
  4. Apply for the zoning permit before work starts12.
  5. Get the Approval for Use from the health department before anyone occupies the building23.

What should you check before buying land in Weaver?

Start with the boundary: Weaver's zoning applies only inside city limits, so confirm the address is in the city2. Check the district for minimum home size, lot size and RV limits75. Order a septic evaluation if the lot has no sewer, because Calhoun County soils often rate poorly for conventional drain fields24. For wells, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management says it has no regulatory authority over individual private wells, but we could not confirm whether another office requires a permit inside Weaver26. Calhoun County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.4%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $6102728.

Watch-outs

  • Weaver no longer issues building permits and its page does not name another building-permit office, so confirm with the Code Enforcement Officer who reviews and inspects a new house111.
  • Septic permits inside Weaver come from the Calhoun County Health Department, and the city lot minimums can require extra area for the septic system416.
  • An RV may not be lived in on a residential lot in Weaver5.

Sources

  1. Weaver Code Enforcement (Weaver), quoted and re-checked
  2. Weaver Code Enforcement (Weaver), quoted and re-checked
  3. Weaver Code Enforcement (Weaver), quoted and re-checked
  4. Calhoun County Environmental Services (Weaver), quoted and re-checked
  5. Appendix B, Article IV, Section 12: Recreational vehicle parking and storage (Weaver), quoted and re-checked
  6. Appendix B, Article IV, Section 3: Manufactured homes (Weaver), quoted and re-checked
  7. Appendix B, Article V, Section 6: R-1 Single-family Residential District (Weaver), quoted and re-checked
  8. Appendix B, Article V, Section 7: R-2 Two Family Residential Zoning District (Weaver), quoted and re-checked
  9. Appendix B, Article V, Section 5: A-1 Agricultural Zoning District (Weaver), quoted and re-checked
  10. Exemptions (2026 county census)
  11. City of Weaver Code Enforcement Officer (weaveral.gov)
  12. Weaver Code Enforcement (Weaver), quoted and re-checked
  13. Calhoun County Health Department (Environmental Services) (alabamapublichealth.gov)
  14. Appendix B, Article V, Section 6: R-1 Single-family Residential District (Weaver), quoted and re-checked
  15. Appendix B, Article V, Section 7: R-2 Two Family Residential Zoning District (Weaver), quoted and re-checked
  16. Appendix B, Article V, Section 5: A-1 Agricultural Zoning District (Weaver), quoted and re-checked
  17. Appendix B, Article V, Section 6: R-1 Single-family Residential District (Weaver), quoted and re-checked
  18. Appendix B, Article V, Section 7: R-2 Two Family Residential Zoning District (Weaver), quoted and re-checked
  19. Appendix B, Article V, Section 5: A-1 Agricultural Zoning District (Weaver), quoted and re-checked
  20. Appendix B, Article V, Section 6: R-1 Single-family Residential District (Weaver), quoted and re-checked
  21. Appendix B, Article V, Section 7: R-2 Two Family Residential Zoning District (Weaver), quoted and re-checked
  22. Calhoun County Alabama - County Departments/Forms (2026 county census)
  23. Environmental Services | Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), quoted and re-checked
  24. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Appendix B, Article V, Section 6: R-1 Single-family Residential District (Weaver), quoted and re-checked
  26. Information for Consumers | Alabama Department of Environmental Management, quoted and re-checked
  27. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Weaver

Weaver’s own rules

  • Building permitLimited

    New construction and additions adding square footage inside Weaver city limits require a city zoning permit; the city does not issue building permits.

    • The page does not identify which other authority, if any, issues building permits.
    “Even though the City of Weaver no longer issues building permits, zoning permits are still issued for the following: 1. All new construction 2. Additions to existing structures that add square footage”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land inside Weaver city limits; Weaver administers zoning and zoning permits.

    • The city website identifies zoning inside the city limits and states that zoning permits are issued for all new construction and additions adding square footage.
    “Zoning (inside the city limits) – Click to view our Zoning Map. NOTE: Even though the City of Weaver no longer issues building permits, zoning permits are still issued for the following: 1. All new construction 2. Additions to existing structures that add square footage”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts inside Weaver city limits, including A-1 Agricultural, R-1 Single-family Residential, and R-2 Two Family Residential districts.

    • District-specific dimensional and use rules apply; the city website separately identifies zoning inside city limits.
    “This zoning district is intended to promote low density suburban tract residential development for single-family uses in areas that have limited access to municipal infrastructure or are located in close proximity to sensitive natural resources.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Dwellings in the R-2 Two Family Residential District.

    • R-2 requires 1,300 square feet for single-family dwellings and 800 square feet per unit for two-family dwellings.

    minimum single-family dwelling unit gross floor area: >= 1300 square feet · minimum two-family dwelling unit gross floor area: >= 800 square feet per unit

    “Minimum dwelling unit gross floor area: 1,300 square feet for all single-family dwellings and 800 square feet per unit for two-family dwellings.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots in the A-1 Agricultural Zoning District.

    • Lots not served by municipal sewer require additional area deemed necessary by the Calhoun County Health Department for onsite sewage disposal.

    minimum lot size: >= 20000 square feet (additional area may be required for onsite sewage disposal)

    “Minimum lot size: 20,000 square feet for all lots. Lots not served by municipal sewer shall contain at least the required minimum, plus any additional area deemed necessary by the Calhoun County Health Department for proper siting and installation of on-site sewage disposal facilities.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Lots in the R-1 Single-family Residential District.
      “Minimum lot size: 15,000 square feet for lots served by municipal sewer. Lots not served by municipal sewer shall contain at least the minimum required, plus any additional area deemed necessary by the Calhoun County Health Department for proper siting installation of on-site sewage disposal facilities.”
    • Specified — Lots in the R-2 Two Family Residential District.
      “Minimum lot size: 15,000 square feet for all lots served by municipal sewer. Lots not served by municipal sewer shall contain not less than the minimum required, plus any additional area deemed necessary by the Calhoun County health department for proper siting and installation of on-site sewage disposal facilities.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Lots in the R-1 Single-family Residential District.

    • Lots under one acre have a 20 percent maximum; all other lots have a 15 percent maximum.

    maximum impervious surface area: <= 20 percent (lots under one acre) · maximum impervious surface area: <= 15 percent (all other lots)

    “Maximum impervious surface area: 20 percent for all lots under one acre in total land area and 15 percent for all other lots.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Building heightSpecified

    Structures in the A-1 Agricultural Zoning District.

    • The rule applies to structures not exempt from height requirements under Article III, Section 3.1.

    maximum structure height: <= 35 feet or 2.5 stories (structures exempt from height requirements are excluded)

    “Maximum structure height: 35 feet or 2.5 stories for all structures that are not exempt from height requirements, as specified in article III, section 3.1 of this ordinance.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Privately owned recreational vehicles on residential lots inside Weaver city limits.

    • One privately-owned, unoccupied recreational camper-trailer, motorhome, or watercraft may be kept beside a dwelling in a side yard or side lot.
    • The vehicle may not exceed ten feet in width or 40 feet in length.
    • It may not be stored in a front yard or used for living, sleeping, or housekeeping/construction when parked or stored on a residential lot or in any location not approved for such use.
    • It must be registered, bear a valid tag, and be in usable condition.

    maximum width: <= 10 feet · maximum length: <= 40 feet · quantity beside dwelling: 1 vehicle (privately-owned and unoccupied)

    “One privately-owned, unoccupied recreational camper-trailer, motorhome, or watercraft, not exceeding ten feet in width and 40 feet in length, may be kept beside a dwelling in a side yard or side lot. Recreational vehicles shall not be stored in any front yard and shall not be used for living, sleeping, or housekeeping/construction when parked or stored on a residential lot or in any location not approved for such use.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Manufactured-home occupancy inside Weaver city limits.

    • Before occupancy, the manufactured home must satisfy the City of Weaver's requirements, including HUD seal, Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission anchoring requirements, skirting, access, sanitary facilities, landscaping, zoning-district setbacks and area requirements, minimum width, and use limitations.
    • Not more than one manufactured home is permitted on an individual lot not located within a manufactured home park.
    • Manufactured-home subdivisions have additional requirements.

    minimum manufactured-home width: >= 12 feet (individual-lot provisions)

    “All manufactured homes shall comply with the following requirements prior to occupancy: [...] Number allowed. Not more than one manufactured home shall be permitted on any individual lot that is not located within a manufactured home park.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory residential dwelling units in single-family dwellings in Weaver's R-1 district.

    • The R-1 permitted-use list allows accessory residential dwelling units in single-family dwellings only and requires compliance with Appendix B, Article IV, Section 6.
    “Accessory residential dwelling units in single-family dwellings only and in compliance with all requirements specified in article IV, section 6 of this ordinance.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage matters inside Weaver city limits are handled by the Calhoun County Health Department's environmental program.

    • The official Calhoun County ADPH page lists onsite sewage applications and permits, septic tanks, and grease-trap permits among county environmental services.
    “To learn more about our environmental services, call the Calhoun County Environmental Department at (256) 237-4324. [...] Onsite Sewage Application and Permits, Septic Tanks, and Grease Trap Permits”
  • Septic permitLimited

    Onsite sewage systems inside Weaver city limits when an onsite sewage application or permit is required.

    • Calhoun County environmental services lists onsite sewage applications and permits, but the opened official page did not state every permit trigger.
    “Other Environmental Services [...] Onsite Sewage Application and Permits, Septic Tanks, and Grease Trap Permits”
  • Permit processPartial

    Zoning-permit process for new construction and square-footage additions inside Weaver city limits.

    • The city page identifies the types of work requiring zoning permits and provides the Code Enforcement Officer's contact information, but does not publish application forms or review timelines.
    “zoning permits are still issued for the following: 1. All new construction 2. Additions to existing structures that add square footage [...] For information about city code enforcement and zoning, contact the Code Enforcement Officer: Phone: (256) 820-1121 ext. 104”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Weaver or Calhoun County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders constructing inside Weaver city limits.
  • Building code adopted — Building-code adoption applicable inside Weaver city limits.
  • Inspections — Building inspections inside Weaver city limits.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for structures inside Weaver city limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Weaver city limits.
6 more unanswered
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • Short-term rentals
  • Permit fees

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Weaver publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Calhoun County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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