Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Coffee County, Alabama
77Index Score / 100 #21 of 67 in Alabama
Unincorporated Coffee County, Alabama does not require a county building permit for an ordinary home, cabin, or shop because it has no general zoning or building code1. Flood-hazard development, subdivisions, and land within City of Enterprise jurisdiction are exceptions1. Septic permits come from the Coffee County Health Department2.
At a glance
Building permit
Not required in unincorporated Coffee County, outside floodplain, subdivision, and Enterprise ETJ exceptions31
Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.
Do you need a building permit in Coffee County, Alabama?
No. Coffee County has no general zoning restrictions, ordinances, or building codes in its unincorporated areas, so ordinary construction does not need a county building permit1. Subdivision regulations can apply when land is divided, floodplain rules can require a development permit, and City of Enterprise ordinances may apply beyond the city limits1. Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area needs county approval before work starts, while county review finding a site outside that area ends the floodplain-permit requirement89. Alabama's residential building-code framework takes effect in 2027, and Coffee County currently has not adopted a general unincorporated-area building code1617. An owner may build a home because no county building permit is required, although state trade-licensing rules can still apply18.
Who handles floodplain, subdivision, and septic matters in Coffee County?
Three offices cover the exceptions to Coffee County's ordinary no-permit rule19207. For floodplain requirements, call the Coffee County Emergency Management Agency at (334) 894-5415; the county identifies that agency as the place to obtain floodplain information19. For subdivision rules, streets, drainage, and driveway or culvert permits onto a county-maintained road, call the Coffee County Engineer's Office at (334) 894-611220. For septic systems, contact the Coffee County Health Department at 2841 Neal Metcalf Road, Enterprise, Alabama 36330, phone 334-347-9574; ask for the Environmental Office when calling about a septic tank7. Coffee County does not list a general building department for ordinary unincorporated construction because the county has not adopted a general building code there17.
Does Coffee County have zoning?
No, not in unincorporated areas. Coffee County's FAQ and its subdivision and floodplain regulations confirm there are no zoning restrictions or ordinances outside the county's subdivision, floodplain, and Enterprise-ETJ exceptions5. That silence means no minimum dwelling size, no lot-coverage limit, and no building-height limit apply countywide outside a city212223. It also means accessory dwellings, manufactured-home occupancy, and temporary camping on your own land are unrestricted by county zoning, because Alabama gives counties zoning power only in narrow, specifically authorized cases that don't include general unincorporated Coffee County1224. Splitting land into a subdivision is different: lots fronting a ditch-section road need a 50-foot building setback from the right-of-way, and lots fronting a curb-and-gutter road need a 35-foot setback, while minimum lot size in a subdivision is set by whatever the state or County Health Department requires for septic2526. Building or road construction on private agricultural land is excluded from the subdivision definition entirely27.
How do septic permits work in Coffee County?
A Coffee County home or business not connected to a public sanitary sewer needs a local Health Department permit before installing or repairing an onsite sewage system28. The Coffee County Health Department handles onsite-sewage applications and permits; call its main office and ask for Environmental Services27. Alabama requires a Permit to Install before construction begins, and certain difficult soil conditions require a registered engineer29. Only 42.4% of Coffee County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the site and soil evaluation an early purchase contingency15. A regulated manufactured-home, tiny-home, or RV development must also provide proof of septic approval before final-plan approval or occupancy3031.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Coffee County?
On a single, unsubdivided tract, yes: Coffee County has no zoning ordinance restricting RV or manufactured/tiny-home occupancy on your own land12. That changes if the land is developed as a platted RV Park or manufactured/tiny-home community under Coffee County's Community Development Regulations. An RV Park needs a Permit to Develop from the County Commission, and RV spaces are limited to temporary recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use for up to 180 days in any 12-month period, with permanent dwelling use prohibited and lots available only by lease, never sold individually13. A manufactured or tiny-home community needs a Permit to Develop from the County Engineer, at least 3 contiguous acres, lots of at least 50 feet of frontage and 5,000 square feet, and no more than 6 homes per acre; a tiny home on wheels that isn't permanently affixed to a foundation or connected to permanent utilities is treated as an RV and follows RV Park rules instead14.
Building a home in Coffee County: the steps, in order
Call the Coffee County Emergency Management Agency at (334) 894-5415 for a flood-hazard determination; work in a Special Flood Hazard Area cannot start before the county issues a development permit198.
Order a septic site and soil evaluation, because only 42.4% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field15.
Apply through the Coffee County Health Department before installing or repairing an onsite sewage system728.
If dividing the tract, call the County Engineer's Office at (334) 894-6112 about subdivision review and applicable road setbacks2025.
For a new county-road driveway, obtain the county permit and pay the $100 fee before disturbing the right-of-way; a state-highway entrance instead requires ALDOT approval3233.
Proceed with ordinary construction after resolving those triggers; unincorporated Coffee County has no general home-building permit1.
What to check before you buy land in Coffee County
Coffee County is well-watered, with 57.9 inches of rain a year and severe drought in only 13.5% of years, but check septic soils before you commit, since 42.4% of the county's soils are free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field and the rest may need an engineered system343515. The land is mostly wooded and rolling, with 67% forested and 81.8% at 15% slope or less, so clearing and grading costs deserve a line item3637. Confirm whether your tract sits in a mapped flood zone with the Coffee County EMA, and whether it's already inside a platted subdivision, since that triggers the county's setback and lot-size rules1925. If the land is used for agriculture, building or road construction there is excluded from the subdivision definition entirely, which can simplify splitting off a home site27. Property tax runs low here, with a roughly 0.3% effective rate and a median bill near $615 a year, against a typical home value around $187,569383940.
Watch-outs
Coffee County's Community Development Regulations govern platted RV Parks and manufactured/tiny-home communities, not an RV or tiny home on your own unsubdivided land; don't assume park-style rules (like the 180-day RV stay limit) apply to a single private tract1312.
City of Enterprise's jurisdiction extends past its city limits into an extraterritorial area where municipal ordinances may apply; confirm with the city directly if your land is nearby1.
Coffee County's individual private-well permit requirement remains unconfirmed; ADEM's authority is limited to specified coastal and high-capacity wells, so ask the Health Department or County Engineer's Office before drilling41.
Written September 28, 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.
Coffee County highlighted among the Alabama counties · colored by Index score
How Coffee County scores
Seclusion65100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency70100% ev.
Admin Boringness91100% ev.
Durability52100% ev.
Property Autonomy39100% ev.
Carry Cost89100% 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 →
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Answers from the rulebook for Coffee County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Coffee County rules
Building permitLimited
Construction and development of subdivisions within Coffee County's subdivision jurisdiction, including residential home construction in a subdivision after the required plat and development approvals.
The proposed plat must first be approved by the Coffee County Commission.
The Coffee County Engineer issues the Permit to Develop after proposed-plat approval.
The Permit to Develop authorizes construction of the development only in compliance with the subdivision regulations.
The developer must begin substantial work within one (1) year after issuance of the Permit to Develop or the proposed plat must be resubmitted for approval.
Changes to approved development plans must be submitted to the County Engineer before construction or implementation, and County Engineer approval is required before changes are constructed.
No building development or home construction may take place until the final plat has been recorded in the Probate Judge's office.
This is a subdivision-development permit requirement, not an express countywide building permit requirement for ordinary single-parcel residential construction.
The county FAQ separately identifies floodplain requirements and possible City of Enterprise extraterritorial ordinances.
substantial work commencement deadline: 1 year after Permit to Develop issuance (If work does not begin within this period, the proposed plat must be resubmitted for approval.)
“Following the approval of the Proposed Plat by the County Commission, the County Engineer shall issue a Permit to Develop for the Proposed Plat. The Permit to Develop allows the developer to proceed with construction of the development in compliance with these regulations.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Not required — Ordinary building construction in unincorporated Coffee County, Alabama, outside the stated subdivision, floodplain, and City of Enterprise extraterritorial exceptions.
“There are no zoning restrictions, ordinances, or building codes within the unincorporated areas of Coffee County, Alabama with the exception of the areas of concern listed below.”
Limited — Development subject to Coffee County's Flood Damage Prevention Resolution, including applicable structural and other development activities in flood-hazard areas.
“No work may start until permit is issued.”
Owner-builder exemption · follows from the permit answerNot needed
Unincorporated Coffee County: no county building permit is required, so there is no permit to be exempt from and you may build your own home. State licensing for electrical, plumbing and HVAC work may still apply.
Coffee County adopted subdivision regulations primarily related to streets and drainage.
Coffee County adopted a Flood Damage Prevention Resolution for development that may be located within a floodplain.
“There are no zoning restrictions, ordinances, or building codes within the unincorporated areas of Coffee County, Alabama with the exception of the areas of concern listed below.”
Building code adoptedNot adopted
County building-code adoption in unincorporated Coffee County.
County subdivision regulations still apply, primarily to streets and drainage.
The County Flood Damage Prevention Resolution applies to development in possible flood plains.
Enterprise jurisdictional ordinances may apply in areas beyond Enterprise city limits.
“There are no zoning restrictions, ordinances, or building codes within the unincorporated areas of Coffee County, Alabama with the exception of the areas of concern listed below.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Not adopted — County building-code adoption in the unincorporated areas of Coffee County, Alabama.
“There are no zoning restrictions, ordinances, or building codes within the unincorporated areas of Coffee County, Alabama with the exception of the areas of concern listed below.”
InspectionsLimited
Inspections required to verify compliance with Coffee County flood-damage-prevention requirements for applicable development in unincorporated Coffee County.
The inspection authority is the County Floodplain Administrator or representative.
The application authorizes reasonable inspections required to verify compliance.
This claim does not establish a general county building-inspection program for ordinary construction outside applicable floodplain requirements.
“The Coffee County Floodplain Administrator will complete this section, as applicable, based on inspection of the project to ensure compliance with the Coffee County Flood Damage Prevention Resolution.”
“The Coffee County Floodplain Administrator will complete this section, as applicable, based on inspection of the project”
Limited — Construction of required improvements in a Coffee County manufactured/tiny home community regulated by the 2026 Community Development Regulations.
“Letter from the developer stating the name and contact information of the Licensed Professional Engineer, retained by the developer, who will be inspecting all construction of the required improvements and executing the "Engineer's Certificate of Construction" on the Final Community Development Plan.”
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Development subject to Coffee County's Flood Damage Prevention Resolution; the county form requires a Certificate of Compliance before use or occupancy.
The source calls the required document a Certificate of Compliance, not a Certificate of Occupancy.
The certificate is completed by the County Floodplain Administrator.
The requirement applies within the floodplain-development permit process and is not evidence of a general countywide certificate-of-occupancy requirement.
“Development shall not be used or occupied until a Certificate of Compliance is issued.”
County-wide zoningAbsent
Unincorporated areas of Coffee County, Alabama.
Coffee County adopted subdivision regulations primarily related to streets and drainage.
Coffee County adopted a Flood Damage Prevention Resolution for development in possible flood plains.
The City of Enterprise has jurisdictional boundaries extending past the city limits, and some Enterprise jurisdictional ordinances may apply.
“There are no zoning restrictions, ordinances, or building codes within the unincorporated areas of Coffee County, Alabama with the exception of the areas of concern listed below.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Absent — County zoning restrictions, ordinances, and zoning controls in the unincorporated areas of Coffee County, Alabama.
“There are no zoning restrictions, ordinances, or building codes within the unincorporated areas of Coffee County, Alabama with the exception of the areas of concern listed below.”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate of municipal and unincorporated land-use controls within Coffee County; the county does not administer each municipal ordinance.
Unincorporated county areas have no county zoning restrictions or ordinances according to the County FAQ.
Enterprise has municipal zoning controls and may have jurisdictional ordinances extending beyond city limits.
The aggregate conclusion does not establish current zoning rules for Elba, New Brockton, or Kinston.
“There are no zoning restrictions, ordinances, or building codes within the unincorporated areas of Coffee County, Alabama with the exception of the areas of concern listed below. [...] City of Enterprise has jurisdictional boundaries that extend past the city limits. There may be some jurisdictional ordinances that apply.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Absent (with conditions) — Zoning restrictions and ordinances in the unincorporated areas of Coffee County, Alabama.
“There are no zoning restrictions, ordinances, or building codes within the unincorporated areas of Coffee County, Alabama with the exception of the areas of concern listed below.”
Absent (with conditions) — Zoning restrictions and ordinances in the unincorporated areas of Coffee County, Alabama.
“no zoning restrictions, ordinances, or building codes within the unincorporated areas of Coffee County, Alabama with the exception of the areas of concern listed below.”
Zoning districtsNot published
Zoning districts and zoning-based controls in unincorporated Coffee County.
The county's no-zoning statement is limited to unincorporated areas.
Coffee County subdivision regulations, floodplain requirements, and City of Enterprise extraterritorial jurisdiction may still apply.
This claim does not determine zoning districts inside incorporated municipalities.
“There are no zoning restrictions, ordinances, or building codes within the unincorporated areas of Coffee County, Alabama with the exception of the areas of concern listed below.”
Minimum dwelling sizeNone
Residential dwelling size in unincorporated Coffee County.
The county FAQ states that subdivision regulations, floodplain requirements, and possible City of Enterprise extraterritorial ordinances are exceptions or areas of concern.
This conclusion does not address incorporated municipalities or any Enterprise extraterritorial jurisdiction.
“There are no zoning restrictions, ordinances, or building codes within the unincorporated areas of Coffee County, Alabama with the exception of the areas of concern listed below.”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Residential lots in subdivisions within Coffee County's subdivision jurisdiction.
The regulation does not state a numeric minimum lot area in this provision; it incorporates the requirements of the State and/or County Health Department.
The subdivision jurisdiction is defined in the regulations as all areas outside the corporate limits of any municipality in Coffee County.
minimum lot size: as required by the State and/or County Health Department
“The minimum lot size shall be as required by the State and/or County Health Department.”
SetbacksSpecified
Residential lots in Coffee County subdivisions, based on the type of road fronting each lot.
Lots fronting on a Ditch Section road require a minimum setback from the right-of-way.
Lots fronting on a Curb and Gutter Section road require a minimum setback from the right-of-way.
building setback from right-of-way: >= 50 feet (Lots fronting on a Ditch Section road) · building setback from right-of-way: >= 35 feet (Lots fronting on a Curb and Gutter Section road)
“Lots fronting on a Ditch Section road shall have a minimum fifty (50) feet building setback from right-of-way. b. Lots fronting on a Curb and Gutter Section road shall have a minimum thirty-five (35) feet building setback from right-of-way.”
Lot coverageNone
Lot-coverage restrictions arising from county zoning, ordinances, or building codes in unincorporated Coffee County.
The county FAQ identifies subdivision regulations, floodplain requirements, and possible City of Enterprise extraterritorial ordinances as exceptions or areas of concern.
This conclusion does not address incorporated municipalities or Enterprise extraterritorial jurisdiction.
“There are no zoning restrictions, ordinances, or building codes within the unincorporated areas of Coffee County, Alabama with the exception of the areas of concern listed below.”
Building heightNone
Building-height restrictions arising from county zoning, ordinances, or building codes in unincorporated Coffee County.
The county FAQ identifies subdivision regulations, floodplain requirements, and possible City of Enterprise extraterritorial ordinances as exceptions or areas of concern.
This conclusion does not address incorporated municipalities or Enterprise extraterritorial jurisdiction.
“There are no zoning restrictions, ordinances, or building codes within the unincorporated areas of Coffee County, Alabama with the exception of the areas of concern listed below.”
Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)
RV spaces within RV Parks governed by Coffee County Community Development Regulations.
A proposed RV Park Development plan must be submitted for County Commission approval.
A permit to develop must be obtained from the Coffee County Commission before construction or development.
A final plan must be recorded before occupancy.
RV occupancy is limited to temporary recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use; permanent dwelling use is prohibited.
Maximum stay is 180 days in any 12-month period unless the County Commission approves specific seasonal purposes.
RV spaces are leasehold-only, and individual RV spaces or lots may not be sold; the park must remain under single ownership or unified control.
maximum RV stay: 180 days in any 12-month period (unless otherwise approved by the County Commission for specific seasonal purposes)
“No RV space shall be used as a permanent dwelling.”
Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Coffee County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Coffee County has no zoning ordinance. Coffee County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.
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 homesAllowed (with conditions)
Permanent tiny homes, and tiny homes on wheels treated as RVs, within developments governed by Coffee County Community Development Regulations.
A Permit to Develop from the Coffee County Engineer is required before construction or development of a manufactured/tiny home community; the permit expires after one year unless substantial work has begun.
A Final Community Development Plan must be signed and recorded before leasing lots or placing manufactured/tiny homes.
The community must have at least 3 contiguous acres; each lot must have at least 50 feet of frontage and 5,000 square feet; density may not exceed 6 homes per acre.
Public water is required where available, or a compliant community or individual well is required where unavailable.
Onsite septic systems must comply with Alabama Department of Public Health requirements, with proof of approval submitted before final plan approval or occupancy.
Tiny homes on wheels not permanently affixed to a foundation and not connected to permanent utilities are classified as RVs and are subject to RV Park rules.
minimum community acreage: >= 3 acres · minimum lot frontage: >= 50 feet · minimum lot size: >= 5000 square feet · maximum density: <= 6 homes per acre
“permanent residential manufactured/tiny home lots”
Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Coffee County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Coffee County has no zoning ordinance. Coffee County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.
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 Coffee County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Coffee County has no zoning ordinance. Coffee County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.
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
Onsite sewage, septic tank, grease trap, and holding tank applications and permits in Coffee County
The Coffee County Health Department administers the listed onsite sewage and septic services.
“The Coffee County Health Department provides the following services to the public. [...] Onsite Sewage - Applications and Permits”
Septic permitRequired
Onsite septic systems governed by Coffee County Community Development Regulations, including regulated community developments.
All onsite septic systems must meet the latest ADPH Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Rules.
A permit must be submitted to and approved by the local Health Department before installation.
Installation must be performed by an individual or company licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board.
“A permit must be submitted to and approved by the local Health Department prior to installation”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Off-grid wastewater arrangements in Coffee County RV parks
Each RV space must connect to a sewage disposal system or have access to a sanitary dump station.
Individual septic systems are allowed only where specifically permitted for RV use and must comply with ADPH or another regulatory agency's rules.
A sanitary dump station is required when individual sewer connections are not provided.
Septic-system approval must be submitted to Coffee County before final plan approval or occupancy.
“a connection to a sewage disposal system or access to a Sanitary Dump Station.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Onsite septic sanitation for Coffee County-regulated manufactured/tiny-home communities and RV parks.
“individual septic systems (where specifically permitted for RV use)”
Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)
RV parks regulated by Coffee County Community Development Regulations
Each RV space must have a connection to a potable water supply system.
Public water is preferred where available; if unavailable, a community well system meeting ADEM or another regulatory agency's requirements is required.
Each RV space must have a sewage-disposal connection or access to a sanitary dump station.
If individual sewer connections are not provided, a conveniently located sanitary dump station must be provided and maintained according to public-health standards.
Septic systems require approval from ADPH or another regulatory agency before final plan approval or occupancy.
“connection to a potable water supply system.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Conditional — Manufactured and tiny homes regulated by Coffee County Community Development Regulations.
“public water supply system where available”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Construction or development of roads or buildings on private property used for agricultural purposes within Coffee County’s subdivision jurisdiction.
The exclusion is limited to construction or development of roads or buildings on private property used for agricultural purposes.
The regulation cites Code of Alabama 1975, § 11-24-1(a)(4).
Other exclusions in the same definition include public acquisition of strips for street widening or opening, property divided between immediate family members under Code of Alabama 1975, § 11-24-2(d), certain parcels greater than three acres meeting 360-foot frontage and no-public-utility-extension criteria, qualifying State Board of Health exemptions that also meet those criteria, and lots leased only.
This exclusion from the county subdivision definition does not establish an exemption from separate health, wastewater, floodplain, utility, municipal, or state requirements.
“EXCLUSIONS: A subdivision shall not include any of the following: a. The construction or development of roads or buildings on private property to be used for agricultural purposes. See, Code of Alabama 1975, § 11-24-1(a)(4);”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Available (with conditions) — Construction or development of roads or buildings on private property used for agricultural purposes within the county's subdivision jurisdiction.
“A subdivision shall not include any of the following: a. The construction or development of roads or buildings on private property to be used for agricultural purposes.”
Driveway accessRequired
New or modified driveway access connecting to a Coffee County road.
The applicant must mark the proposed driveway center with white flagging or identification markers.
The Engineer's Office sizes the pipe and inspects the proposed location before approval.
The driveway installation must be inspected before fill is placed over the pipe.
A new permit is required for additions or modifications after completion.
The permit is void if the work is not completed within one year from the permit date.
permit fee: 100 USD · minimum soil cover over pipes 48 inches or less in diameter: >= 12 inches (Larger diameter pipes require 24 inches or more of cover.)
“Once the ditch has been graded and the pipe has been placed, Coffee County Engineer's Office must inspect the installation of the driveway prior to placement of fill material over the pipe.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Driveway access to Coffee County-maintained roads and county-road access in subdivisions.
“Where a proposed or potential future major subdivision borders on or intersects an existing county road with an ADT greater than 2500 vehicles per day, access to such county road may be limited by one or more of the following means:”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area or other floodplain area within unincorporated Coffee County, including structural development, fill, grading, excavation, watercourse alteration, drainage improvements, road, street or bridge construction, subdivision, and individual water or sewer systems.
No work may start until the development permit is issued.
Development may not be used or occupied until a Certificate of Compliance is issued.
The permit may be revoked for false statements; if revoked, all work must cease until re-issued.
The permit expires if no work is commenced within six months of issuance.
Other local, state, and federal permits may also be required.
The applicant must consent to reasonable inspections by the County Floodplain Administrator or representative.
The application is reviewed by the County Floodplain Administrator; if the activity conforms to the Flood Damage Prevention Resolution, the administrator may issue the permit upon payment of a designated fee. If it does not conform, the administrator provides written deficiencies, and the applicant may correct and resubmit or request a hearing from the Coffee County Commission/Board of Appeals.
Additional documents may include a site plan; scaled development plans; anchoring, lowest-floor elevation, flood-proofing, and enclosure details; 100-year flood elevations when a subdivision or other development exceeds 50 lots or 5 acres, whichever is lesser, if otherwise unavailable; watercourse or landform alteration plans; fill elevations; nonresidential flood-proofing protection levels; engineer or architect certification for flood-proofing; and registered-engineer certification that a regulatory-floodway activity will not increase the 100-year flood height, with supporting data and calculations.
The Coffee County Flood Damage Prevention Resolution was adopted on April 13, 2009.
The Coffee County Emergency Management Agency administers the Flood Damage Prevention Resolution.
application determination time: 5 business days (The county Flood Hazard Determination page states the determination will be made within five business days of receipt.) · development threshold for 100-year flood elevations: 50 lots or 5 acres, whichever is lesser (Required when elevations are not otherwise available.) · permit expiration if work has not commenced: 6 months · Flood Damage Prevention Resolution adoption date: April 13, 2009
“No work may start until permit is issued. [...] The Proposed Development: [...] Is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Not required — Development determined by the County Floodplain Administrator not to be located in a Special Flood Hazard Area within unincorporated Coffee County.
“Is not located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (Notify the applicant that the application review is completed and no floodplain development permit is required.)”
Limited — Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area within unincorporated Coffee County, Alabama.
“No work may start until permit is issued. [...] Is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area. [...] the Floodplain Administrator may issue a Development Permit”
Limited — Development in unincorporated Coffee County areas that may be located within a floodplain.
“Here you will find information on Flood Hazard Determination as well as the Coffee County Development Permit Application. Please review all information on the application before submitting. [email protected] determination will be made within five business days of receipt.”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Driveway permits for access to Coffee County roads.
A completed permit application and the $100 fee are required before the proposed driveway location is inspected.
The permit expires one year from the date of approval.
driveway permit fee: 100 USD · permit duration: one year from date of approval
“After the Coffee County Engineer's office has received this completed permit application and a $100 permit fee, the applicant requesting the driveway must mark the location of the center of the proposed driveway location with white flagging ribbon or identification markers. The engineer’s office will size the pipe and inspect the proposed location.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — Driveway permits for access to roads maintained by the Coffee County Commission in unincorporated Coffee County.
“At that time, a $100 Driveway Permit Fee shall be submitted prior to disturbing the Coffee County right-of-way.”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
County-road driveway installation requests and permits in unincorporated Coffee County.
The property owner contacts the County Engineer's Office or submits the Driveway Permit Application.
The Engineer's Office conducts an on-site inspection to determine pipe size and confirm location approval.
The contractor or licensed homebuilder may begin installation only after the $100 permit fee is received.
A second inspection is required before fill is placed around the pipe or concrete is poured for a dry ramp.
Driveway access to city streets and state highways is handled by the respective city or Alabama Department of Transportation.
minimum pipe length: >= 30 feet (20-foot minimum for 15-inch diameter pipe) · maximum pipe length: <= 100 feet (Lengths over 100 feet require County Engineer approval)
“Once the $100 Driveway Permit Fee has been received, the contractor or Licensed Homebuilder may begin driveway installation.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Partial — Development and construction in unincorporated Coffee County.
“There are no zoning restrictions, ordinances, or building codes within the unincorporated areas of Coffee County, Alabama with the exception of the areas of concern listed below.”
Alabama rules that apply here
Well permitLimited
Water wells in Coffee County, including individual private wells, under Alabama's statewide Water Well Standards Program
A Notification of Intent to drill a well must be filed with the Board before work begins.
A Certification of Completion must be filed within 30 days after completion of work.
The person drilling the well must comply with Alabama water-well construction standards.
The Geological Survey of Alabama may request the driller to collect samples; the rule does not state that GSA requires a separate individual-well permit or notice.
ADEM states that it does not have regulatory authority over individual private wells, although the statewide Water Well Standards Program rule requires the notice and completion filing.
The cited rule states an effective date of September 20, 1971.
water well driller annual license fee: 200 USD (The fee applies to the driller's annual license application, not to the individual private-well notification.) · certification of completion deadline: 30 days after completion of work · notification deadline: prior to commencement of work
“Every person desiring to drill a water well shall file with the Board, on a form furnished by the Board, a Notification of Intent to drill a well. This form shall be filed prior to the commencement of work. [...] Every person who drills a well shall file a Certification of Completion on the form furnished by the Board within 30 days after completion of work.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — New groundwater wells and alterations to existing groundwater wells extracting at least 50 gallons per minute when the well is in Alabama's coastal area or its 50-year capture zone extends into the coastal area.
“The installation of a new well, or alteration of an existing well, for the purposes of extracting groundwater”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision development in Alabama, including county authority in unincorporated areas and applicable municipal-planning-commission territorial jurisdictions.
Alabama does not require every county commission to adopt subdivision regulations.
A county may regulate subdivision development under Ala. Code § 11-24-1 et seq. if it adopts regulations and complies with statutory procedures and enforcement requirements.
For municipal planning commission extraterritorial areas, a county that has adopted subdivision regulations is responsible unless the statutory agreement or municipal override exceptions apply.
The cited handbook describes infrastructure controls for new development in unincorporated county areas but does not establish statewide minimum lot dimensions.
“While there is no requirement in Alabama that the county commission adopt regulations regarding subdivision development, Ala. Code § 11-24-1 et seq. provides strong statutory authority for each county to regulate subdivision development within its territorial jurisdiction.”
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 Coffee County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Construction subject to the City of Enterprise building-code jurisdiction in Enterprise, Alabama.
Effective March 7, 2023.
The City adopted the 2021 editions of the International Building, Residential, Fire, Fuel Gas, Existing Building, Swimming Pool & Spa, International Property Maintenance, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes, plus the 2020 National Electrical Code.
Projects costing $5,000 or less have a $54.42 permit issuance fee; projects over $5,000 have that fee plus $3.27 per $1,000 of total construction cost.
Commercial projects add $1.00 per $1,000 for the State of Alabama Craft Fee.
Inspection fees are included in the building permit; reinspection fees are $50 for the first reinspection and doubled thereafter for each subsequent same-type reinspection.
“Effective March 7, 2023, The Enterprise City Council adopted the 2021 Edition of the following building codes as our standard codes: International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Fire Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Existing Building Code, Swimming Pool & Spa Code, International Property Maintenance, Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, and the 2020 Edition of the National Electrical Code. City Ordinances 03-07-2023 through 03-07-2023-I.”
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Property and land uses governed by the City of Enterprise Zoning Ordinance, including special exceptions administered by the Board of Adjustment.
Special-exception applications must be filed with the Zoning Official at least 30 days before the scheduled hearing.
Written notice must be given to adjacent property owners at least five days before the hearing.
The Board reviews compliance with the zoning ordinance and other applicable city codes and ordinances.
The Board may impose conditions concerning access, parking and loading, screening and buffering, noise, glare, odor, runoff, utilities, signs, lighting, bulk, density, lot coverage, yards, and open areas.
Manufactured-home special exceptions require written justification, adjacent-owner mailing information, and a scale site drawing; in a single-family residential district the owner must reside on the premises; extenuating circumstances must be shown; and the exception may last no more than five years.
special exception filing lead time: >= 30 days before scheduled hearing · adjacent-owner notice lead time: >= 5 days before scheduled hearing · manufactured-home special exception maximum duration: <= 5 years
“ARTICLE 12 OF THE CITY OF ENTERPRISE ZONING ORDINANCE
Section 12.06. Special Exceptions”
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 onsite sewage systems in Coffee County, Alabama
Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Coffee 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 Coffee County, Alabama
Is Coffee County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Coffee County scores 77/100 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: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.
Do you need a building permit in Coffee County, Alabama?
Coffee 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 Coffee County Health Department (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.
How much does land cost in Coffee County, Alabama?
Land in Coffee County runs about $3,859 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Coffee County?
Coffee County gets about 57.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 13.5% of years.
How remote is Coffee County?
A representative private-land location has about 18,549 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,282,322 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 Coffee County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:
