Bolthole Index

Greene County, Alabama

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Greene County, Alabama

77Index Score / 100
#18 of 67 in Alabama

Unincorporated Greene County, Alabama is recorded as not requiring a general county building permit, although the county's published directory does not expressly state the rule, so confirm with the Greene County Commission before work begins1. Greene County is also recorded as having no county zoning2. Properties without public sewer need local health-department approval for onsite sewage3.

At a glance

Building permit
Recorded as not required in unincorporated Greene County; confirm with the County Commission before starting work1
Building inspection
A county inspection program could not be confirmed; ask the County Commission before construction1
Zoning
Recorded as no county zoning in unincorporated Greene County; municipal rules may differ2
Septic permits
Required through the Greene County Health Department for a new system or repairs when public sewer is unavailable43
RV and tiny-home use
No county zoning restriction on unincorporated land; wastewater and other statewide rules still apply56
Minimum size and setbacks
No county minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size or setback under the no-zoning answer5
Owner-builder
A qualifying owner may use Alabama's home-builder licensing exemption but must personally supervise the work7
Manufactured home
County zoning does not restrict placement, but Alabama installation and occupancy standards apply58

Who to call

Septic permits

Greene County Health Department

Septic-tank requests through the Environmental Office

205-372-9361

412 Morrow Avenue, Eutaw, Alabama 35462-1109

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 Greene County, Alabama?

Unincorporated Greene County is recorded as not requiring a general building permit, and the published county directory lists no building department or building inspector1. The directory does not expressly say that permits are unnecessary, however, so ask the Greene County Commission to confirm the current rule for the parcel and project before ordering materials. Alabama authorizes county commissions to adopt and enforce residential building codes in unincorporated areas, but that authority alone does not show that Greene County adopted one9. Alabama's residential-code framework changes on January 1, 2027, when builders must follow the applicable state or local residential code10. The state framework is enforced through local jurisdictions that operate permitting and inspection programs, rather than establishing one uniform statewide inspection process11. Greene County's certificate-of-occupancy requirement also could not be confirmed; ask the Commission before treating the absence of a listed building office as a legal exemption.

Who handles permits in Greene County, and how do you reach them?

The Greene County Health Department is the clearly identified local permit contact for land that will use onsite sewage4. Call 205-372-9361 or visit 412 Morrow Avenue, Eutaw, Alabama 35462-1109, and ask for the Environmental Office for septic-tank requests12. The county's published materials do not identify a building or zoning department, but that omission is not an express statement that every type of approval is unnecessary12. Before starting a house, cabin, shop or agricultural building, ask the Greene County Commission whether the parcel needs any building, floodplain, access or subdivision approval. A state-highway driveway is separate: access to an Alabama state highway requires a completed BM-111 application submitted to the ALDOT District Administrator13. County-road driveway requirements could not be confirmed, so ask the county highway office when access is not on a state route.

Does Greene County have zoning?

Unincorporated Greene County is recorded as having no county zoning, and the county directory lists no planning or zoning department2. Alabama counties generally lack broad land-use authority, although state law allows limited regulation in particular situations such as flood-prone areas and airport hazards14. For unincorporated Greene County, the resulting no-zoning answer sets no county minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit5. The same answer leaves accessory dwellings, RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home placement and temporary camping unrestricted by county zoning5. That conclusion is limited to county zoning: deed restrictions, septic approval, floodplain rules, state manufactured-housing standards and municipal ordinances can still matter. Zoning inside Eutaw, Boligee, Forkland and Union could not be confirmed, so contact the relevant municipality if a parcel lies inside or near municipal limits rather than applying the unincorporated-county answer.

How do septic permits work in Greene County?

A Greene County home or business not connected to public sanitary sewer must obtain a local health-department permit before installing a new onsite sewage system or repairing an existing one3. The application includes professional soils information, a legal description, a plot plan, a vicinity map and, in some cases, a construction plan3. Submit the Permit to Install application to the Greene County Health Department and wait for approval before construction; the installer must be licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board15. Only 7.6% of Greene County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so obtain the soil evaluation before fixing the house location or budget16. The local health department must have an opportunity to inspect the installation, and the system cannot be used until the department issues Approval for Use17. Alternative sanitation such as composting toilets or graywater was not confirmed as a substitute, so ask the Environmental Office before relying on it6.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Greene County?

Unincorporated Greene County's no-zoning answer does not impose a county zoning restriction on RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, accessory dwellings, manufactured-home placement or temporary camping5. That does not remove wastewater requirements: a residence without public sewer still needs an approved onsite sewage solution, and the available rule does not confirm every alternative sanitation method6. A manufactured home must be installed by an Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission-certified installer and comply with the Commission's statewide installation and occupancy standards8. Municipal rules in Eutaw, Boligee, Forkland and Union could not be confirmed, so ask the municipality before placing or occupying an RV or small dwelling inside its limits. Deed restrictions and utility-provider conditions also remain parcel-specific matters to review before purchase. For a tiny home built on site, ask the Greene County Commission about the current building-code and inspection status, especially as Alabama's residential-code framework changes on January 1, 202710.

Building a home in Greene County: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated and ask the Greene County Commission whether any building, inspection, floodplain, driveway or subdivision approval applies; a general permit is recorded as not required, but the official directory does not expressly state an exemption1.
  1. Ask the Greene County Health Department whether public sewer is available; if not, arrange soils work and submit the onsite sewage application before construction1815.
  1. Wait for the Permit to Install, use a licensed onsite-wastewater installer and obtain Approval for Use before occupancy1517.
  1. If building as an owner-contractor, personally supervise a qualifying home for personal occupancy and verify that subcontractors meet Alabama licensing rules7.
  1. Use an Alabama-certified installer for a manufactured home8.
  1. Submit the state access application before building a driveway onto an Alabama state highway13.

What should you check before buying land in Greene County?

Start with wastewater feasibility because only 7.6% of Greene County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field16. Check whether a proposed homesite or access route lies in a Special Flood Hazard Area, where the applicable local community must require a development permit for development or land-disturbing activity19. Confirm legal road access and determine whether the connection is to a state highway, because a state-highway turnout requires ALDOT approval13. Greene County is 75.7% wooded and 91.5% of its land has a slope of 15% or less, so clearing, drainage and the exact buildable area matter more than countywide averages2021. Annual precipitation is about 55 inches, which makes site drainage worth evaluating alongside flood maps and soil results22. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, with a median annual property-tax bill of about $4222324. Also review the deed, easements and any private restrictions before closing.

Watch-outs

  • Greene County's directory does not expressly confirm a building-permit exemption, inspection process or certificate-of-occupancy rule; ask the County Commission before construction1.
  • Municipal zoning in Eutaw, Boligee, Forkland and Union could not be confirmed; contact the relevant municipality for land inside or near its limits2.
  • A septic system cannot be used until the local health department issues Approval for Use17.
  • Alabama's residential-code framework changes on January 1, 2027, so reconfirm the code and enforcement path for projects extending into that year10.

Sources

  1. Greene County Commission - Directory (2026 county census)
  2. Greene County Commission - Directory (2026 county census)
  3. Onsite Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  4. ADPH - Soil and Onsite Sewage (2026 county census)
  5. Alabama law on county zoning and building authority
  6. Onsite Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  7. § 34-14A-6 Exemptions, quoted and re-checked
  8. Installers, quoted and re-checked
  9. Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Home Builders Licensure Law and 2025 legislative changes (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Home Builders Licensure Law, effective October 1, 2024 (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Greene County Health Department (alabamapublichealth.gov)
  13. Permits, quoted and re-checked
  14. Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Can I Live On This Lot?, quoted and re-checked
  16. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  17. Soil and Onsite Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  18. Can I Live On This Lot? (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Floodplain Management in Alabama Quick Guide, quoted and re-checked
  20. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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.

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County locator

Greene County in Alabama

77
County map
Greene County highlighted among the Alabama counties · colored by Index score

How Greene County scores

Seclusion71100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency64100% ev.
Admin Boringness86100% ev.
Durability57100% ev.
Property Autonomy39100% ev.
Carry Cost88100% 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 →

$136kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$2,573Land / acre
55"Annual rain
4.4% of yrsSevere drought
16.7 / yr (+15)Mid-century 100°F days
16.8 daysMid-century dry spell
2.56" (+6.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.4×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,974Home insurance / yr
-0.4% / yrInsurance growth
1.32%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
6,309People within 30 min
1,626,970People within 2 hr
10,468Radius comparison (15 mi)
11.3People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
91.5%Land at 15% slope or less
7.6%Septic soil without severe limits
29,832 acWorkable land screen
75.7%Wooded land
48.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
64.1°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Greene County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Greene County rules

  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Greene County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing greenecountycommission.com.

    • 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 Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Greene County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing greenecountycommission.com.

    • 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 size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Greene County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing greenecountycommission.com.

    • 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.”
  • Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Greene County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing greenecountycommission.com.

    • 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.”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Greene County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing greenecountycommission.com.

    • 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 Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Greene County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing greenecountycommission.com.

    • 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 Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Greene County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing greenecountycommission.com.

    • 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 Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Greene County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing greenecountycommission.com.

    • 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 Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Greene County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing greenecountycommission.com.

    • 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 Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Greene County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing greenecountycommission.com.

    • 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 Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Greene County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing greenecountycommission.com.

    • 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.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    No county planning or zoning department is listed among Greene County offices; land-use regulation is left to the county's municipalities.

    Greene County Commission - Directory ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Alabama rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    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”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Alabama residential home-builder licensing for an owner constructing or improving the owner's own one-family or two-family residence, including in Greene County.

    • The owner must act as the owner's own contractor.
    • The owner must provide all material supervision.
    • The residence must be a one-family or two-family residence on the owner's property.
    • The residence must be for the occupancy or use of the owner and not offered for sale.
    • The exemption is nontransferable, including to an agent through a power of attorney.
    • Sale or offering the structure for sale within one year after completion is presumptive evidence that construction was undertaken for sale.
    • A homeowner who hires or compensates someone to supervise the work is not acting as the owner's own contractor.
    • Subcontractors hired by an exempt homeowner must be licensed if the cost of the undertaking for the portion performed exceeds $10,000.
    • This is a licensing exemption and does not itself establish exemption from any separately applicable building permit, inspection, septic, or other local requirement.

    subcontractor undertaking cost threshold: > 10000 USD (The subcontractor must be licensed if the cost of the portion hired exceeds $10,000.) · sale or offer for sale after completion: <= 1 year (Presumptive evidence that construction was undertaken for the purpose of sale.)

    “The Home Builders Licensure Law provides an exemption for homeowners who build or improve their own residence for their own occupancy or use.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Alabama residential home-builder licensing for an owner building or improving a one-family or two-family residence on the owner's property for the owner's occupancy or use, including in Greene County.
      “The Home Builders Licensure Law provides an exemption for homeowners who build or improve their own residence for their own occupancy or use.”
    • 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 adoptedPartial

    Residential construction and improvements governed by Alabama's Home Builders Licensure Law, including construction in local jurisdictions without an already adopted residential building code.

    • The Home Builders Licensure Board has sole authority to adopt the Alabama Residential Building Code and Alabama Residential Energy Code.
    • The statewide residential building code is stated by the official HBLB Spring 2026 newsletter to go into effect January 1, 2027.
    • The statewide code establishes minimum standards in local jurisdictions that do not already have an adopted residential building code.
    • Local jurisdictions with an adopted code and enforcement do not need to make a change under the described transition framework.
    • The 2025 statute provides that the Alabama Residential Building Code does not supersede a local residential building code adopted by a county or municipality in effect on January 1, 2027.
    • A local building code adopted after January 1, 2027, must meet the minimum standards of the Alabama Residential Building Code and Alabama Residential Energy Code in effect when adopted; local conditions may support amendments, subject to the statutory limits.
    • The Alabama Residential Building Code does not apply to an agricultural building except for a residence contained therein.

    statewide residential building code effective date: 2027-01-01 · post-2027 local-code minimum: must meet the Alabama Residential Building Code and Alabama Residential Energy Code minimum standards (Local conditions may require amendments subject to statutory limits.)

    “Beginning January 1, 2027, a residential home builder within this state who constructs, renovates, or repairs a residence or structure shall do so”
    10 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Projects within Alabama Division of Construction Management jurisdiction, including state-owned or state-funded work, K-12 schools, public postsecondary institutions, hotels/motels, and movie theaters in or affecting Greene County.
      “The 2021 International Building Code adopted on July 1, 2022, with exceptions as noted below amended March 17, 2025 with portions of the 2024 International Building Code and Companion codes, as the State Building Code and enforced by the Division of Construction Management (DCM) includes the following:”
    • 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 — 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.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems serving property in Greene County, including unincorporated areas and incorporated municipalities unless a separate local rule applies.

    • The Alabama Department of Public Health establishes and enforces statewide onsite sewage requirements.
    • The local health department receives and reviews permit applications and administers local field activities.
    • Greene County Health Department identifies its Environmental Office as the contact for septic-tank requests.
    “The Soil and Onsite Sewage Branch's main objective is to coordinate the onsite sewage program in the county health departments.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed — Alabama's statewide onsite sewage program and its administration through local county health departments.
      “The Soil and Onsite Sewage Branch's main objective is to coordinate the onsite sewage program in the county health departments.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Homeowners and businesses in Greene County that are not connected to a public sanitary sewer system and that install a new onsite sewage disposal system or repair an existing system.

    • A permit from the local health department is required before installation of a new system or repairs to an existing system.
    • The application must include professional soils information, a legal description, a plot plan, a vicinity map, and in some instances a construction plan.
    • The owner or agent must submit the application with the applicable fee for review.
    • The health department reviews the application and soil-test results; a permit is issued if the application is approved.
    • Greene County Health Department records confirm that it issues new onsite sewage disposal permits.
    “Alabama State Law requires homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer system to obtain a permit from the local health department [...]”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — 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.
      “Alabama State Law requires homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer to obtain a permit from the local health department”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Onsite sewage treatment and disposal system installation or repair in Greene County, Alabama, under Alabama statewide rules administered through the local health department.

    • Before an OSS/EDS is covered or used, the local health department must be afforded an opportunity to inspect and necessary corrections must be made, except as allowed by Rule 420-3-1-.08.
    • An OSS/EDS may not be used until the local health department issues an Approval for Use.
    • Before Approval for Use, the installer must use a valid Permit to Install (Repair) and agree upon an inspection time and date with the local health department Public Health Environmentalist.
    • The installer must contact the Public Health Environmentalist by 9 a.m. on the inspection date to verify that the system will be ready.
    • If applicable, the installer must notify the engineer that the OSS/EDS is ready for inspection so ADPH Form CEP-6 can be submitted under Rule 420-3-1-.34.
    • The installer must notify the local health department and professional of installation problems that may prevent compliance and stop installation until resolved; if a disruption prevents completion by the agreed inspection time, a new inspection time must be established.
    • The installer must provide a completed ADPH Form CEP-5 within 3 business days of system completion, or on the local health department's first regularly scheduled business day after an intervening holiday.
    • The local health department may allow a licensed installer to cover an OSS/EDS installation or repair when resource constraints, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances prevent inspection within 30 minutes after the agreed inspection time.
    • The local health department may authorize a licensed installer to install or repair a Conventional OSS outside normal local health department business hours.

    inspection scheduling deadline: 9 a.m. on the inspection date · local health department inspection delay for cover authorization: >= 30 minutes after agreed inspection time (Resource constraints, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances must prevent the inspection.) · ADPH Form CEP-5 submission deadline: <= 3 business days after system completion (If an intervening holiday occurs, submit on the local health department's first regularly scheduled business day afterward.)

    “Except as allowed in this rule, no part of any installation shall be covered or used until the LHD is afforded an opportunity to inspect and any necessary corrections are made, An OSS/EDS shall not be used until an Approval for Use has been issued by the LHD.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Onsite sanitation for Greene County homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer system.

    • A permit from the local health department is required before installing a new onsite sewage disposal system or repairing an existing system.
    • A permit application requires professional soils information, a legal description, a plot plan, a vicinity map, and sometimes a construction plan.
    • The health department reviews the application and soil-test results and issues a permit only if the application is approved.
    • The source does not establish rules for every alternative sanitation technology, such as composting toilets or graywater systems.
    “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
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Use of an onsite septic/onsite sewage treatment and disposal system instead of connection to a municipal sewer where municipal sewers are unavailable or impractical.
      “Septic tank systems are used where municipal sewers are not available or are impractical.”
  • Well permitLimited

    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.

    • A permit from ADEM is required for the covered installation or alteration.
    • The cited rule is limited to the specified coastal-area or capture-zone circumstances and does not establish a general statewide permit requirement for individual private wells.
    • ADEM states that it does not have regulatory authority over individual private wells.

    groundwater extraction rate: >= 50 gallons per minute (Applies when the well surface location is in the coastal area or the 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”
  • 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”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Agricultural buildings under Alabama's Home Builders Licensure Law, including in Greene County.

    • The exemption is for agricultural buildings only.
    • The exemption does not include any residence contained in the agricultural building.
    • This exemption addresses applicability of the Home Builders Licensure Law and does not establish exemption from county subdivision, zoning, floodplain, septic, or other requirements.
    “(7) Agricultural buildings, except for any residence contained therein.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Building or improving agricultural buildings under Alabama's residential home-builders licensing law, including in Greene County
      “No residential home builders license is required to build or improve agricultural buildings except for any contained therein. Ala. Code § 34-14A-6(7).”
    • Available (with conditions) — Normal agricultural land-disturbing activity in Alabama, including Greene County, for purposes of ADEM construction stormwater permit coverage.
      “Permit coverage is not required for the following: [...] Normal agricultural; and [...] Silvicultural activities.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Agricultural buildings in Greene County and elsewhere in Alabama, for purposes of exemption from Alabama residential home-builder licensure requirements.
      “This chapter does not apply to: [...] (7) Agricultural buildings, except for any residence contained therein.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Agricultural buildings under the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board residential home-builder licensing rules.
      “Agricultural buildings, as defined in Ala. Admin. Code r. 465-X-1-.01(3), except for any residence contained therein.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Subdivision development in Alabama, including Greene County, where the county commission elects to adopt and enforce subdivision regulations under Ala. Code § 11-24-1 et seq.
      “Ala. Code § 11-24-1 et seq. provides strong statutory authority for each county to regulate subdivision development within its territorial jurisdiction.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Constructing a driveway, turnout, or other access from private, publicly owned, or commercial property to an Alabama state highway.

    • Applicants must submit Permit Form BM-111 to the ALDOT District Administrator.
    • ALDOT regulates entrance width, radii, placement, spacing, angle of entry, vertical alignment, drainage, and the number of entrances.
    • All turnout costs are paid by the applicant.

    minimum side-drain pipe diameter: >= 15 inches (ALDOT regions may require 18-inch pipe.)

    “Individuals or businesses which require access to State highways must apply for a permit by submitting a completed BM-111 application to the District Administrator.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction of a driveway or turnout from private property to a State highway in Greene County.
      “Since turnouts affect drainage and safety characteristics of the highway, a permit is required to ensure that the location and construction methods are acceptable. Individuals or businesses which require access to State highways must apply for a permit by submitting a completed BM-111 application to the District Administrator.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area within an Alabama community participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.

    • The actual development permit is administered by the local building or floodplain official.
    • More stringent local requirements may apply.
    • Additions or improvements valued at 50% or more of the existing structure's market value are substantial improvements and generally trigger bringing the entire structure into compliance with mapped elevations.

    substantial-improvement threshold: >= 50 percent of existing structure market value

    “When a community chooses to participate in the NFIP, it must require permits for all development in the SFHA”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Development and land-disturbing activities in Special Flood Hazard Areas in Greene County, subject to the applicable local floodplain authority.
      “You need local floodplain development permits for these and ANY land-disturbing activities in SFHAs.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Alabama construction sites requiring ADEM Construction Stormwater permit coverage.

    • Coverage is generally required for land disturbance of one or more acres, qualifying common plans of development, or discharges with reasonable potential to cause or contribute to a water-quality concern.
    • Certain listed minor land-disturbing activities are exempt.
    • Lake Martin has a special designation requiring coverage for non-exempt projects even when disturbance is less than one acre.

    application fee: 1385 USD

    “An application fee of $1,385.00 will be required upon submission of an application.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage disposal system permitting for properties in Greene County that are not served by public sewer.

    • An application for a Permit to Install must be submitted to the local county health department before construction of the onsite sewage disposal system.
    • The application and plans must be complete and meet all requirements of the rules.
    • Construction may begin only after the Permit to Install is issued.
    • The system installer must be licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board.
    • The source also states that soil testing may be required and that an engineer must design a system when site conditions require it.

    application fee: applicable fee

    “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. Make sure that your system installer is licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board (AOWB).”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — New onsite sewage disposal systems and repairs for homes or businesses in Greene County that are not connected to a public sanitary sewer system.
      “Alabama State Law requires homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer system to obtain a permit from the local health department prior to installing a new system or making repairs to an existing onsite sewage disposal system.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Alabama construction sites requiring ADEM Construction Stormwater permit coverage.
      “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.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Local zoning — Zoning controls administered by municipalities or other local authorities within Greene County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Greene 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 Greene County, Alabama

Is Greene County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Greene County scores 77/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

Do you need a building permit in Greene County, Alabama?

Greene 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 ADPH Greene County Health Department (Onsite Sewage). 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 Greene County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Greene County is allowed: Unincorporated Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Greene County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing greenecountycommission.com. 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 Greene County, Alabama?

Land in Greene County runs about $2,573 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Greene County?

Greene County gets about 55" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.4% of years.

How remote is Greene County?

A representative private-land location has about 6,309 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,626,970 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 Greene County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Greene compares in Alabama

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