Bolthole Index

Henry County, Alabama

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Henry County, Alabama

76Index Score / 100
#24 of 67 in Alabama

Unincorporated Henry County, Alabama has no zoning laws or land-use regulations, and the county's own department directory lists no building department, so there's no general building permit for a home, cabin or barn outside a city12. Septic is different: any home or business not on public sewer needs an onsite sewage permit from the Henry County Health Department before installation34. Splitting a parcel into pieces under 3 acres also triggers the county's subdivision regulations, even though zoning itself doesn't apply5.

At a glance

Building permit
No building department listed for unincorporated areas; no county permit found required1
Zoning
None outside city limits; the county states unincorporated land "has no zoning laws or land-use regulations"62
Septic permits
Henry County Health Department (Abbeville office), under Alabama's statewide onsite sewage program73
RV / tiny home / manufactured home living
Unrestricted by county zoning; a manufactured home must still meet statewide installation and compliance standards89
Owner-builder
Exempt from state contractor licensure when building your own 1- or 2-family home for your own use, not for sale10
Minor subdivision threshold
Splitting a parcel into pieces under 3 acres requires compliance with county subdivision regulations5
Subdivision fees
$100 minor subdivision, $500 major plus $0.25 per linear foot of new road, $250 E911 addressing5
Residential road frontage
At least 60 feet required for a subdivided residential lot5

Who to call

Roads & driveways

Henry County Road Department

Driveway access permits onto county roads and road/bridge maintenance; its property-regulations page is the county's own statement that unincorporated land has no zoning

(334) 585-2735

[email protected]

1023 County Road 53, Abbeville, AL 36310

Septic permits

Henry County Health Department, Environmental Services (Abbeville office)

Onsite sewage (septic) applications, permits, and environmental services for Henry County

334-585-2660

P.O. Box 86, 505 Kirkland Street, Abbeville, Alabama 36310

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 23, 2026.

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

No county building permit was found for unincorporated Henry County: the county's own department directory lists no building department or building inspector, which is typical of rural Alabama counties1. Alabama gives counties only limited authority over building construction statewide, and nothing found shows Henry County has adopted a building code or permit requirement for ordinary residential construction11. That absence hasn't been confirmed by an explicit county statement saying so, only by the lack of a listed department, so it's worth a direct call before you assume nothing is required1. Property inside the cities of Abbeville, Headland, Newville, Haleburg or Shorterville is a different matter: it must follow that city's own rules2.

Who handles roads, subdivision and septic permits in Henry County?

There's no building department to call, but three offices matter for land outside the cities. The Henry County Road Department issues driveway access permits onto county roads and maintains the county's roads and bridges12. The Henry County Health Department's Abbeville office, part of the statewide Alabama Department of Public Health system, issues onsite sewage (septic) applications and permits133. For a larger parcel that's being split, the Henry County Commission reviews and approves subdivision plats under regulations adopted by resolution in 20145.

Does Henry County have zoning?

No. Henry County's own property-regulations page states plainly that land outside a city limit is unincorporated and "has no zoning laws or land-use regulations"214. That means the county itself sets no minimum dwelling size, no minimum lot size, no setbacks, no lot-coverage limit and no building-height limit on unincorporated land1516171819. RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes, accessory dwellings and temporary camping are all unrestricted under county zoning rules, since there's no zoning to restrict them8. Zoning absence doesn't mean no rules at all: dividing a parcel into pieces smaller than 3 acres still has to comply with the county's subdivision regulations, unless it qualifies for an exclusion such as roads or buildings used for agricultural purposes520. Property inside a city limit follows that city's own zoning and building rules instead of the county's2.

How do septic permits work in Henry County?

Any home or business in Henry County that isn't connected to a public sanitary sewer needs a permit from the Henry County Health Department before a septic system is installed or repaired, under Alabama's statewide onsite sewage law413. Before construction starts, the applicant submits a permit application that typically includes professional soils information, a legal description, a plot plan and a vicinity map, and the health department reviews the soil-test results before issuing a permit21. Installation can't begin before the health department is contacted, and some lots turn out to be unsuitable for a conventional system, requiring an engineered alternative instead21. The Henry County Health Department's Abbeville office, at 505 Kirkland Street, handles these applications alongside its other environmental services13.

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

Outside a zoning ordinance, Henry County places no county restriction on living in an RV, tiny home, manufactured home or other accessory structure on your own unincorporated land, and temporary camping isn't regulated by the county either8. A manufactured home is still subject to state rules regardless of county zoning: it must be installed by an installer certified by the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission and comply with the Commission's uniform standards before it can legally be occupied, with a civil penalty of up to $500 for a violation9. If you're building your own one- or two-family home for your own use and not for sale, Alabama's owner-builder exemption lets you act as your own contractor without a residential home-builder license, though hiring subcontractors for work costing more than $10,000 still requires a licensed subcontractor10.

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

First, confirm your parcel's size and history: splitting off a piece smaller than 3 acres from a larger tract requires the county's subdivision approval process before you can build or sell it5. Next, if you'll need a septic system, contact the Henry County Health Department's Abbeville office before construction begins, since installation can't start before the application, soil information and site plan are submitted and reviewed1321. If you're bringing in a manufactured home, arrange installation through a certified Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission installer so it complies with the Commission's standards before you move in9. If your driveway will connect to a county road, apply for a driveway access permit from the Henry County Road Department before construction1214. Finally, build: no county building-permit review has been found required for an ordinary single-family home outside a city limit, though it's worth confirming directly given the county directory is the only source for that1.

What to check before you buy land in Henry County

Get a septic site evaluation early: Henry County Health Department reviews soil-test results before issuing an onsite sewage permit, and some lots aren't suitable for a conventional system21. If the tract you're buying was recently split from a larger parcel into pieces under 3 acres, confirm it went through the county's subdivision-plat process, since unapproved splits can complicate road access, addressing and resale5. A subdivided residential lot needs at least 60 feet of road frontage and a flood-free building site under the county's Flood Damage Prevention Resolution, so check FEMA flood status before you commit5. Confirm whether the property sits inside a city limit (Abbeville, Headland, Newville, Haleburg or Shorterville) before assuming the county's no-zoning, no-permit picture applies, since city rules take over there2.

Watch-outs

  • Henry County exists in several states, including Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia, and those counties have very different rules, including active zoning in Henry County, Georgia; confirm you're looking at Henry County, Alabama (county seat Abbeville) before trusting any search result2.
  • The 'no building permit' finding rests on the absence of a building department in the county's own directory, not an explicit county statement that no permit is required, so confirm directly with the county before you build1.

Sources

  1. Henry County, AL - Courthouse and Government Directory (2026 county census)
  2. Road Department — Henry County Property Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  3. Services | Henry County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  4. Onsite Sewage | Alabama Department of Public Health, quoted and re-checked
  5. Road & Bridge | Henry County, quoted and re-checked
  6. Road Department — Henry County Property Regulations (2026 county census)
  7. Alabama Department of Public Health - Henry County Services (2026 county census)
  8. Alabama law on county zoning and building authority
  9. Installers | Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission, quoted and re-checked
  10. Exemptions, quoted and re-checked
  11. Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Henry County Road Department (henrycountyal.com)
  13. Henry County Health Department, Environmental Services (Abbeville office) (alabamapublichealth.gov)
  14. Road & Bridge | Henry County, quoted and re-checked
  15. Road & Bridge | Henry County, quoted and re-checked
  16. Road & Bridge | Henry County, quoted and re-checked
  17. Road & Bridge | Henry County, quoted and re-checked
  18. Road & Bridge | Henry County, quoted and re-checked
  19. Road & Bridge | Henry County, quoted and re-checked
  20. Subdivision Regulations of Henry County, Alabama, quoted and re-checked
  21. Onsite Sewage | Alabama Department of Public Health, quoted and re-checked

Written September 23, 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

Henry County in Alabama

76
County map
Henry County highlighted among the Alabama counties · colored by Index score

How Henry County scores

Seclusion63100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency65100% ev.
Admin Boringness88100% ev.
Durability58100% ev.
Property Autonomy39100% ev.
Carry Cost90100% 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 →

$198kTypical home
0.3%Property tax
$3,328Land / acre
54.4"Annual rain
18.2% of yrsSevere drought
15.2 / yr (+13.7)Mid-century 100°F days
17.1 daysMid-century dry spell
2.66" (+2.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.22×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,802Home insurance / yr
-0.2% / yrInsurance growth
0.61%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
18,145People within 30 min
1,581,014People within 2 hr
18,214Radius comparison (15 mi)
31.9People / sq mi
1.2%Federal land
79.9%Land at 15% slope or less
40.5%Septic soil without severe limits
141,702 acWorkable land screen
63%Wooded land
39 tonsBiomass / forest ac
66.1°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Henry County

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

Henry County rules

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Property in Henry County located outside a city limit, identified by the county as unincorporated area.

    • The county statement applies outside city limits only.
    • Property inside a city limit must follow that city's specific rules and regulations.
    “Henry County property that is located outside a city limits is known as an unincorporated area and that property has no zoning laws or land-use regulations.”
  • Zoning districtsNot published

    Zoning districts in unincorporated Henry County.

    • The county page states that unincorporated property has no zoning laws or land-use regulations.
    • Property inside a city limit follows that city's specific rules and regulations and is outside this claim's scope.
    “property that is located outside a city limits [...] has no zoning laws or land-use regulations.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    County zoning or land-use minimum dwelling-size requirements for property outside city limits in Henry County.

    • This conclusion concerns county zoning and land-use regulations only.
    • Property inside a city limit must follow that city's specific rules and regulations.
    • Other applicable requirements, including subdivision, health, septic, building-code, or private restrictions, are not negated.
    “Henry County property that is located outside a city limits is known as an unincorporated area and that property has no zoning laws or land-use regulations.”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone

    County zoning or land-use minimum lot-size requirements for property outside city limits in Henry County.

    • This conclusion concerns county zoning and land-use regulations only.
    • Henry County subdivision regulations and state or county health-department requirements may impose lot-size or site-suitability requirements in applicable developments.
    • Property inside a city limit must follow that city's specific rules and regulations.
    “Henry County property that is located outside a city limits is known as an unincorporated area and that property has no zoning laws or land-use regulations.”
  • SetbacksNone

    County zoning or land-use setback requirements for property outside city limits in Henry County.

    • This conclusion concerns county zoning and land-use regulations only.
    • Subdivision, road, floodplain, building-code, septic, private-covenant, or municipal requirements may apply separately.
    • Property inside a city limit must follow that city's specific rules and regulations.
    “Henry County property that is located outside a city limits is known as an unincorporated area and that property has no zoning laws or land-use regulations.”
  • Lot coverageNone

    County zoning or land-use lot-coverage requirements for property outside city limits in Henry County.

    • This conclusion concerns county zoning and land-use regulations only.
    • Other state, county, subdivision, floodplain, building-code, health, or private requirements may apply separately.
    • Property inside a city limit must follow that city's specific rules and regulations.
    “Henry County property that is located outside a city limits is known as an unincorporated area and that property has no zoning laws or land-use regulations.”
  • Building heightNone

    County zoning or land-use building-height requirements for property outside city limits in Henry County.

    • This conclusion concerns county zoning and land-use regulations only.
    • Building-code, floodplain, subdivision, airport, state, municipal, or private restrictions may apply separately.
    • Property inside a city limit must follow that city's specific rules and regulations.
    “Henry County property that is located outside a city limits is known as an unincorporated area and that property has no zoning laws or land-use regulations.”
  • Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Henry County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Henry County has no zoning ordinance. Henry 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.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Henry County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Henry County has no zoning ordinance. Henry 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 homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Henry County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Henry County has no zoning ordinance. Henry 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.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Henry County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Henry County has no zoning ordinance. Henry 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 Henry County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Henry County has no zoning ordinance. Henry 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 septicMixed

    Onsite sewage and septic permitting services for Henry County, Alabama.

    • The Henry County Health Department provides the local applications and permits service.
    • The Alabama Department of Public Health coordinates and enforces the statewide onsite sewage program through county health departments.
    “The Henry County Health Department provides the following services to the public. [...] Onsite Sewage - Applications and Permits”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    The Henry County subdivision-regulation exclusion for construction or development of roads or buildings on private property used for agricultural purposes.

    • The exclusion is limited to roads or buildings on private property used for agricultural purposes.
    • This is an exclusion from the definition of subdivision; it is not a general exemption from building codes, septic rules, floodplain rules, road-access requirements, or other applicable law.
    • The quoted source also identifies separate exclusions for family divisions, qualifying acreage/frontage and utility conditions, certain State Board of Health exemptions, five-acre-or-more divisions of four lots or fewer that cannot be further subdivided, and lots created only for lease.
    “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);”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision development and division of land outside the corporate limits of any municipality in Henry County.

    • The regulations apply within the county's subdivision jurisdiction, defined as all areas outside the corporate limits of any municipality in Henry County.
    • The Henry County Commission reviews, approves, or disapproves subdivision plats and may inspect development.
    • A proposed subdivision must comply with applicable subdivision standards and obtain required approval before development or sale of lots.
    • The regulations were adopted by Henry County Commission resolution on January 7, 2014; the source does not state a separate effective date.
    • Fee schedule: minor subdivision or group development fee is $100; major subdivision fee is $500 plus $0.25 per linear foot of new road; E911 addressing fee is $250.
    • Residential lots must meet the minimum lot size required by the State and/or County Health Department, have at least 60 feet of road frontage, and contain a flood-free building site as defined by the County Flood Damage Prevention Resolution.
    • Exclusions include agricultural roads or buildings on private property, immediate-family divisions under Code of Alabama § 11-24-2(d), qualifying divisions over three acres with at least 100 feet of frontage per parcel and no required public-utility extension, certain State Board of Health exemptions meeting those same criteria, divisions of five acres or more containing four lots or fewer that cannot be further subdivided, and lots created only for lease.
    • The source states that amendments do not take effect for thirty days after County Commission action and do not apply to plats submitted before the amendment takes effect.
    • Municipal property is subject to the municipality's planning and subdivision jurisdiction.

    minor-subdivision threshold: <= 3 acres or less (Must front an existing state, city, or county road; must not involve a new road, extension of public facilities, or public improvements.) · residential road frontage: >= 60 feet (Each lot must have separate access and frontage cannot be subject to an easement, license, shared use, shared driveway, or other agreement.) · minor subdivision fee: 100 USD · major subdivision fee: 500 USD (Plus $0.25 per linear foot of new road to be constructed.) · E911 addressing fee: 250 USD

    “By Resolution of the Henry County Commission, adopted on the 7th day of January, 2014, and pursuant to the powers and jurisdiction granted by Code of Alabama 1975, § 11-24-1 et seq., the Henry County Commission does hereby set a policy to exercise the power and authority to review, approve, and disapprove plats for all subdivisions within the subdivision jurisdiction of Henry County, Alabama.”

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 exemptionConditional

    The Alabama Home Builders Licensure Law's owner-builder exemption for residential home-builder licensure, including work performed in Henry County.

    • The owner must act as their own contractor and provide all material supervision.
    • The work must involve a one-family or two-family residence on the owner's property.
    • The residence must be for the owner's occupancy or use and must not be offered for sale.
    • The exemption is nontransferable, including to an agent through a power of attorney.
    • Sale or offering for sale within one year after completion is presumptive evidence that construction was undertaken for sale.
    • An owner who hires or compensates anyone to supervise the building or improvement is not acting as their own contractor.
    • Subcontractors hired by an owner claiming the exemption must be licensed if the cost of their portion exceeds $10,000.
    • The exemption concerns state residential home-builder licensure and does not by itself establish exemption from any local building-permit, inspection, or certificate-of-occupancy requirement.
    • Claiming the exemption jeopardizes protections under the Home Builders Licensure Law, including consumer-complaint and Homeowners' Recovery Fund benefits.

    residence type: one-family or two-family residence · sale period: <= 1 year after completion (Sale or offering for sale is presumptive evidence of construction for sale.) · subcontractor undertaking cost: > 10000 USD (Subcontractors hired by an owner claiming the exemption must be licensed above this threshold.)

    “Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing all material supervision themselves, [...] and not offered for sale.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • 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”
    9 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • 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.”
  • Septic permitRequired

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

    • A permit from the local health department is required before installation or repair.
    • The application must include 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; a permit is issued if the application is approved.
    • Installation must not begin before contacting the health department.
    • For construction, the application and plans must be complete and meet all applicable rules; only then may construction begin.
    • The source states that the statewide rule applies to homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer.
    “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”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Sanitation for homes and businesses in Henry County that are not connected to a public sanitary sewer.

    • Off-grid sanitation through an onsite sewage disposal system is subject to a local health-department permit before installation or repair.
    • Soil testing and professional design may be required depending on soil conditions, saturation, system type, or system size.
    • The permit must be approved before construction begins.
    • Some lots may be unsuitable for conventional septic systems; an engineered system may be required.
    “Before the construction of an onsite sewage disposal system, you must submit an Application for a Permit to Install an Onsite Sewage Disposal System”
    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”
  • 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.”
  • 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”
  • 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)

    Alabama construction sites requiring ADEM Construction Stormwater permit coverage.

    • The applicant must read the current Alabama Construction General Permit, retain a Qualified Credentialed Professional, prepare the required construction best management plan, and submit a Notice of Intent through AEPACS.
    • The application requires responsible-official and QCP signatures, maps, and the application fee.

    typical project review determination: 2–3 days (ADEM states determinations are generally issued by email within 2–3 days.)

    “You will receive a permitting determination via email generally within 2 –3 days.”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

    Alabama county authority to adopt zoning for unincorporated land.

    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    • Counties may regulate land use in flood-prone areas under Ala. Code § 11-19-1 et seq.; flood-prone areas are areas with a frequency of inundation of once in 100 years as defined by qualified hydrologists or engineers using generally accepted methods.
    • Counties may adopt airport zoning regulations under Ala. Code § 4-6-4 to prevent airport hazards within airport hazard areas.
    • For airport zoning, the county zoning jurisdiction is unincorporated county land except within a municipality's police jurisdiction and within two miles of a municipal airport when the municipality exercises or declares its intention to exercise zoning control, unless local law provides otherwise.
    • The handbook notes an exception to the airport-zoning provision for counties with a population of not less than 54,500 nor more than 56,000 according to the 1970 federal decennial census.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — County authority over land use and zoning in unincorporated Alabama; general Alabama law does not grant counties broad general zoning authority, but limited authority exists through special local laws and specified statutory circumstances.
      “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Alabama county commissions adopting and administering residential building laws and codes in unincorporated areas.

    • A county commission must act by resolution to adopt building laws or codes.
    • The resolution must be provided to the Home Builders Licensure Board within 10 business days.
    • A local building law or code generally may not take effect until 120 days after adoption; for insurance claims requiring licensed work, the effective date is the date of adoption.
    • County building laws and codes may be enforced in a municipality's police jurisdiction outside municipal corporate limits as provided by Section 11-40-10(b)(2).
    • Application within municipal corporate limits requires express consent of the municipal governing body.
    • The county commission may employ building inspectors and exact fees from owners of inspected property.
    • A county may discontinue administration and enforcement by resolution, but discontinuation generally does not take effect until 120 days after adoption and the resolution must be sent to the Board within 10 business days.
    • Counties and municipalities may enter mutual agreements, compacts, and contracts for administration and enforcement, with a copy due to the Board within 10 business days.
    • Beginning January 1, 2027, residential builders must follow the applicable state or local residential building code.

    resolution transmission deadline: 10 business days (Copy must be provided to the Home Builders Licensure Board.) · local-code delayed effective period: 120 days (Insurance-claim work requiring a license is effective on the local adoption date.)

    “A county commission, by resolution, may adopt building laws and codes”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Alabama county authority to adopt and enforce residential building laws and codes in unincorporated areas.
      “There are two general statutory provisions authorizing counties to adopt building codes: the Home Builders Licensure Law found at Ala. Code § 34-14A-1 et seq. and the law on the state minimum building standards code found at Ala. Code § 41-9-160 et seq.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Septic inspection — Septic/on-site sewage inspections in Henry County, Alabama.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Henry County, Alabama.

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 Henry County, Alabama

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

Henry County scores 76/100 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 Henry County, Alabama?

Henry 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 Henry County Health Department (Alabama Department of Public Health). 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 Henry County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Henry County is allowed: Unincorporated Henry County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Henry County has no zoning ordinance. Henry 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. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Henry County, Alabama?

Land in Henry County runs about $3,328 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Henry County?

Henry County gets about 54.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 18.2% of years.

How remote is Henry County?

A representative private-land location has about 18,145 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,581,014 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 Henry County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Henry compares in Alabama

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