Montgomery County, AL Building Permits, Zoning & Septic

Unincorporated Montgomery County, Alabama requires a building permit for a structure over 200 square feet in county jurisdiction outside the police jurisdictions of the City of Montgomery and the Town of Pike Road¹. A non-flood-prone permit costs $100 per structure if construction starts within six months¹. The Montgomery County Health Department handles permits for onsite sewage systems².

At a glance

Building permit: Required for structures over 200 square feet in county jurisdiction¹
Standard permit fee: $100 for a non-flood-prone structure if work starts within six months¹
Zoning: Land-use controls exist, but a countywide zoning ordinance was not confirmed³⁴
Septic permit: Required through the Montgomery County Health Department²⁵
RV or tiny-home living: Not confirmed; ask County Engineering about the parcel and proposed use⁶
Owner-builder: State exemption available for a qualifying owner-occupied one- or two-family home⁷
Septic subdivision lot: At least 1 acre and 100 feet of road frontage outside municipal jurisdiction⁶

Who to call

Building permits

Montgomery County Engineering Department (Building Permits)

Building permits in Montgomery County jurisdiction outside the police jurisdictions of the City of Montgomery and the Town of Pike Road

334-832-4950

101 South Lawrence St., Montgomery, AL 36104

Planning & zoning

Montgomery County Engineering Department (Property Development)

Subdivision development standards, minimum lot size and plat review

(334) 832-1310

101 South Lawrence St., Montgomery, AL 36104

Septic permits

Montgomery County Health Department, Environmental Division

Onsite sewage disposal permits and inspections in Montgomery County

334-293-6452

3060 Mobile Highway, Montgomery, Alabama 36108

Roads & driveways

Montgomery County Engineering Department (Driveway Turnouts)

Driveway turnout installation on public Montgomery County road rights-of-way

334-832-1310

101 South Lawrence St., Montgomery, AL 36104

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 Montgomery County, Alabama?

Montgomery County requires a building permit before construction begins on a structure over 200 square feet in county jurisdiction outside the police jurisdictions of the City of Montgomery and the Town of Pike Road¹. Each police jurisdiction extends 3 miles beyond its city or town limit, so a rural-looking parcel may not use the county process¹. The minimum permit fee is $100, and the non-flood-prone fee is $100 per structure when construction starts within six months of issuance¹. Starting required work without a permit adds another $100 fee¹. Flood-prone projects use a cost-based sliding scale and must follow the county Floodplain Prevention Ordinance effective December 16, 2025⁸.

Who is the Montgomery County building department, and how do you reach it?

The Montgomery County Engineering Department handles county building permits for property outside the police jurisdictions of the City of Montgomery and the Town of Pike Road⁹. Call Building Permits at 334-832-4950 or visit 101 South Lawrence St., Montgomery, AL 36104⁹. Ask the office to confirm jurisdiction, flood status, the application materials and the inspection schedule before finalizing plans; Montgomery County's published page does not identify the adopted code edition or a building-inspection schedule. The Alabama Division of Construction Management does not ordinarily inspect private residential property, except hotels and motels, so it is not a substitute building department for a house in unincorporated Montgomery County¹⁰.

Does Montgomery County have zoning?

Montgomery County applies land-development controls in the unincorporated area, but the available county material does not confirm a general countywide zoning ordinance or publish county zoning districts³. Alabama counties do not receive broad general zoning authority under statewide law; limited authority can come from local laws or apply to subjects such as flood-prone land and airport hazards⁴. Montgomery County does publish a subdivision rule for land outside the legal jurisdiction of any municipality: a proposed subdivision served by onsite sewage needs a minimum 1-acre lot with at least 100 feet of road frontage⁶. Call the County Engineer at (334) 832-1310 to ask which subdivision, municipal, floodplain or other land-use controls apply to the parcel⁶.

How do septic permits work in Montgomery County?

The Montgomery County Health Department's Environmental Division handles onsite sewage permitting and inspections². Call 334-293-6452 or visit 3060 Mobile Highway, Montgomery, Alabama 36108¹¹. A homeowner or business without public sewer must obtain the local health department's permit before installing a new onsite system or repairing an existing one⁵. The county process starts with a professional site and soil evaluation, followed by the permit application and plan review; construction waits for the Permit to Install, and occupancy waits for inspection and Approval for Use¹². Only about 5.5% of Montgomery County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so complete the site evaluation before relying on a listing's claim that a lot is buildable¹³.

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

Montgomery County has not published a rule in the available county material that confirms long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on private land in the unincorporated area. Ask the County Engineer at (334) 832-1310 about the parcel and the exact proposed use before buying or moving a unit onto the land⁶. Alabama recognizes a qualifying manufactured home as a residence when it meets the state definition, bears a HUD Seal and connects to required utilities, but local siting, health, utility and permitting rules still apply¹⁴. A manufactured home is not the same category as a travel trailer or motorhome, so the state manufactured-home rule does not answer the RV question¹⁴. Montgomery County also has not confirmed a minimum dwelling size or general building setbacks for unincorporated parcels.

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

Ask County Engineering whether the parcel is in Montgomery County's permit jurisdiction or within the City of Montgomery or Town of Pike Road police jurisdiction¹.

Ask the County Engineer whether subdivision review applies; a septic-served proposed subdivision outside municipal jurisdiction needs at least 1 acre and 100 feet of road frontage⁶.

If public sewer is unavailable, arrange the site and soil evaluation and obtain the Health Department's Permit to Install before septic construction⁵.

Confirm flood status, then apply through County Engineering; flood-prone work requires an elevation certificate, a no-rise certificate from a certified engineer and a first floor 2 feet above base flood elevation⁸.

An owner may use Alabama's exemption for an owner-occupied one- or two-family home only by personally providing all material supervision and not offering the home for sale⁷.

For access on a public county road right-of-way, ask Engineering about a turnout; the county provides labor and gravel if the owner supplies the required drainage pipe¹⁵.

What should you check before buying land in Montgomery County?

Check jurisdiction first because both named municipal police jurisdictions reach 3 miles beyond their limits¹. Verify legal access next: Montgomery County will install a requested turnout on a public county road right-of-way at no charge when the owner supplies the drainage pipe, while access to an Alabama state highway requires an ALDOT permit and is paid for by the applicant¹⁵¹⁶. Test septic feasibility before closing because only about 5.5% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field¹³. Confirm flood classification with County Engineering because flood-prone construction has certificates, elevation requirements and variable fees⁸. Private-well permitting was not confirmed for an ordinary individual well; ADEM says its well-permit authority is limited to certain high-capacity wells in the coastal area, so ask the Montgomery County Health Department about testing and any local requirements¹⁷.

Watch-outs

A parcel can look rural while sitting inside a municipal police jurisdiction that extends 3 miles beyond the City of Montgomery or Town of Pike Road limit; confirm jurisdiction before applying¹.
Montgomery County has not confirmed countywide zoning, RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, a minimum dwelling size or general setbacks; ask the County Engineer at (334) 832-1310 about the parcel and proposed use⁶.
Only about 5.5% of Montgomery County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so obtain a professional site evaluation before closing¹³.

Sources

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.

How Montgomery County scores

Seclusion40100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency67100% ev.

Admin Boringness51100% ev.

Durability64100% ev.

Property Autonomy39100% ev.

Carry Cost89100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$167kTypical home

0.4%Property tax

$3,146Land / acre

52.6"Annual rain

13.2% of yrsSevere drought

14.3 / yr (+13.2)Mid-century 100°F days

17.4 daysMid-century dry spell

2.79" (+3.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.3×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,989Home insurance / yr

0.3% / yrInsurance growth

1.18%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

77,830People within 30 min

2,359,892People within 2 hr

225,626Radius comparison (15 mi)

286.5People / sq mi

1.5%Federal land

96.3%Land at 15% slope or less

5.5%Septic soil without severe limits

27,511 acWorkable land screen

65.4%Wooded land

51.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac

65.1°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Montgomery County

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

Montgomery County rules

Permit feesVariable (with conditions)
Flood-prone buildings, structures, or alterations requiring a Montgomery County building permit outside the police jurisdictions of the City of Montgomery and the Town of Pike Road.
- The Flood Plain Administrator or authorized agent determines whether the structure is in a flood-prone area, outside a flood-prone area, or in an undetermined area.
- For flood-prone structures, an elevation certificate and a no-rise certificate from a certified engineer are required.
- The first-floor elevation must be two feet above the base flood elevation.
- The certificate is furnished by the landowner or builder.
- For an undetermined area, the Flood Plain Administrator or authorized agent must physically inspect the site and determine whether it is flood-prone.
- If an undetermined site is determined to be flood-prone, the paragraph 3 sliding-scale fees apply.
- If an undetermined site is determined to be outside a flood-prone area, no further fee is charged.
- For a structure outside a flood-prone area, no further fee is charged after the minimum permit fee.
- The published schedule is effective October 1, 2005.
- The building-permit page states that flood-prone construction must comply with the Montgomery County Floodplain Prevention Ordinance effective December 16, 2025.
structure cost: $0.00-$3,000.00 USD (permit fee $100.00) · structure cost: $3,000.01-$15,000.00 USD ($100.00 for the first $3,000 plus $10.00 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof) · structure cost: $15,000.01-$100,000.00 USD ($150.00 for the first $15,000 plus $2.00 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof) · structure cost: $100,000.01-$500,000.00 USD ($320.00 for the first $100,000 plus $1.00 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof) · structure cost: $500,000.01-$1,000,000.00 USD ($720.00 for the first $500,000 plus 40 cents for each additional thousand or fraction thereof) · structure cost: > $1,000,000.01 and over USD ($920.00 for the first $1,000,000 plus 15 cents for each additional thousand or fraction thereof) · first-floor elevation: 2 feet above base flood elevation
“If the structure to be built or altered is in a flood prone area, an elevation certificate and a no rise certificate by a certified engineer is required. The first floor elevation is to be two (2) feet above the base flood elevation. The certificate will be furnished by the land owner or builder and the permit fees will be as follows: $0.00 to $3,000.00 – $100.00 $3,000.01 to $15,000.00 – $100.00 for the first three thousand plus $10.00 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof. $15,000.01 to $100,000.00 – $150.00 for the first fifteen thousand plus $2.00 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof. $100,000.01 to $500,000.00 – $320.00 for the first one hundred thousand plus $1.00 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof. $500,000.01 to $1,000,000.00 – $720.00 for the first five hundred thousand plus 40 cents for each additional thousand or fraction thereof. $1,000,000.01 and over – $920.00 for the first million plus 15 cents for each additional thousand or fraction thereof.”
Permits & Licenses ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Published (with conditions) — Buildings, structures, or alterations requiring a Montgomery County building permit in the county jurisdiction outside the police jurisdictions of the City of Montgomery and the Town of Pike Road.
  “A building permit for construction of any structure in excess of 200 square feet is required before construction begins within Montgomery County's jurisdiction, located outside the police jurisdictions of the City of Montgomery and the Town of Pike Road. The City of Montgomery's police jurisdiction extends 3 miles out from the city limit line. The Town of Pike Road's police jurisdiction extends 3 miles outside the town limit line. Non-flood prone permits cost $100.00 per structure if construction is begun within six months of issuance.”
  Permits & Licenses ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
- Published (with conditions) — Building permits for structures in Montgomery County jurisdiction outside the police jurisdictions of the City of Montgomery and the Town of Pike Road, when the structure is outside a flood-prone area.
  “A building permit for construction of any structure in excess of 200 square feet is required before construction begins within Montgomery County's jurisdiction, located outside the police jurisdictions of the City of Montgomery and the Town of Pike Road. The City of Montgomery's police jurisdiction extends 3 miles out from the city limit line. The Town of Pike Road's police jurisdiction extends 3 miles outside the town limit line. Non-flood prone permits cost $100.00 per structure if construction is begun within six months of issuance.”
  Permits & Licenses ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
- Variable (with conditions) — Building permits for structures in Montgomery County jurisdiction outside the police jurisdictions of the City of Montgomery and the Town of Pike Road, when the structure is in a flood-prone area.
  “If the structure to be built or altered is in a flood prone area, an elevation certificate and a no rise certificate by a certified engineer is required. The first floor elevation is to be two (2) feet above the base flood elevation. The certificate will be furnished by the land owner or builder and the permit fees will be as follows: $0.00 to $3,000.00 – $100.00 $3,000.01 to $15,000.00 – $100.00 for the first three thousand plus $10.00 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof. $15,000.01 to $100,000.00 – $150.00 for the first fifteen thousand plus $2.00 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof. $100,000.01 to $500,000.00 – $320.00 for the first one hundred thousand plus $1.00 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof. $500,000.01 to $1,000,000.00 – $720.00 for the first five hundred thousand plus 40 cents for each additional thousand or fraction thereof. $1,000,000.01 and over – $920.00 for the first million plus 15 cents for each additional thousand or fraction thereof.”
  Permits & Licenses ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
County-wide zoningPresent
The Montgomery County Planning Commission is authorized to adopt land-use/zoning regulations for the unincorporated area, and the county regulates subdivision development and minimum lot size outside municipalities.
Montgomery County, AL - Property Development (Engineering) ↗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”
Home Builders Licensure Law ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
Owners building or improving one-family or two-family residences in Alabama for their own occupancy or use.
- The owner must act as the owner's own contractor.
- The owner must provide all material supervision personally.
- 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 owners and must not be offered for sale.
- The exemption is nontransferable.
- A homeowner who hires or compensates anyone to supervise the building or improvement is not acting as the owner's own contractor.
- Subcontractors hired by an exempt homeowner must be licensed if the cost of the subcontractor's portion exceeds $10,000.
- Offering the residence for sale within one year after substantial completion is presumptive evidence that construction was undertaken for sale.
subcontractor portion cost threshold: > 10000 USD (subcontractor must be licensed when the threshold is exceeded) · sale-offer period: 1 year after substantial completion (sale or offer for sale is presumptive evidence of construction for sale)
“Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing all material supervision themselves, when building or improving one-family or two-family residences”
Exemptions ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding 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.”
  Exemptions ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
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”
Home Builders Licensure Law and 2025 legislative changes ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
  State Building Code ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- 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.”
  Home Builders Licensure Law, Effective October 1, 2025 ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- 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.”
  Division of Construction Management — State Building Code ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- 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”
  State Building Code ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- 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)”
  Administrative Rules and Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- 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”
  Home Builders Licensure Law ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- 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.”
  Home Builders Licensure Board Law Effective October 1, 2025 ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- 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.”
  Division of Construction Management Building Code Jurisdiction ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- 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”
  Home Builders Licensure Board Law, Effective October 1, 2025 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
About DCM — Jurisdiction and Divisions ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
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”
  Home Builders Licensure Law, effective October 1, 2024 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
§ 34-14A-13 Issuance of permits ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Camping on your landLimited
Camping on state-owned lands under the jurisdiction of the Alabama State Lands Division.
- Camping is prohibited except in designated areas.
- Camping-period limits apply.
- Campfires must be extinguished.
- Warming fires may not be used away from designated campgrounds.
- The listed scheduled fine is $50.
scheduled fine: 50 USD (For violations listed under Alabama Administrative Code rule 220-4-.15(c).)
“220-4-.15(c) Camping except in designated areas, $50 exceeding limit of camping period, failure to extinguish campfires, and using warming fires away from designated campgrounds on state-owned lands under the State Lands Division jurisdiction”
Appendix B. Supreme Court’s Extended Schedule of Fines ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)
Manufactured homes meeting Alabama's statutory definition and connected to required utilities; this establishes state recognition of residential use but does not resolve local land-use or zoning requirements.
- The structure must meet the stated dimensional and permanent-chassis criteria, or be at least 320 square feet when erected on site.
- The home must be connected to required plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems.
- Registration and property-tax treatment depends on ownership, location, and use.
- Manufactured-home registration is due October 1 and becomes delinquent November 30; owners generally have 30 days after purchase or entry into Alabama to register.
minimum width in traveling mode: >= 8 feet · minimum length in traveling mode: >= 40 feet · minimum floor area when erected on site: >= 320 square feet · required utilities: plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems
“It may be used as a place of residence, business, profession, trade, or for any other purpose, by the owner, lessee, or assigns and may consist of one or more units that can be attached or joined together.”
What are the requirements for titling a manufactured home? ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Allowed (with conditions) — Occupancy of a qualifying manufactured home as a residence in Alabama.
  “It may be used as a place of residence, business, profession, trade, or for any other purpose, by the owner, lessee, or assigns and may consist of one or more units that can be attached or joined together. A manufactured home bears a HUD Seal affixed to the rear of the home. (Section 32-20-2)”
  What is a manufactured home? ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
- Allowed (with conditions) — A qualifying Alabama manufactured home used as a place of residence statewide.
  “Manufactured home means a structure, transportable in one or more sections, in the traveling mode, is eight body feet or more in width and 40 body feet or more in length, or, when erected on site, is 320 or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling, with or without a permanent foundation, when connected to the required utilities, including the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems. It may be used as a place of residence, business, profession, trade, or for any other purpose, by the owner, lessee, or assigns and may consist of one or more units that can be attached or joined together. A manufactured home bears a HUD Seal affixed to the rear of the home. (Section 32-20-2)”
  What is a manufactured home? ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Who permits septicMixed
Alabama's statewide onsite sewage program and its administration through local county health departments.
- ADPH coordinates the program and establishes and enforces statewide requirements.
- Local county health departments receive applications, review site and soil information, issue permits, schedule inspections, and issue approvals for use.
“The Soil and Onsite Sewage Branch's main objective is to coordinate the onsite sewage program in the county health departments.”
Soil and Onsite Sewage ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Homeowners and businesses statewide that are not connected to a public sanitary sewer and intend to install a new onsite sewage system or repair an existing one.
- A permit from the local health department must be obtained before installation or repair.
- The application and plans must satisfy applicable state rules.
- Construction may begin only after the Permit to Install is issued.
- A registered professional may be required for soil testing and system design; only registered engineers may design systems where soil percolation exceeds 60 minutes or where a shallow limiting zone exists.
soil percolation threshold for engineer-only design: > 60 minutes (The source also identifies shallow limiting zones as requiring a registered engineer.)
“Alabama State Law requires homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer to obtain a permit from the local health department”
Onsite Sewage Disposal ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Off-grid sanitationAllowed (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.
- The system must comply with ADPH onsite sewage rules.
- A Permit to Install is required before construction.
- Inspection and an Approval for Use are required before occupancy.
- Site and soil suitability, professional design, and local health-department review may be required.
“Septic tank systems are used where municipal sewers are not available or are impractical.”
Septic Tank Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
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”
Coastal Permitting Information ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
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”
Can I Live On This Lot? ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Agricultural buildings under the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board residential home-builder licensing rules.
- The exemption does not include a residence contained in the agricultural building.
- The agricultural building must meet the definition in Ala. Admin. Code r. 465-X-1-.01(3).
“Agricultural buildings, as defined in Ala. Admin. Code r. 465-X-1-.01(3), except for any residence contained therein.”
Alabama Administrative Code, Home Builders Licensure Board Rules and Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
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.”
Handbook for Alabama County Commissioners ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
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.”
ALDOT Permit Manual ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
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”
My house is in a floodplain. What do I do if I want to build an addition or otherwise improve it? ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
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.”
Do I Need Permit Coverage? ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
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.”
Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
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”
  Handbook for Alabama County Commissioners, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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”
Home Builders Licensure Board Law, Effective October 1, 2025 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
  Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Local zoning — Local zoning across Montgomery County, including incorporated and unincorporated areas.
Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in unincorporated Montgomery County.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Montgomery County.
Setbacks — Setback requirements in unincorporated Montgomery County.
Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements in unincorporated Montgomery County.

5 more unanswered

Building height
Living in an RV
Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings
Short-term rentals

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 Montgomery County, Alabama

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

Montgomery County scores 62/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and workable self-sufficiency basics: 52.6″/yr rainfall and 65.4% wooded land. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop and about 77,830 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Montgomery County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Montgomery County Health Department (ADPH Soil and Onsite Sewage program). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Montgomery County, Alabama?

Land in Montgomery County runs about $3,146 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Montgomery County?

Montgomery County gets about 52.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 13.2% of years.

How remote is Montgomery County?

A representative private-land location has about 77,830 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,359,892 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.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who is the Montgomery County building department, and how do you reach it?

Does Montgomery County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Montgomery County?

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

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

What should you check before buying land in Montgomery County?

Watch-outs

Sources

Montgomery County in Alabama

How Montgomery County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Montgomery County

Montgomery County rules

Alabama rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Montgomery County, Alabama

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

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

How much does land cost in Montgomery County, Alabama?

What is the water situation in Montgomery County?

How remote is Montgomery County?

How Montgomery compares in Alabama