Bolthole Index

Washington County, Alabama

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

81Index Score / 100
#6 of 67 in Alabama

Unincorporated Washington County, Alabama does not require a building permit for a home, and the county has no zoning ordinance, so there is no county-set minimum lot size, setback, or building-height rule to clear123. Septic is handled separately: any onsite sewage system needs a Permit to Install from the Washington County Health Department before construction begins4. Alabama's owner-builder exemption lets you act as your own contractor on a home you'll live in, as long as you supervise all the work yourself5.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required in unincorporated Washington County1
Zoning
No countywide zoning ordinance2
Setbacks, lot size, height, lot coverage
None set by the county; Alabama gives Washington County no general zoning power3
RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes
Unrestricted by any county zoning rule, since the county has no zoning authority3
Septic permits
Washington County Health Department (Environmental Office)4
Owner-builder exemption
Yes, if you act as your own contractor and supervise the work5
Manufactured home occupancy
Allowed statewide if it meets Alabama's size and HUD-seal requirements6

Who to call

Septic permits

Washington County Health Department - Environmental Office

Septic tank (onsite sewage system) permits and complaints for Washington County

251-847-2245

14900 St. Stephens Avenue, Chatom, Alabama 36518

Also useful

Washington County Commission

General county government contact; there is no separate county building, planning or zoning department to call

(251) 847-2208

45 Court Street, Chatom, AL 36518

Roads & driveways

Washington County Road and Bridge Department

General maintenance of county roadways and drainage; county driveway/culvert access questions for roads not maintained by ALDOT

(251) 847-2668

45 Court Street, Chatom, AL 36518

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 24, 2026.

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

No. Washington County's list of official departments includes no building or permitting department, and no county building-permit requirement was found for unincorporated areas1. Alabama law lets a county commission adopt a building code by ordinance for unincorporated areas, but Washington County has not been confirmed to have done so7. If you act as your own contractor and personally supervise all the work on a one- or two-family home you'll occupy, Alabama's owner-builder exemption applies, though any subcontractor you hire must be licensed once their portion of the job exceeds $10,00058. Note that this exemption only waives contractor licensure, not any building permit, inspection, or certificate-of-occupancy rule that might separately apply. Farm buildings are separately exempt from Alabama's residential-contractor licensing requirement, though a residence inside a farm building is not9.

Who do you call with building or zoning questions in Washington County?

There's no dedicated building or zoning office to call: Washington County's official department list runs from the Circuit Court Clerk and County Commission through the Sheriff's Office and Solid Waste Authority, with no building, planning, or zoning department among them1012. For a general county question, call the Commission Office at (251) 847-2208, 45 Court Street in Chatom10. For a county road or driveway question, the Road and Bridge Department handles general maintenance of county roadways and drainage11. Septic is the one construction-related permit Washington County does issue, through the Health Department rather than the Commission12.

Does Washington County have zoning?

No. Washington County has no zoning department and no confirmed zoning ordinance2. Alabama counties don't have broad, general land-use authority under state law the way municipalities do; only a handful of counties (Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson, by local law) have created their own planning and zoning authority, and Washington County is not among them13. Because the county has no zoning power over unincorporated land, there's no county-set minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit, or building-height rule, and no zoning-based restriction on RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes, accessory dwellings, or temporary camping on your own unincorporated land3. This is specific to unincorporated Washington County; if your parcel is inside Chatom or one of the county's other towns, check that town's own rules separately.

How do septic permits work in Washington County?

Septic systems in Washington County go through the county Health Department's Environmental Office, part of the statewide Alabama Department of Public Health onsite sewage program4. Anyone not connected to a public sanitary sewer must get a Permit to Install from the local health department before installing a new system or repairing an existing one, and construction can't start until that permit is issued14. Only about 8.6% of Washington County's soils have no severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so expect a real chance you'll need an engineered system: Alabama requires a registered engineer to design any system where soil percolation is slower than 60 minutes or a shallow limiting zone is present1516. Call the Health Department at 251-847-2245 and ask for the Environmental Office to start the process12.

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

Yes, as far as county zoning is concerned: because Washington County has no zoning authority over unincorporated land, there's no county zoning rule restricting RV, tiny-home, or manufactured-home occupancy on your own unincorporated parcel3. A manufactured home is separately recognized statewide as a residence in Alabama as long as it meets the state's size definition (at least 8 feet wide and 40 feet long in traveling mode, or 320 square feet once erected) and carries a HUD Seal6. Keep in mind this covers zoning only: if you ever add plumbing or an onsite sewage system for an RV, tiny home, or manufactured home, that system still needs its own septic permit from the Health Department4.

Building on land in Washington County: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm your parcel is in unincorporated Washington County rather than inside Chatom or another town, since town rules are separate from the county's2.
  2. Decide whether you'll act as your own contractor under Alabama's owner-builder exemption or hire a licensed contractor5.
  3. Contact the Washington County Health Department's Environmental Office at 251-847-2245 to apply for a Permit to Install before you start any septic work1214.
  4. If soil testing shows slow percolation or a shallow limiting zone, plan for a registered engineer to design your system16.
  5. If your driveway will connect to a state highway, submit ALDOT Permit Form BM-111 to the District Administrator before building it; you pay the turnout costs17.
  6. If you'll disturb one acre or more of land, budget for ADEM's $1,385 construction stormwater permit application fee18.
  7. Call the County Commission Office at (251) 847-2208 with any remaining local question, since Washington County has no separate building or zoning office10.

What to check before you buy land in Washington County

Test the soil before you count on a standard septic system: only about 8.6% of the county's soils carry no severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so a percolation test matters here15. The land itself is gentler than that soil number suggests, with about 95.2% at 15% slope or less and 88.3% wooded, so finding a buildable site is usually not the hard part1920. Washington County has no zoning, so confirm any deed restrictions or easements yourself, since the county won't have a zoning file on the parcel2. If any part of the property sits in a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area, a floodplain development permit applies wherever the local community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program21. Property tax runs low here, with an effective rate near 0.2% and a median annual bill around $3572223.

Watch-outs

  • No county building, planning, or zoning department was found for Washington County; if your project is unusual, confirm with the County Commission Office rather than assuming no rule applies101.
  • The county's Wikidata-listed official website, washingtoncountyal.com, returns a bot-blocking error on a plain fetch; this guide instead verified contacts on wcalabama.com, the county's other official site10.
  • Washington County's zoning-free status applies to unincorporated land only; confirm separately with Chatom or another town if your parcel is inside town limits3.

Sources

  1. Washington County, Alabama - Departments (2026 county census)
  2. Washington County, Alabama - Departments (2026 county census)
  3. Alabama law on county zoning and building authority
  4. Soil and Onsite Sewage (2026 county census)
  5. EXEMPTIONS – Home Builders Licensure Board (2026 county census)
  6. What is a manufactured home? (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. EXEMPTIONS – Home Builders Licensure Board, quoted and re-checked
  9. Exemptions — Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board, quoted and re-checked
  10. Washington County Commission (wcalabama.com)
  11. Washington County Road and Bridge Department (wcalabama.com)
  12. Washington County Health Department - Environmental Office (alabamapublichealth.gov)
  13. Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Can I Live On This Lot?, quoted and re-checked
  15. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  16. Onsite Sewage Disposal (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. ALDOT Permit Manual (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Do I Need Permit Coverage? (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  20. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  21. My house is in a floodplain. What do I do if I want to build an addition or otherwise improve it? (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 24, 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

Washington County in Alabama

81
County map
Washington County highlighted among the Alabama counties · colored by Index score

How Washington County scores

Seclusion83100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency70100% ev.
Admin Boringness86100% ev.
Durability55100% 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 →

$178kTypical home
0.2%Property tax
$2,714Land / acre
61.8"Annual rain
6.5% of yrsSevere drought
14.2 / yr (+12.7)Mid-century 100°F days
15.9 daysMid-century dry spell
2.93" (+4.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.36×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,095Home insurance / yr
-0.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.67%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
6,949People within 30 min
979,209People within 2 hr
11,974Radius comparison (15 mi)
13.9People / sq mi
0%Federal land
95.2%Land at 15% slope or less
8.6%Septic soil without severe limits
58,803 acWorkable land screen
88.3%Wooded land
45.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
65.9°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Washington County

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

Washington County rules

  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

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

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule

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

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Minimum lot size · by state lawNo county rule

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

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule

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

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule

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

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Building height · by state lawNo county rule

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

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule

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

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule

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

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule

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

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule

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

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule

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

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Septic-tank inquiries and local environmental-office administration in Washington County, Alabama.

    • The Alabama Department of Public Health coordinates the onsite sewage program in county health departments.
    • The Washington County Health Department directs septic-tank requests to its Environmental Office.
    “If you have requests about septic tanks [...] please call our office and ask for the Environmental Office.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    No planning or zoning department is listed among the county's official departments, indicating no countywide zoning in unincorporated areas.

    Washington County, Alabama - Departments ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Alabama rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Residential construction undertakings in Alabama for which the Home Builders Licensure Law requires a residential home builders license and a local incorporated municipality, municipal subdivision, or county authority issues the building or similar permit.

    • The issuing building official must refuse the permit unless the applicant provides evidence of the required license or an exemption.
    • The cited provision addresses undertakings requiring a license; it does not establish that every residential project statewide requires a building permit.
    • Local building-permit rules and local building codes remain applicable.
    “to refuse to issue a permit for any undertaking which would require a license hereunder unless the applicant has furnished evidence”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Alabama Home Builders Licensure Law exemption for an owner acting as the owner's own contractor when building or improving a one-family or two-family residence for the owner's occupancy or use.

    • The owner must act as their own contractor.
    • The owner must provide all material supervision themselves.
    • The project must be a one-family or two-family residence.
    • The residence must be for the occupancy or use of the owner or owners.
    • The residence must not be offered for sale.
    • The exemption is nontransferable.
    • Offering the residence for sale within one year after substantial completion is presumptive evidence that construction was undertaken for sale.
    • An owner who hires or compensates anyone to supervise the work is not acting as their own contractor.
    • Subcontractors hired by an exempt homeowner must be licensed if the cost of their portion exceeds $10,000.
    • This is a residential-home-builder licensing exemption and does not establish exemption from county building permits, inspections, or certificates of occupancy.

    subcontractor portion cost threshold: > 10000 USD (Subcontractors hired by homeowners claiming the homeowner exemption must be licensed above this amount.) · sale timing evidentiary period: 1 year after substantial completion (Sale or offering for sale within this period 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 on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale. This exemption is a nontransferable privilege.”
    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”
    10 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — State Building Code jurisdiction in Alabama, including qualifying state-funded, state-owned, school, hotel/motel, movie-theater, and qualifying municipal or county-owned projects in Washington County.
      “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.”
    • 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 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction of an onsite sewage disposal system, and repairs to an existing onsite system, for homeowners or businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer, including Washington County.
      “to obtain a permit from the local health department, prior to installing a new system or making repairs to an existing onsite system.”
  • 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.”
  • Well permitLimited

    New groundwater wells and alterations to existing groundwater wells extracting at least 50 gallons per minute when the well is in Alabama's coastal area or its 50-year capture zone extends into the coastal area.

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

    groundwater extraction rate: >= 50 gallons per minute (Applies when the well surface location is in the coastal area or the 50-year capture zone extends into the coastal area.)

    “The installation of a new well, or alteration of an existing well, for the purposes of extracting groundwater”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Residential or mobile/modular-home development statewide where wastewater service is being planned.

    • The property should be checked with the city sewer authority or local health department for availability of city sewage disposal.
    • If public sanitary sewer is unavailable or the property is not connected to it, an onsite sewage system may be used only under the applicable ADPH permit and approval requirements.
    • The source does not establish a statewide mandatory connection-to-sewer rule.
    “If it is not, you will be required to have the soil tested to see if the soil is suitable”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Construction or improvement of agricultural buildings under Alabama's residential home-builders licensing law

    • The exemption is from the residential home builders license requirement.
    • The exemption does not cover a residence contained in the agricultural building.
    “(7) Agricultural buildings, except for any residence contained therein.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”
  • 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)

    Onsite sewage disposal system construction in Washington County, including properties not served by a public sewer.

    • The application and plans must be complete and meet all applicable rules.
    • A Permit to Install must be issued before construction of the onsite sewage system may begin.
    • The application must be submitted to the local county health department.
    • The installer must be licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board.
    • The page is statewide Alabama guidance and does not establish a separate Washington County construction-permit process.
    “Before the construction of an onsite sewage disposal system, you must submit an Application for a Permit to Install [...] to your local county health department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Alabama construction sites requiring ADEM Construction Stormwater permit coverage.
      “You will receive a permitting determination via email generally within 2 –3 days.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    RV park use in Washington County, including RV occupancy insofar as Alabama's onsite-sewage rules regulate the park and its sewage facilities.

    • The rule is expressly for regulating sewage disposal.
    • The RVs must be mobile.
    • The lots and all appurtenances and utilities, including the onsite sewage system, must be owned and operated by a responsible person.
    • The responsible person must provide sewage treatment and disposal or a sanitary station for off-site disposal.
    • There must be one sanitary station for wastewater disposal for every 50 vehicles the park is designed to accommodate.
    • The sanitary station or onsite sewage system location and design must be permitted by the local health department.
    • The designer must account for chemicals used in RV holding tanks when disposal is through a permitted onsite sewage system.
    • Sanitary dump-station design must include a sanitary method of transfer from the RV to the station.
    • The park may not accept more RVs than it was designed to accommodate at one time.
    • Sanitary stations may receive sewage only.
    • Except for the onboard sewage-storage tank built into the RV, no other sewage disposal or storage is allowed unless approved by the local health department.
    • If lots are sold under different conditions, the development must meet the applicable Small-Flow or Large-Flow Development requirements, including Table 1 flow requirements and, if applicable, Rule 420-3-1-.16.

    sanitary stations: per 1 station per 50 vehicles (For the number of vehicles the park is designed to accommodate.) · maximum RVs: <= park design capacity (The park shall not take in more RVs than it was designed to accommodate at any one time.)

    “For purposes of regulating sewage disposal, a site may be designated a Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park by the LHD if it meets the following conditions: (a) The RVs shall be mobile, (b) The lots and all appurtenances and utilities, including the OSS, shall be owned and operated by a responsible person as defined by these rules.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Mobile tiny houses used as recreational vehicles or in RV parks in Washington County, insofar as Alabama's onsite-sewage rules regulate them.
      “Recreational Vehicle (RV) -- a vehicle, that is self-propelled or towed which may have self-contained fixtures and facilities for collecting sewage. This term includes recreational trailers, mobile tiny houses, and campers, but excludes manufactured or mobile homes.”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

    Alabama county authority to adopt zoning for unincorporated land.

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

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Local zoning — Local zoning within Washington County, including incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas; this aggregate conclusion cannot be established from the official sources located.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Washington 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 Washington County, Alabama

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

Washington County scores 81/100 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 Washington County, Alabama?

Washington 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 Washington County Health Department (under 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 Washington County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Washington County is allowed: Unincorporated Washington County: no county rule sets this, because Alabama law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Washington County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing wcalabama.com. Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits. Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Washington County, Alabama?

Land in Washington County runs about $2,714 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Washington County?

Washington County gets about 61.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 6.5% of years.

How remote is Washington County?

A representative private-land location has about 6,949 people within a 30-minute drive and 979,209 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 Washington County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Washington compares in Alabama

Compare side-by-side →See all 67 Alabama counties ranked →