Building permits, zoning and land rules in Bibb County, Alabama
76Index Score / 100 #22 of 67 in Alabama
Unincorporated Bibb County, Alabama is reported not to require a county building permit, but no current county building-permit rule or inspection program could be confirmed; ask the County Commission before work begins12. Centreville issues city building permits and applies city zoning, while Vance applies city zoning within its Bibb County portion345. Septic permits throughout Bibb County remain with the Bibb County Health Department6.
At a glance
Building permit
Reported as not required in unincorporated Bibb County; ask the County Commission to confirm the building-permit rule for the project1
County zoning
No county zoning controls in unincorporated Bibb County; municipal and floodplain rules remain separate7
City building permits
Centreville requires building permits for residential and commercial construction; septic permits stay with the county Health Department36
Septic permits
Required before installing or repairing an onsite sewage system; apply through the Bibb County Health Department89
RV or tiny-home living
County zoning does not restrict it in unincorporated areas, but an occupied dwelling needs approved sewage disposal710
Owner-builder
A qualifying owner may personally supervise a home built for the owner's use, but the exemption covers state licensing rather than local building permits11
Septic soils
Only 5.7% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field12
County government contact for confirming whether an unincorporated parcel or project has a county permit, inspection, floodplain, or subdivision requirement
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Do you need a building permit in Bibb County, Alabama?
Unincorporated Bibb County is reported not to require a county building permit, but we could not confirm a current county building-permit ordinance, fee schedule or inspection procedure for every project type1. Alabama counties may adopt residential building laws for unincorporated areas, and the state building code covers limited categories rather than ordinary residential property1314. Call the Bibb County Commission Office at 205-926-3114 before construction and describe the parcel, use and structure2. If an authority issues a building permit for work covered by Alabama's Home Builders Licensure Law, the applicant must show that the builder is licensed or exempt15. Centreville separately requires city building permits for residential and commercial construction, including major renovations, remodeling, additions and swimming pools3. Septic permits for properties throughout Bibb County remain with the Bibb County Health Department6.
Who is the Bibb County building department, and how do you reach it?
Bibb County does not list a dedicated building department, inspector or building-permit office1. The practical first call for an unincorporated parcel is the Bibb County Commission Office, 157 S.W. Davidson Drive, Centreville, AL 35042, at 205-926-31142. Ask the Commission to confirm building permits, building inspections, certificates of occupancy, floodplain review and subdivision review for the exact parcel because we could not confirm those county procedures. For a parcel inside Centreville, contact the city: Centreville requires city building permits for residential and commercial construction and directs applicants to its City Clerk3. The state Division of Construction Management does not regulate ordinary residential property; its code jurisdiction is limited to specified public, school, lodging and theater work14. Municipal building-permit authority does not move septic permitting: the Bibb County Health Department handles onsite sewage applications and septic permits throughout the county6.
Does Bibb County have zoning?
Unincorporated Bibb County has no county zoning rule setting minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height7. County zoning therefore does not restrict accessory dwellings, RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy or temporary camping on unincorporated land7. Septic approval, floodplain controls, access requirements, easements and private deed restrictions can still shape a build. Municipal boundaries matter: Centreville has its own zoning ordinance, and Vance applies its zoning ordinance within the city's Bibb County portion45. Vance restricts mobile homes outside mobile-home parks to its A-1 Agricultural District5. We could not confirm zoning in Brent, West Blocton or Woodstock, so ask the applicable town about zoning approval for land inside its limits. For floodplain improvements, a development permit will likely be needed, and work worth at least 50% of the existing structure's market value is treated as a substantial improvement subject to current elevation compliance16.
How do septic permits work in Bibb County?
The Bibb County Health Department handles onsite sewage applications and permits6. When public sewer is unavailable, have the site evaluated, submit the appropriate application, and obtain a Permit to Install before septic construction begins; soil testing, professional evaluation, or an engineered design may be required for the site17. The Health Department must be allowed to inspect before the installation is covered or used, and the system cannot be used until it issues Approval for Use18. Call its Environmental Office at 205-926-9702 or visit 281 Alexander Avenue, Centreville, Alabama 3504219. Site feasibility deserves early attention because only 5.7% of Bibb County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field12. An approved onsite system is the workable off-grid sanitation path where sewer service is unavailable or impractical20.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Bibb County?
County zoning does not restrict RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy or temporary camping on unincorporated Bibb County land7. Sanitation remains the hard limit: a building cannot be occupied as a dwelling without an approved sewage-disposal system17. Composting and incinerating toilets handle only the waste for which they are designed, while other sewage still needs an appropriate onsite system; permanent holding-tank use for a dwelling is prohibited10. Alabama treats a park model as temporary living quarters rather than a permanent dwelling21. A qualifying manufactured home may be a residence when it meets the state definition, bears a HUD seal, connects to required utilities and is installed by a certified installer22. Centreville's city building-permit and zoning rules apply inside Centreville, while Vance applies city zoning and limits mobile homes outside parks to its A-1 Agricultural District435. The Bibb County Health Department still handles septic permits6.
Building a home in Bibb County: the steps, in order
Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside a municipality; Centreville has city building permits and zoning, while Vance has city zoning435.
For unincorporated land, call the Bibb County Commission to confirm building permits, inspections, floodplain review and subdivision requirements2.
Arrange the septic site and soil evaluation, submit the correct application, and obtain the Health Department's Permit to Install before work starts17.
If claiming the owner-builder exemption, act as your own contractor, personally provide all material supervision, and build the home for your own use rather than for sale; this state licensing exemption does not waive local building-permit, inspection or occupancy rules11.
Obtain an ALDOT access permit if the driveway connects to a state highway23.
Give the Health Department its inspection opportunity and obtain Approval for Use before using the onsite system18.
What should you check before buying land in Bibb County?
Start with septic feasibility: only 5.7% of Bibb County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field12. Check municipal boundaries because Centreville has city building permits and zoning, while Vance has city zoning in its Bibb County portion435. We could not confirm zoning in Brent, West Blocton or Woodstock, so ask the town before relying on the unincorporated-county answer. Verify legal access and whether a driveway would enter a state highway, which requires an ALDOT access permit23. Ask the Commission about mapped flood hazards; floodplain improvements worth at least 50% of the existing structure's market value must bring the whole structure into compliance with the current map elevations16. We could not confirm the permit rule for an ordinary private household well; the cited ADEM permit applies only to qualifying high-capacity wells with a coastal connection24.
Watch-outs
Bibb County does not publish a definitive unincorporated building-permit, inspection or certificate-of-occupancy rule; call the County Commission before buying materials or starting work12.
Centreville requires city building permits and applies city zoning; Vance also applies city zoning within its Bibb County portion, while septic permits stay with the Bibb County Health Department34256.
Agricultural buildings are exempt from state home-builder licensure, except for a residence contained in the agricultural building26.
Normal agricultural activity has a state construction-stormwater exemption, but septic, floodplain and other applicable rules remain separate27.
A septic system cannot be used until the local health department issues Approval for Use18.
Written October 7, 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.
Bibb County highlighted among the Alabama counties · colored by Index score
How Bibb County scores
Seclusion62100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency65100% ev.
Admin Boringness86100% ev.
Durability62100% 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 →
$220kTypical home
0.2%Property tax
$2,611Land / acre
55.5"Annual rain
6% of yrsSevere drought
14.5 / yr (+12.8)Mid-century 100°F days
15.9 daysMid-century dry spell
2.59" (+5.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.36×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,782Home insurance / yr
0.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.65%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
1,419,219People within 2 hr
39,490Radius comparison (15 mi)
35.1People / sq mi
16.4%Federal land
64.7%Land at 15% slope or less
5.7%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Bibb County
Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.
Brent · Centreville · Town of West Blocton
Answers from the rulebook for Bibb County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Bibb County rules
Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Bibb County: no county rule sets this, because Bibb County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bibbal.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 Bibb County: no county rule sets this, because Bibb County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bibbal.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 Bibb County: no county rule sets this, because Bibb County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bibbal.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 Bibb County: no county rule sets this, because Bibb County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bibbal.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 Bibb County: no county rule sets this, because Bibb County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bibbal.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 Bibb County: no county rule sets this, because Bibb County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bibbal.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 Bibb County: no county rule sets this, because Bibb County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bibbal.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 Bibb County: no county rule sets this, because Bibb County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bibbal.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 Bibb County: no county rule sets this, because Bibb County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bibbal.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 Bibb County: no county rule sets this, because Bibb County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bibbal.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 Bibb County: no county rule sets this, because Bibb County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bibbal.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 septicMixed
Onsite sewage and septic-system administration in Bibb County.
The Bibb County Health Department provides onsite sewage and septic-related applications and permits.
ADPH establishes and enforces statewide requirements for onsite sewage design, permitting, installation, approval, and use.
“The Bibb County Health Department provides many services to the public. [...] Onsite Sewage - Applications and Permits”
Septic inspectionRequired
Installation or repair of an onsite sewage system in Bibb County before covering, use, or occupancy.
The Local Health Department must be afforded an opportunity to inspect before any part of the installation is covered or used, except as allowed by the rule.
Necessary corrections must be made before use.
The system cannot be used until the Local Health Department issues an Approval for Use.
The installer must agree on an inspection time and date with the Local Health Department public-health environmentalist and verify readiness by 9 a.m. on the inspection date.
The installer must submit ADPH Form CEP-5 within 3 business days after installation; an engineer-designed system also requires engineer certification on ADPH Form CEP-6 before Approval for Use.
The Local Health Department may allow coverage when resource constraints, weather, or unforeseen circumstances prevent inspection within 30 minutes after the agreed inspection time.
“An OSS/EDS shall not be used until an Approval for Use has been issued by the LHD.”
Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)
Off-grid sanitation through an onsite sewage system on property in Bibb County without available or practical municipal sewer service.
An onsite sewage system must be permitted before installation or repair.
The Local Health Department must inspect or be afforded an opportunity to inspect before covering or use, and must issue an Approval for Use before the system is used.
The septic system must satisfy applicable state onsite-sewage rules and permit conditions.
“Septic tank systems are used where municipal sewers are not available or are impractical.”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Onsite sewage disposal permit applications handled through the Bibb County Health Department.
The official Bibb County Health Department page identifies onsite sewage applications and permits as an environmental service.
The state forms page publishes separate applications for small-flow systems, large-flow developments, installation or repair, and performance or operations permits.
small-flow threshold: < 1800 GPD (The form also covers systems of twelve bedrooms or less.) · small-flow bedroom threshold: <= 12 bedrooms · large-flow threshold: >= 1800 GPD (The large-flow form also applies to developments with thirteen bedrooms or more.)
“Application for a Permit to Install (Repair) Small Flow Onsite Sewage Disposal System of Total Flow Less than 1800 GPD or Twelve Bedrooms or Less”
County-wide zoningAbsent
The county's official departments listing includes no planning commission or zoning department, indicating no county-wide zoning in unincorporated Bibb County.
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”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Issuance of a building or similar permit in Alabama for a residential undertaking that requires a license under the Home Builders Licensure Law, including projects in Bibb County.
“It is the duty of the building official, or other authority charged with the duty, of issuing building or similar permits, of any incorporated municipality or subdivision of the municipality or county, to refuse to issue a permit for any undertaking which would require a license hereunder unless the applicant has furnished evidence that he or she is either licensed as required by this chapter or is exempt from the requirements of this chapter.”
The Alabama Home Builders Licensure Law exemption for an owner acting as the owner's own contractor in connection with one-family or two-family residential construction or improvement, including in Bibb County; this is a state home-builder-license exemption and does not establish that a local building permit is unnecessary.
The owner must act as the owner's own contractor.
The owner must provide all material supervision personally.
The project must build or improve a one-family or two-family residence on the owner's property.
The residence must be for the occupancy or use of the owner and not offered for sale.
The exemption is nontransferable, including to an agent through a power of attorney.
Sale or offering for sale within one year after completion is presumptive evidence that the construction was undertaken for sale.
Homeowners who hire or compensate anyone to supervise the work are not acting as their own contractor.
Subcontractors hired by an exempt homeowner must be licensed if the cost of the subcontracted undertaking exceeds $10,000.
The exemption concerns the state residential home-builders licensing law; local building-law, permit, inspection, and occupancy requirements remain unresolved for unincorporated Bibb County.
subcontractor undertaking cost threshold: > 10000 USD (Subcontractors hired by homeowners claiming the homeowner exemption must be licensed above this threshold.) · sale or offering for sale timing: <= 1 year after completion (Creates presumptive evidence that construction was undertaken for sale.)
“The Home Builders Licensure Law provides an exemption for homeowners who build or improve their own residence for their own occupancy or use.”
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
Available (with conditions) — An owner acting as the owner-builder for construction or improvement of the owner's one-family or two-family residence in Bibb County or elsewhere in Alabama.
“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.”
Available (with conditions) — An owner acting as the owner’s own residential home builder, including residential roofer, for a one-family or two-family residence on the owner’s property in Alabama.
“The licensing requirements of the Act shall not apply to:”
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
Alabama's State Building Code for state-owned or state-funded work, public and private K-12 schools, public postsecondary schools, hotels and motels, movie theaters, and specified municipal and county-owned projects; residential construction is governed through the Alabama Residential Building Code framework and applicable local residential codes.
The State Building Code is limited to new construction, additions, renovations, mechanical, electrical, plumbing-system modifications, sitework, and generally work on state-owned property or using state funds; public and private K-12 schools; public postsecondary schools; hotels and motels; and movie theaters.
DCM's jurisdiction over municipal and county-owned projects is limited to projects meeting ADA Standards.
DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except hotels, motels, and movie theaters.
The 2021 International Building Code was adopted July 1, 2022 and amended March 17, 2025 with portions of the 2024 International Building Code and Companion codes.
The 2021 International Building Code amendments replace Chapter 2 flammable-gas definitions and specified sections including Table 307.1(1), 307.4, 307.5, 414.2.5, and Table 414.5.1, and add Section 414.2.5.4 and Table 414.2.5.4 from the 2024 International Building Code.
The 2021 International Mechanical Code amendments replace, add, and remove the sections and referenced standards listed on the official State Building Code page, including ASHRAE 15-2022, ASHRAE 34-2022, ASTM A333-18, UL/CSA 60335-2-40-2022, and UL/CSA 60335-2-89-2021.
The 2021 International Fire Code amendments replace, add, and renumber the sections and tables listed on the official State Building Code page, including provisions from the 2024 International Fire Code.
The Alabama Residential Building Code is to be adopted by the Home Builders Licensure Board and applies to construction and improvements governed by the Home Builders Licensure Law.
The Alabama Residential Building Code is enforced by local jurisdictions with permitting and inspection programs and does not supersede a local residential building code adopted by a county or municipality in effect on January 1, 2027.
Beginning January 1, 2027, residential home builders must construct, renovate, or repair residences or structures in accordance with the applicable state or local residential building code.
The Alabama Residential Building Code does not apply to an agricultural building except for a residence contained therein.
International Building Code edition: 2021 (Amended with portions of the 2024 International Building Code and Companion codes) · International Building Code adoption date: 2022-07-01 · International Building Code amendment date: 2025-03-17 · residential-code applicability date: 2027-01-01 (Beginning on this date, residential home builders must use the applicable state or local residential building code)
“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.”
11 more reviewed findings on this topic
Partial — Building work in Alabama within the State Building Code jurisdiction, including state-owned or state-funded work, K-12 schools, postsecondary schools, hotels, motels, and movie theaters; ordinary residential and commercial property is generally outside the Division of Construction Management jurisdiction except hotels/motels and movie theaters.
“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.”
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 — Residential construction and improvements governed by Alabama's Home Builders Licensure Law, including construction in local jurisdictions without an already adopted residential building code.
“Beginning January 1, 2027, a residential home builder within this state who constructs, renovates, or repairs a residence or structure shall do so”
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
Installation or repair of an onsite sewage system or component in Bibb County, including systems serving dwellings or establishments that are not connected to a public sewer.
The responsible person must obtain a valid Permit to Install (Repair) from the local health department before installation or repair begins.
When an engineered OSS is required, installation or construction may not begin without installer consultation with the design engineer.
ADPH may revoke the permit for changes in lot conditions, installation inconsistent with the permit, or other factors affecting approval, including misrepresentation, materially false or inaccurate information, statutory changes, eminent domain, natural changes, man-made alterations, or water impoundments.
The local health department must be notified of a system modification or repair under Rule 420-3-1-.32.
A wastewater management entity required to obtain an Alabama Public Service Commission Certificate of Economic Viability must have that certificate before ADPH or the local health department issues permits.
A permit for disposal of processed septage may be issued only with a variance under Rule 420-3-1-.70.
Performance permits are required for a Large-Flow OSS and for other systems when ADPH, in consultation with the local health department, determines that Approval for Use alone is inadequate to protect public health or the environment.
The Bibb County Health Department lists onsite sewage, septic tank, grease trap, holding tank, and sewage tank pumper applications and permits among its environmental services.
“No person shall begin the installation or repair of an OSS/EDS, or component thereof, until the responsible person has been issued a valid Permit to Install (Repair) an Onsite Sewage System (OSS) by the LHD.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Homeowners and businesses statewide that are not connected to a public sanitary sewer and intend to install a new onsite sewage system or repair an existing one.
“Alabama State Law requires homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer to obtain a permit from the local health department”
Well permitLimited
Groundwater wells in Alabama, including wells potentially located in Bibb County.
An ADEM permit is required for installation of a new well or alteration of an existing well extracting groundwater at 50 gallons per minute or greater when the well surface location is in the coastal area.
The same permit requirement applies when a well surface location is outside the coastal area but its 50-year capture zone extends into the coastal area.
The source does not establish a Bibb County-specific well-permit rule for lower-capacity private wells.
well capacity threshold: >= 50 gallons per minute (Applies to the coastal-area or coastal-capture-zone conditions stated by ADEM.)
“The installation of a new well, or alteration of an existing well [...] requires a permit from the Department.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — New groundwater wells and alterations to existing groundwater wells extracting at least 50 gallons per minute when the well is in Alabama's coastal area or its 50-year capture zone extends into the coastal area.
“The installation of a new well, or alteration of an existing well, for the purposes of extracting groundwater”
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
Normal agricultural land-disturbance activity in Bibb County, Alabama, under Alabama's construction stormwater permit-coverage program.
The exemption concerns ADEM construction stormwater permit coverage and does not establish an exemption from subdivision approval, septic requirements, floodplain requirements, or other applicable rules.
Permit coverage is required for a site disturbing one or more acres; a site disturbing less than one acre that is part of a common plan of development or sale ultimately disturbing one or more acres; or a site of any size whose discharges have a reasonable potential to cause or contribute to a water-quality concern.
For Lake Martin special-designation areas, permit coverage is required if the activity is not otherwise exempt, even when less than one acre is disturbed; Bibb County is not identified as a Lake Martin special-designation area on the cited page.
The ADEM page states that the most recent construction general permit was issued April 1, 2026.
minimum disturbed area generally requiring permit coverage: >= 1 acre (Less-than-one-acre sites may require coverage when part of a larger common plan of development or sale.) · application fee when permit coverage is required: 1385 USD (The cited page states an application fee of $1,385.00 upon submission.)
“Permit coverage is not required for the following: Animal feeding operation (AFO) or concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) construction activity has been granted NPDES registration coverage; Normal agricultural; and Silvicultural activities.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Available (with conditions) — Agricultural buildings under Alabama's residential home-builder licensure law, including work in Bibb County
“(7) Agricultural buildings, except for any residence contained therein.”
Available (with conditions) — Agricultural buildings under the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board residential home-builder licensing rules.
“Agricultural buildings, as defined in Ala. Admin. Code r. 465-X-1-.01(3), except for any residence contained therein.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision development in Alabama, including county authority in unincorporated areas and applicable municipal-planning-commission territorial jurisdictions.
Alabama does not require every county commission to adopt subdivision regulations.
A county may regulate subdivision development under Ala. Code § 11-24-1 et seq. if it adopts regulations and complies with statutory procedures and enforcement requirements.
For municipal planning commission extraterritorial areas, a county that has adopted subdivision regulations is responsible unless the statutory agreement or municipal override exceptions apply.
The cited handbook describes infrastructure controls for new development in unincorporated county areas but does not establish statewide minimum lot dimensions.
“While there is no requirement in Alabama that the county commission adopt regulations regarding subdivision development, Ala. Code § 11-24-1 et seq. provides strong statutory authority for each county to regulate subdivision development within its territorial jurisdiction.”
Driveway accessLimited
Driveways, turnouts, and other access points from private property to state highways in Bibb County.
A permit is required for access to a state highway.
The completed BM-111 application must be submitted to the District Administrator.
Turnouts are regulated for entrance width, radii, placement, angle of entry, vertical alignment, drainage, and number of entrances.
For major developments, regulation is based on the overall development area; out parcels should be served internally where appropriate.
All turnout costs are paid by the applicant.
side drain pipe minimum diameter: >= 15 inches (A Region may require an 18-inch side drain pipe.)
“Individuals or businesses which require access to State highways must apply for a permit by submitting a completed BM-111 application to the District Administrator.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Constructing a driveway, turnout, or other access from private, publicly owned, or commercial property to an Alabama state highway.
“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 floodplainLimited
Additions or other improvements to structures in floodplains in Bibb County, subject to applicable local requirements.
Improvements valued at less than 50% of the existing structure's market value must meet or exceed the standards used in constructing the existing structure, assuming the existing structure was compliant when constructed.
Improvements valued at 50% or more are substantial improvements and the entire structure must be brought into compliance with the elevations on the map in effect when the improvement begins.
Under certain circumstances only the addition must be elevated.
More stringent local requirements may take precedence.
ADECA states that a development permit will likely be needed and the local building official should be contacted.
substantial improvement threshold: >= 50 percent of existing structure market value
“Additions or other improvements valued at 50% or more of the market value of the existing structure are considered substantial improvements.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area within an Alabama community participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.
“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.”
county zoning authorityLimited
County zoning and land-use authority over unincorporated Alabama land under general state law and identified special statutory circumstances.
General Alabama law does not grant counties broad and general land-use regulatory authority.
Several counties have planning and zoning authority created by local law, including examples identified in the official handbook: Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson County.
Special statutory authority includes subdivision regulation under Ala. Code § 11-24-1 et seq.; flood-prone-area land-use regulation under Ala. Code § 11-19-1 et seq.; and airport zoning under Ala. Code § 4-6-1 et seq.
Flood-prone-area authority concerns areas outside municipal corporate limits and covers areas with a frequency of inundation of once in 100 years; permitted controls include zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, building codes, health regulations, and related police-power measures.
Airport zoning concerns airport hazards and is generally available in the county's unincorporated area, except within a municipality's police jurisdiction and within two miles of a municipality-owned or operated airport when the municipality exercises or declares its intention to exercise zoning control, unless local law provides otherwise.
The claim does not establish that every Alabama county has a general countywide zoning ordinance.
flood-prone-area inundation frequency: 100 years (As defined by qualified hydrologists or engineers using generally accepted hydrology and engineering methods) · airport municipal control area: 2 miles (Applies when the municipality exercises or declares its intention to exercise zoning control, unless local law provides otherwise)
“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.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — Alabama county authority to adopt zoning for unincorporated land.
“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.”
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
Authority of Alabama county commissions to adopt and administer building laws and codes for residential construction in unincorporated areas.
A county commission may adopt building laws and codes by ordinance or, under the 2025 version of Section 34-14A-12, by resolution.
The ordinary county-code jurisdiction is the unincorporated area of the county.
County building laws and codes may not apply within a municipal police jurisdiction where the municipality is exercising its building laws or codes without the municipality's express consent.
County building laws and codes may apply within municipal corporate limits only with the express consent of the municipal governing body.
Under the 2025 statute, the county must provide the Board a copy of the resolution within 10 business days.
A local building law or code generally may not take effect until 120 days after adoption; for insurance-claim work requiring a license, the effective date is the date of adoption.
The county commission may employ building inspectors and exact fees from owners of inspected property.
The county may enter mutual agreements, compacts, or contracts with municipalities and other public entities for administration and enforcement.
local-code notice deadline: 10 business days (Copy of resolution must be provided to the Home Builders Licensure Board) · local-code ordinary effective delay: 120 days (Insurance-claim work requiring a license may use the adoption date)
“A county commission, by resolution, may adopt building laws and codes that shall apply in the unincorporated areas of the county. The county commission shall provide a copy of any resolution adopted pursuant to this subsection to the board withing 10 business days of adopting the resolution.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
General — Alabama county authority to adopt and enforce residential building laws and codes in unincorporated areas.
“There are two general statutory provisions authorizing counties to adopt building codes: the Home Builders Licensure Law found at Ala. Code § 34-14A-1 et seq. and the law on the state minimum building standards code found at Ala. Code § 41-9-160 et seq.”
Inside cities and towns in Bibb County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Building permitRequired
Residential and commercial construction within the City of Centreville, including major renovations, remodeling, additions, and swimming pool additions.
Changes in the historic district have a specific procedure before a permit is issued.
Contractors performing these projects must be licensed.
The page directs applicants to contact the City Clerk for permit questions or to obtain a permit.
“A Building Permit is required for all residential or commercial construction.”
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land development within the Town of Woodstock, Bibb County, Alabama.
The ordinance applies within the Town of Woodstock and uses the Town's zoning map to establish district boundaries.
The ordinance states that it is effective and in full force from and after the date of its passage; the official copy reviewed does not state the passage date.
Specific uses and dimensional standards vary by district, including R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, RR, B-1, B-2, M-1, and M-2 districts.
“ZONING
2026 ZONING MAP
P U D ORDINANCE
SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
ZONING ORDINANCE/ADDEN.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Present (with conditions) — Land and construction projects within the City of Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama.
“The City Council adopted a Zoning Ordinance. Before commencing any construction projects please consult the Zoning Ordinance to determine if any restrictions or prohibitions apply to your planned project.”
Present (with conditions) — Land within the City of Vance, including the Bibb County portion of the municipality.
“Find the Vance Zoning Ordinance and the Vance Subdivision Regulations under the "more" tab.”
Present (with conditions) — Property and land within the Town of Vance, including the portion of the municipality located in Bibb County.
“7/2/2018 An Ordinance to amend Zoning Ordinance No. 040197 rezoning of property located at Will Walker Rd.”
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Short-term rentals — Short-term rental or transient lodging use in Bibb County.
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 Bibb County, Alabama
Is Bibb County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Bibb County scores 76/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.
Do you need a building permit in Bibb County, Alabama?
Bibb 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 Bibb County Health Department (Alabama Department of Public Health). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Bibb County?
Living in an RV on your own land in Bibb County is allowed: Unincorporated Bibb County: no county rule sets this, because Bibb County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bibbal.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 Bibb County, Alabama?
Land in Bibb County runs about $2,611 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Bibb County?
Bibb County gets about 55.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 6% of years.
How remote is Bibb County?
A typical private-land location has about 39,490 people within 15 miles and 2,875,214 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
