Bolthole Index

Butler County, Alabama

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

83Index Score / 100
#2 of 67 in Alabama

Unincorporated Butler County, Alabama appears not to require a county building permit for a home, but confirm with the Butler County Commission because the county does not publish a direct permit statement12. Inside Greenville, the city issues building permits and enforces its building code34. The Butler County Health Department handles onsite sewage permits countywide5.

At a glance

Building permit
Appears unnecessary in unincorporated areas; Greenville issues city building permits123
Zoning
No general county zoning limits in unincorporated areas; Greenville has city zoning67
Septic permit
Required off sewer through the Butler County Health Department58
RV / tiny home living
No county zoning restriction on private land in unincorporated areas6
Owner-builder
State exemption available for a qualifying owner-occupied home9
Manufactured home
Residential use allowed with a HUD seal and required utility connections10
Home size / setbacks
No general county zoning minimums in unincorporated areas6

Who to call

Also useful

Butler County Commission

General county questions and confirmation of building, floodplain, subdivision, and unincorporated-area requirements

(334) 382-3612

202 Patsaliga Street, Greenville, AL 36037 (mailing: P.O. Box 756, Greenville, AL 36037)

Health department

Butler County Health Department – Environmental Office

Onsite sewage applications and permits, septic-tank requests, and private well water testing

334-382-3154

300 North College Street, Greenville, Alabama 36037

Roads & driveways

Butler County Road Department

County-road questions and the office to ask whether an entrance approval is needed

334-382-3232

108 Pettibone Road, Greenville, AL 36037

Property records

Butler County Revenue Commission

Property tax assessment and manufactured-home registration

(334) 382-3221

800 E. Commerce Street, Greenville, AL 36037

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Butler County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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

Unincorporated Butler County appears not to require a county building permit for an ordinary home, but the county website does not publish an explicit yes-or-no permit rule1. Before ordering materials for rural land, call the Butler County Commission at (334) 382-3612 and describe the parcel and project2. Inside Greenville, the city issues building permits for new construction, additions, renovations, roofs, signs, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and pools3. Greenville enforces the 2021 International Building Code, adopted July 1, 202211. Greenville's published residential building fee is $0.15 per square foot for buildings up to 5,000 square feet, plus a nonrefundable $10 processing fee for each permit12. Alabama's residential-code framework changes beginning January 1, 2027, when residential builders must follow the applicable state or local residential building code13.

Who issues building permits in Butler County?

Butler County does not list a building or inspection department on its government site1. The Butler County Commission at (334) 382-3612 is the first call for an unincorporated parcel and can confirm whether the project needs county approval2. Greenville's Building Department issues the city's building permits, while Greenville's Planning Commission handles rezoning, development plans, and subdivisions37. The Butler County Health Department continues to handle onsite sewage applications and permits for Butler County5. For county-road access, ask the Butler County Road Department at 334-382-3232 whether an entrance approval is needed; we could not confirm a published county driveway-permit rule14. An entrance onto a state highway follows the Alabama Department of Transportation access-permit process15.

Does Butler County have zoning?

Unincorporated Butler County has no general county zoning rule setting minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height, accessory-dwelling use, or temporary camping limits6. Greenville is different: the city has a planning and zoning framework, and its Planning Commission handles rezoning, development plans, and subdivisions7. We could not confirm zoning status across Butler County's other municipalities, so ask the relevant city before relying on the rural answer. Subdivision controls are separate because Alabama counties may adopt subdivision regulations even where general county zoning does not apply16. We could not confirm Butler County's subdivision rules, so ask the County Commission before dividing or platting unincorporated land2. A qualifying manufactured home may be used as a residence under state law when it bears a HUD seal and has the required utility connections10.

How do septic permits work in Butler County?

Butler County property that is not connected to public sanitary sewer needs a local health-department permit before a new onsite sewage system is installed or an existing system is repaired8. The Butler County Health Department administers onsite sewage applications and permits through its Environmental Office517. Call 334-382-3154 or visit 300 North College Street in Greenville; the department directs septic-tank requests to the Environmental Office18. Construction may begin only after the Permit to Install is issued, and inspection plus Approval for Use are required before occupancy19. Only 17% of Butler County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make the site and soil review an early contingency in a land purchase20. A registered engineer must design the system when percolation exceeds 60 minutes or a shallow limiting zone exists21.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Butler County?

Unincorporated Butler County sets no general zoning restriction on RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, accessory dwellings, manufactured-home occupancy, or temporary camping on private land6. Greenville has city zoning, so the rural answer does not apply inside Greenville7. We could not confirm Greenville's rules for living in an RV or tiny home, so ask the city before buying or placing one. Wastewater remains regulated countywide: anyone not connected to public sanitary sewer must obtain a Butler County Health Department permit before installing or repairing an onsite system8. Call the Environmental Office at 334-382-3154 before treating an RV hookup, holding tank, or tiny-home wastewater plan as approved18. Alabama allows a qualifying manufactured home as a residence when it bears a HUD seal and connects to the required utilities10.

What are the steps to build a home in Butler County?

  1. Verify whether the parcel is inside Greenville or another municipality, because city building and zoning rules differ from the unincorporated-county answer37.
  2. For unincorporated land, call the Butler County Commission at (334) 382-3612 to confirm building-permit, floodplain, and subdivision requirements2. For land in Greenville, obtain the applicable city building permits and zoning approval37.
  3. If public sewer is unavailable, obtain the Butler County Health Department's onsite sewage Permit to Install before construction2221.
  4. Choose a contractor or use Alabama's owner-builder exemption for a qualifying owner-occupied home9. Greenville requires an owner-builder claiming that exemption to supervise the work personally and build for the owner's own use, not for sale23.
  5. Resolve road access, then complete the septic inspection and receive Approval for Use before occupancy1419.

What should you check before buying land in Butler County?

Make septic feasibility a purchase contingency because only 17% of Butler County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field20. The terrain is broadly workable, with 78% of county land at a slope of 15% or less, but 84.2% is wooded, so parcel-level clearing and access costs can matter2425. Butler County has about 23.7 people per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 51 miles from the county center2627. Typical benchmarks are $3,116 per acre for farmland and $117,223 for a home, while the effective property-tax rate is about 0.3% and the median annual property-tax bill is $34228293031. Before closing, verify legal access, city limits, flood status, deed restrictions, water source, and the parcel's actual tax classification with the relevant offices.

Watch-outs

  • Butler County does not publish a direct statement that ordinary home building permits are unnecessary; confirm the current rule with the County Commission before construction12.
  • We could not confirm Butler County's subdivision or floodplain-development process, so ask the County Commission before splitting land or building in a mapped flood area2.
  • Alabama's residential-code framework changes beginning January 1, 2027, when residential builders must follow the applicable state or local residential code13.

Sources

  1. Butler County Government (2026 county census)
  2. Butler County Commission (butlercogov.com)
  3. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  4. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  5. Services | Alabama Department of Public Health, quoted and re-checked
  6. Alabama law on county zoning and building authority
  7. Planning & Zoning | Greenville, AL, quoted and re-checked
  8. Onsite Sewage Disposal | Alabama Department of Public Health, quoted and re-checked
  9. Exemptions (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. What is a manufactured home? (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Department | State Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  12. City of Greenville Permit Fees, quoted and re-checked
  13. Home Builders Licensure Law, Effective October 1, 2025 (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Butler County Road Department (butlercogov.com)
  15. ALDOT Permit Manual (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Handbook for Alabama County Commissioners (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. alabamapublichealth.gov, quoted and re-checked
  18. Butler County Health Department – Environmental Office (alabamapublichealth.gov)
  19. Septic Tank Systems (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Onsite Sewage Disposal (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. alabamapublichealth.gov (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Sworn Statement of Party Claiming Exemption from the Requirements of the Home Builders Licensure Law, quoted and re-checked
  24. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  29. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  30. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 9, 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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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Butler County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleButler CountyCrenshaw CountyConecuh CountyLowndes CountyCovington CountyWilcox CountyMonroe County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Butler County in Alabama

83
County map
Butler County highlighted among the Alabama counties · colored by Index score

How Butler County scores

Seclusion79100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency70100% ev.
Admin Boringness86100% ev.
Durability65100% ev.
Property Autonomy39100% ev.
Carry Cost91100% 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 →

$117kTypical home
0.3%Property tax
$3,116Land / acre
57.4"Annual rain
8.2% of yrsSevere drought
12.3 / yr (+11.3)Mid-century 100°F days
16.8 daysMid-century dry spell
2.89" (+4.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.29×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,752Home insurance / yr
-0.2% / yrInsurance growth
0.69%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
7,745People within 30 min
1,197,495People within 2 hr
15,881Radius comparison (15 mi)
23.7People / sq mi
0%Federal land
78%Land at 15% slope or less
17%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
84,313 acWorkable land screen
84.2%Wooded land
43.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
64.8°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Butler 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.

Town of Georgiana · Greenville · Town of McKenzie

Answers from the rulebook for Butler County

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

Butler County rules

  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Butler County: no county rule sets this, because Butler 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 butlercogov.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 Butler County: no county rule sets this, because Butler 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 butlercogov.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 Butler County: no county rule sets this, because Butler 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 butlercogov.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 Butler County: no county rule sets this, because Butler 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 butlercogov.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 Butler County: no county rule sets this, because Butler 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 butlercogov.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 Butler County: no county rule sets this, because Butler 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 butlercogov.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 Butler County: no county rule sets this, because Butler 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 butlercogov.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 Butler County: no county rule sets this, because Butler 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 butlercogov.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 Butler County: no county rule sets this, because Butler 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 butlercogov.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 Butler County: no county rule sets this, because Butler 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 butlercogov.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 Butler County: no county rule sets this, because Butler 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 butlercogov.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 (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage applications and permits administered for Butler County through the Butler County Health Department.

    • The county health department operates within Alabama's state public-health regulatory framework.
    “The Butler County Health Department provides the following services to the public. [...] Onsite Sewage - Applications and Permits”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Environmental-service permitting handled by the Butler County Health Department, including small and large flow development, onsite sewage, solid waste facilities and vehicles, septic tanks, grease traps, holding tanks, and sewage tank pumpers.

    • The official page identifies applications and permits for the listed environmental services but does not provide a complete step-by-step process or processing timeline.
    • Septic-tank requests are directed to the Environmental Office.
    “Environmental Services [...] Small and Large Flow Development - Applications and Permits [...] Onsite Sewage - Applications and Permits [...] Septic Tank, Grease Trap, and Holding Tank - Applications and Permits”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    No county planning/zoning department or zoning ordinance is listed on the county government site.

    Butler County Government ↗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

    Owners building or improving one-family or two-family residences in Alabama for their own occupancy or use.

    • The owner must act as the owner's own contractor.
    • The owner must provide all material supervision personally.
    • The residence must be a one-family or two-family residence on the owner's property.
    • The residence must be for the occupancy or use of the owners and must not be offered for sale.
    • The exemption is nontransferable.
    • A homeowner who hires or compensates anyone to supervise the building or improvement is not acting as the owner's own contractor.
    • Subcontractors hired by an exempt homeowner must be licensed if the cost of the subcontractor's portion exceeds $10,000.
    • Offering the residence for sale within one year after substantial completion is presumptive evidence that construction was undertaken for sale.

    subcontractor portion cost threshold: > 10000 USD (subcontractor must be licensed when the threshold is exceeded) · sale-offer period: 1 year after substantial completion (sale or offer for sale is presumptive evidence of construction for sale)

    “Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing all material supervision themselves, when building or improving one-family or two-family residences”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Alabama Home Builders Licensure Law licensing exemption for an owner acting as the owner’s own residential contractor when building or improving a one-family or two-family residence for the owner’s own occupancy or use.
      “Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing all material supervision themselves, when building or improving one-family or two-family residences on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale. This exemption is a nontransferable privilege.”
  • 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.”
    10 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — State Building Code requirements administered and enforced by the Alabama Division of Construction Management for state-owned or state-funded construction, K-12 schools, public postsecondary schools, hotels and motels, movie theaters, and other work within DCM jurisdiction.
      “The State Building Code is limited to any new construction, addition, renovation, modification of mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, sitework and generally any and all work on state-owned property and/or using state funds, on all public and private kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) schools, on public postsecondary schools, on hotels/motels and on movie theaters. DCM's code jurisdiction over plans and specifications of all municipal and county-owned projects is limited to such projects meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards. DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except for hotels/motels and movie theaters.”
    • Partial — Residential construction and improvements governed by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Law, including ordinary residential construction beginning January 1, 2027.
      “The Alabama Residential Building Code shall be enforced by local jurisdictions that have permitting and inspection programs for residential construction and improvements that are adhered to by residential home builders. The Alabama Residential Building Code shall not supersede any local residential building code adopted by any county or municipality in effect on January 1, 2027. [...] Beginning January 1, 2027, a residential home builder within this state who constructs, renovates, or repairs a residence or structure shall do so in accordance with applicable residential building code adopted pursuant to Section 34-14A-12 or, if applicable, the local jurisdiction’s residential building code.”
    • Partial — Construction within the Alabama Division of Construction Management jurisdiction, including state-owned or state-funded work, public and private K-12 schools, public higher-education institutions, hotels, motels, and movie theaters.
      “The 2021 International Building Code [...] DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except for hotels/motels and movie theaters.”
    • Partial — Construction within the Alabama Division of Construction Management jurisdiction, including state-owned or state-funded property, public and private K-12 schools, public higher-education institutions subject to the stated ACCS limitation, hotels/motels, and movie theaters.
      “The State Building Code is limited to any new construction, addition, renovation, modification of mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, sitework”
    • Partial — Residential building-code investigations by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board involving contracts entered into on or after February 13, 2022, in Alabama cities and counties that have not adopted a residential building code.
      “In cities and counties that have not adopted a residential building code, the Board will apply the 2015 International Residential building Code (IRC)”
    • Partial — Alabama's statutory framework authorizing county commissions to adopt building laws and codes for unincorporated areas and recognizing municipal building laws or codes within municipal police jurisdictions.
      “The county commissions of the several counties are authorized and empowered to adopt building laws and codes by ordinance”
    • Partial — Residential construction and improvements statewide under the Alabama Residential Building Code framework.
      “The Alabama Residential Building Code shall not supersede any local residential building code adopted by any county or municipality in effect on January 1, 2027.”
    • Partial — 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

    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 — Homeowners and businesses in Butler County not connected to a public sanitary sewer, before installing or repairing an onsite sewage system.
      “Alabama State Law requires homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer 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)

    Agricultural buildings under the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board residential home-builder licensing rules.

    • The exemption does not include a residence contained in the agricultural building.
    • The agricultural building must meet the definition in Ala. Admin. Code r. 465-X-1-.01(3).
    “Agricultural buildings, as defined in Ala. Admin. Code r. 465-X-1-.01(3), except for any residence contained therein.”
  • 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.”
  • 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 Butler County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Building permitLimited

    City of Greenville permits for new construction, additions, renovations, roofs, signs, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and pools.

    • The cited page identifies permit categories and the City building department but does not provide the full ordinance text or every exemption.

    covered permit categories: new construction, additions, renovations, roofs, signs, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, HVAC, pools

    “Issues all permits related to new construction, additions, renovations, roofs, signs, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, HVAC, roofs, pools, etc.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A property owner acting as the owner-builder for a residence in the City of Greenville and claiming exemption from Alabama Home Builders Licensure Law licensing requirements.

    • The owner must provide all material supervision personally.
    • The property must be for the owner's own occupancy or use and not offered for sale.
    • The exemption is not transferable.
    • The owner-builder may not hire or compensate anyone to supervise the building or improvement.
    • Sale or offering for sale within one year after substantial completion is presumptive evidence that construction was undertaken for sale.
    • Claiming exempt status waives Homeowner's Recovery Fund protection.
    • The statement is signed under penalties of perjury.
    • The form states it was revised 5/1/2018; this revision date is not treated as an effective date.
    “I am the Property Owner acting as my own contractor and providing all material supervision myself on property for my own occupancy or use, and not offered for sale. I do not intend to use this permit for the constructing or superintending of the construction of any residential building or structure for sale.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction governed by the City of Greenville building official within the City of Greenville, Alabama.

    • The City of Greenville page states that the 2021 International Building Code was adopted as the State Building Code on July 1, 2022.
    • The page states that the code is enforced by the City of Greenville Building Official.
    • The cited rule is expressly for the City of Greenville and does not establish adoption throughout Butler County or in other municipalities.

    code adoption date: 2022-07-01

    “The 2021 International Building Code was adopted on July 1, 2022 as the State Building Code and is enforced by the City of Greenville Building Official.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building-code enforcement within the City of Greenville.
      “The 2021 International Building Code was adopted on July 1, 2022 as the State Building Code and is enforced by the City of Greenville Building Official.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Property within the City of Greenville, Alabama, where the city planning and zoning framework applies.

    • The City of Greenville identifies a Department of Community Development and Planning and a Planning Commission.
    • The Planning Commission handles rezoning of property, development plans, and subdivisions of property.
    • The cited municipal zoning rules do not establish zoning coverage in unincorporated Butler County or in Georgiana or McKenzie.
    “The Planning Commission: Rezoning of Property Development Plans Subdivisions of Property”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    City of Greenville building, structure, mobile/manufactured-home, moving, demolition, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and gas permits.

    • Residential fees are $0.15 per square foot up to 5,000 square feet and $750 for the first 5,000 square feet plus $0.10 per additional square foot from 5,001 to 50,000 square feet.
    • Commercial and multifamily fees vary by square-footage tier.
    • Other structures use valuation-based fees.
    • Actual project cost must be reported at completion, with an additional fee due if actual cost exceeds the estimate before certificate of occupancy issuance.
    • Mobile/manufactured homes have a combined $40 fee for listed work.
    • Each permit has a non-refundable $10 processing fee; work begun before securing the permit is charged double the permit fee; reinspection is $20 per occurrence.

    residential fee up to 5000 square feet: 0.15 USD per square foot · mobile/manufactured-home combined fee: 40 USD (for blocked, skirted, tie downs, plumbing and parking in compliance with Chapter 11, Sections 11-1 through 11-17) · processing fee: 10 USD per permit (non-refundable)

    “For buildings or structures up to 5,000 square feet; $0.15 per square foot.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Septic inspection — Inspection requirements for onsite sewage disposal systems in Butler County, Alabama.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rentals in Butler 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 Butler County, Alabama

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

Butler County scores 83/100 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 Butler County, Alabama?

Butler 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 Butler 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 Butler County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Butler County is allowed: Unincorporated Butler County: no county rule sets this, because Butler 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 butlercogov.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 Butler County, Alabama?

Land in Butler County runs about $3,116 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Butler County?

Butler County gets about 57.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 8.2% of years.

How remote is Butler County?

A representative private-land location has about 7,745 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,197,495 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.

How Butler compares in Alabama

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