Bolthole Index

Cleburne County, Alabama

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Heflin, Alabama

Building inside Heflin, Alabama (Cleburne County) requires a City of Heflin building permit, and the city's Planning and Zoning Department issues both zoning and building permits at City Hall12. Septic permits for lots without public sewer come from the Cleburne County Health Department, not the city3. Rules for land outside city limits are different; see the Cleburne County page.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for construction covered by the city building code1
Zoning
Yes; the Planning and Zoning Department runs the city zoning ordinance2
Septic
Cleburne County Health Department, where no public sewer serves the lot3
RV living
Not allowed; one unoccupied RV may be stored4
Minimum home size
1,000 sq ft in R-1; 900 sq ft in AG56
Minimum lot size
3 acres in AG; 12,750 sq ft in R-1 with sewer78
Permit fee
Calculated on the application, plus a $10 issuance fee9

Who to call

Building permits

City of Heflin Planning and Zoning Department (City Hall)

Zoning permits, building permits, inspections of new construction, and floodplain and stormwater questions inside Heflin city limits

256-463-2290

850 Ross Street, Heflin, Alabama

Septic permits

Cleburne County Health Department (Environmental Services)

Onsite sewage (septic) applications and permits, including for lots inside Heflin that have no public sewer

256-463-2296

90 Brockford Road, Heflin, Alabama 36264-1605

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 15, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in Heflin, Alabama?

Yes. The City of Heflin requires a permit for all construction covered by its building code ordinance, and applications go to City Hall with the required paperwork before a permit is issued1. Plans are reviewed by the building inspector and city engineer before construction begins10. The application also asks for a Certificate of Occupancy11.

The application leaves the permit fee blank to be calculated, with a $10 issuance fee added9. Alabama's owner-builder exemption covers state home-builder licensing for a one- or two-family home you build for yourself12. We could not confirm whether Heflin waives any city permit step for owner-builders, so ask Planning and Zoning.

Who issues building permits in Heflin, and how do you reach them?

Heflin's Planning and Zoning Department, based at City Hall, issues zoning permits and building permits and handles inspections of new construction13. Call 256-463-2290 before buying property or starting construction to confirm land use and permit requirements13.

The city follows the 2009 International Building Code and 2009 International Residential Code (excluding Part 8), with matching mechanical and plumbing codes14. Inspections of building and electrical work go through City Hall15. Heflin does not send building permits to Cleburne County, which has no building department of its own16.

Does Heflin have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs, tiny homes, lot size and setbacks?

Yes. The City of Heflin Planning and Zoning Board administers the city zoning ordinance for land inside city limits2. Rules vary by district.

In the AG Agricultural district, the minimum lot is 3 acres7, dwellings need at least 900 square feet6, and setbacks are 30 feet front, 30 feet rear and 15 feet side17. In R-1 Low Density Residential, the minimum dwelling is 1,000 square feet5 and setbacks are 30 feet front, 45 feet rear and 10 feet side18. Class A and B manufactured homes are allowed on individual lots in AG19.

Heflin allows only one unoccupied RV parked in an accessory building or rear yard, with no living quarters4. We could not confirm a rule on tiny homes; ask Planning and Zoning.

How do septic permits work inside Heflin?

Septic permits inside Heflin city limits come from the Cleburne County Health Department when the property is not connected to public sanitary sewer3. You must submit an application for a Permit to Install to the county health department, and construction may begin only after the permit is issued20.

Zoning ties in: R-1 lots without municipal sewer need at least 0.35 acres, plus any additional area the health department requires8. Heflin's Water Works and Sewer Board handles city water and sewer connections; we could not confirm a rule that forces connection, so ask the board before planning a septic system. Contact the health department at21.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Heflin?

Not in an RV on a lot. Heflin permits only one unoccupied recreational vehicle in an accessory building or rear yard, and no living quarters may be kept in it4. Campgrounds with travel-trailer sites need at least 5 contiguous acres22.

Tiny homes are not addressed as their own category in anything we could confirm, so ask Planning and Zoning at City Hall before buying. A small accessory residential unit is allowed only for related family members and specific care needs, at up to 600 square feet23.

Building a home in Heflin: the steps, in order

  1. Call Planning and Zoning at 256-463-2290 to confirm the district and land use before you buy13.
  2. Check whether public sewer reaches the lot; if not, apply to the Cleburne County Health Department for a septic Permit to Install20.
  3. Submit the building permit application and plans at City Hall for review by the building inspector and city engineer10.
  4. For a manufactured home, get approval before it is moved in, with photos showing the home and its HUD seal10.
  5. Build with inspections through City Hall15.
  6. Obtain the Certificate of Occupancy11.

What stays with Cleburne County, and what to check before you buy in Heflin

Septic permits stay with the Cleburne County Health Department even inside the city3. The county's own answer for unincorporated land is separate: Cleburne County has adopted no county zoning ordinance24. See the Cleburne County page for land outside city limits.

County-level context: Cleburne County's effective property tax rate is 0.3%25, and the typical home is valued around $238,89726. Only about 14.7% of county soils rate as not limited for a conventional drain field, so expect a site evaluation27.

Watch-outs

  • Heflin's published building codes are the 2009 editions, so ask Planning and Zoning which versions apply to your plans14.
  • We could not confirm Heflin rules on tiny homes, private wells, or driveway permits inside the city; call Planning and Zoning at 256-463-229013.
  • A driveway onto a state highway needs a state permit regardless of city rules28.

Sources

  1. Open a Business in Heflin - Licences and Permits (Heflin), quoted and re-checked
  2. Open a Business in Heflin - Licences and Permits (Heflin), quoted and re-checked
  3. Environmental Services (Heflin), quoted and re-checked
  4. Section 4.07 - Temporary use buildings and offices (Heflin), quoted and re-checked
  5. Section 5.06 - Residential districts (Heflin), quoted and re-checked
  6. Section 5.05 - Agricultural district (Heflin), quoted and re-checked
  7. Section 5.05 - Agricultural district (Heflin), quoted and re-checked
  8. Section 5.06 - Residential districts (Heflin), quoted and re-checked
  9. Building Permit Application (Heflin), quoted and re-checked
  10. Open a Business in Heflin - Licences and Permits (Heflin), quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Permit Application (Heflin), quoted and re-checked
  12. Exemptions (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. City of Heflin Planning and Zoning Department (City Hall) (cityofheflin.org)
  14. Open a Business in Heflin - Licences and Permits (Heflin), quoted and re-checked
  15. Open a Business in Heflin - Licences and Permits (Heflin), quoted and re-checked
  16. Cleburne County Commission (2026 county census)
  17. Section 5.05 - Agricultural district (Heflin), quoted and re-checked
  18. Section 5.06 - Residential districts (Heflin), quoted and re-checked
  19. Section 5.05 - Agricultural district (Heflin), quoted and re-checked
  20. Can I Live On This Lot? (Heflin), quoted and re-checked
  21. Cleburne County Health Department (Environmental Services) (alabamapublichealth.gov)
  22. Section 4.11 - Campground (Heflin), quoted and re-checked
  23. Section 4.01 - Accessory residential units (Heflin), quoted and re-checked
  24. Alabama law on county zoning and building authority
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  27. 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
  28. ALDOT Permit Manual (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 15, 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Heflin

Heflin’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction inside Heflin city limits covered by the city building code.

    • Applications must be submitted to City Hall with required paperwork and documentation before issuance.
    “the city of heflin requires a permit for all construction covered in the city of heflin building code ordinance #2015-04-14a. applications must be turned in at city hall along with all required paperwork and documentation before a permit will be issued.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Construction inside Heflin city limits covered by the City of Heflin Building Code Ordinance #2015-04-14A.

    • The city page lists the 2009 International Building Code, 2009 International Residential Code excluding Part 8, Chapters 34–43, 2005 National Electrical code reference as displayed, 2009 International Mechanical Code, 2009 International Plumbing Code, and ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007.
    “the city of heflin follows the following codes: international building code 2009 international residential code 2009”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building and electrical construction inside Heflin city limits.

    • Inspections are handled through the Planning and Zoning Department/City Hall; contact 256-463-2290.
    “all inspections of new construction and renovations to determine compliance with the building code are handled out of this department.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Construction requiring a City of Heflin building permit.

    • The city application states the certificate is required under the cited building code ordinance and zoning ordinance.
    “Application is hereby made for a Building Permit and a Certificate of Occupancy as required under the City of Heflin Building Code Ordinance #2015-04-14A and City of Heflin Zoning Ordinance.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Heflin city limits.

    • The City of Heflin Planning and Zoning Board administers and implements the City zoning ordinance.
    “the planning and zoning department issues all zoning, permits, building permits, annexation of property into the city limits, and also assists in determining the proper land use for properties located within the city limits.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles on private property inside Heflin city limits.

    • Only one unoccupied recreational vehicle may be parked in an accessory building or rear yard of any district; no living quarters may be maintained and no business may be practiced in the stored or parked vehicle.
    • A temporary construction-office RV is addressed separately under the building code.

    maximum stored recreational vehicles: 1 vehicle (unoccupied only)

    “nor shall this appendix be deemed to prohibit the parking of only one unoccupied recreational vehicle in an accessory building or in a rear yard of any district, so long as no living quarters are maintained and no business is practiced in such recreational vehicle while it is so stored or parked.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Campgrounds inside Heflin city limits.

    • Campgrounds may include travel-trailer or tent campsites but require a minimum five contiguous acres, maximum 15 campsites per acre, 50-foot front yard, 30-foot rear yard, 30-foot side yard, and 1,500-square-foot minimum campsite area with 40-foot minimum width.

    minimum campground site area: >= 5 acres (contiguous) · maximum campsites: <= 15 campsites per acre · front yard: >= 50 feet · rear yard: >= 30 feet · side yard: >= 30 feet · minimum campsite area: >= 1500 square feet (minimum width 40 feet)

    “The minimum site area shall be five contiguous acres. Density. The maximum number of campsites per acre shall be 15.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Class A and B manufactured homes on individual lots in the AG Agricultural district.

    • The AG district permits conventional single-family dwellings including Class A and B manufactured homes on individual lots.
    • Manufactured homes must bear a HUD seal, comply with Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission installation and anchoring requirements, be skirted within 90 days, and satisfy the AG special compatibility conditions where applicable.
    “Conventional single-family dwellings, including manufactured homes(only class A and B) on individual lots and any accessory structures incidental to the dwelling or agricultural use P”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory residential units associated with single-family dwellings in districts where permitted.

    • Only for related family members and specific care/support needs; maximum 600 square feet; no formal leasing agreement; may not be attached except by breezeway, deck, or porch; maximum one per primary dwelling; written statement of need required.

    maximum floor area: <= 600 square feet · maximum number: <= 1 unit per primary dwelling

    “Accessory residential units shall contain not more than 600 square feet of gross living area.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Onsite sewage inside Heflin city limits when property is not connected to public sanitary sewer; the Cleburne County Health Department is the local administering office.

    • The city zoning-permit materials separately identify septic system approval from the Cleburne County Health Department as an applicable requirement.
    “For more information about any environmental services, call the Cleburne County Health Department at (256) 463-2296, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. [...] Onsite Sewage Applications and Permits [...] Septic Tank and Grease Trap Permits”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New or repaired onsite sewage disposal systems inside Heflin city limits when not connected to public sanitary sewer.

    • A complete application and plans must meet applicable rules; installation may begin only after the Permit to Install is issued; the installer must be licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board.
    “Before the construction of an onsite sewage disposal system, you must submit an Application for a Permit to Install an Onsite Sewage Disposal System to your local county health department. If the application and plans are complete and meet all the requirements of the rules, a 'Permit to Install' will be issued. Then and only then can you begin the construction of your system.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision applications inside Heflin city limits.

    • The Planning and Zoning Board is responsible for subdivision regulations; subdivision agenda items require at least 10 days advance notice, and materials must be submitted to the City Clerk by Thursday at noon before the Monday meeting.

    minimum agenda notice: >= 10 days

    “The Board is responsible for the compilation and adoption of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Subdivision Regulations, development and implementation of the City’s Zoning Ordinance. [...] Subdivision – Minimum ten (10) days in advance of the meeting date.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    City of Heflin building permit applications.

    • The permit fee is left blank for calculation on the application; a $10 issuance fee is stated.

    issuance fee: 10 USD · permit fee: varies USD (application provides a blank amount)

    “Permit Fee: $_____________________ + Issuance Fee: $10.00 Total Cost: $_____________________”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    City of Heflin building and zoning permit process.

    • Building-permit applications are submitted at City Hall with required paperwork; plans must be reviewed by the building inspector and city engineer before construction begins; zoning permits are obtained through Planning and Zoning; manufactured homes moved into the city require approval before movement and photos showing the home and HUD seal.
    “all plans must be reviewed by building inspector and city engineer before any construction can begin on the project.”

Rules another office applies inside Heflin

Heflin does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Dwellings in the AG Agricultural district inside Heflin city limits.

    • Minimum dwelling unit gross floor area is 900 square feet; minimum roof pitch is 3:12, not applicable to manufactured housing.

    minimum gross floor area: >= 900 square feet (roof-pitch rule not applicable to manufactured housing)

    “minimum dwelling unit gross floor area: 900 square feet. 2. minimum required roof pitch: 3:12, not applicable to manufactured housing.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Single-family dwellings in the R-1 Low Density Residential district inside Heflin city limits.
      “minimum dwelling unit gross floor area: 1,000 square feet. 2. minimum exterior width of dwelling: 14 feet. 3. minimum required roof pitch: 3:12.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    R-1 Low Density Residential district.

    • 12,750 square feet applies to areas served by sewer; lots not served by municipal sewer must contain at least 0.35 acres plus any additional area deemed necessary by the Cleburne County Health Department.

    minimum lot size served by sewer: >= 12750 square feet · minimum lot size not served by municipal sewer: >= 0.35 acres (plus any additional area deemed necessary by the Cleburne County Health Department)

    “r-1 12,750 sq. ft. 1, 2 85 ft. 30 ft. 45 ft. 10 ft. 35 ft. or 2½ stories 30% 1 areas served by sewer 2 lots not served by municipal sewer shall contain at least 0.35 acres, plus any additional area deemed necessary by the cleburne county health department”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • SetbacksSpecified

    AG Agricultural district.

    • Front setback 30 feet; rear setback 30 feet; side setback 15 feet.

    front setback: >= 30 feet · rear setback: >= 30 feet · side setback: >= 15 feet

    “min. required setbacks max. height max. % of lot covered by impervious surfaces front rear side ag 3 acres 150 ft. for 3 acres 30 ft. 30 ft. 15 ft. 45 ft. or 3 stories 15%”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — R-1 Low Density Residential district.
      “min. required setbacks max. height max. % of lot covered by impervious surfaces front rear side r-1 12,750 sq. ft. 1, 2 85 ft. 30 ft. 45 ft. 10 ft. 35 ft. or 2½ stories 30%”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    AG Agricultural district.

    • Maximum impervious-surface lot coverage is 15 percent.

    maximum impervious-surface coverage: <= 15 percent

    “max. % of lot covered by impervious surfaces front rear side ag 3 acres 150 ft. for 3 acres 30 ft. 30 ft. 15 ft. 45 ft. or 3 stories 15%”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — R-1 Low Density Residential district.
      “max. % of lot covered by impervious surfaces front rear side r-1 12,750 sq. ft. 1, 2 85 ft. 30 ft. 45 ft. 10 ft. 35 ft. or 2½ stories 30%”
  • Building heightSpecified

    AG Agricultural district.

    • Maximum height is 45 feet or 3 stories.

    maximum height: 45 feet or 3 stories

    “max. height max. % of lot covered by impervious surfaces front rear side ag 3 acres 150 ft. for 3 acres 30 ft. 30 ft. 15 ft. 45 ft. or 3 stories 15%”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — R-1 Low Density Residential district.
      “max. height max. % of lot covered by impervious surfaces front rear side r-1 12,750 sq. ft. 1, 2 85 ft. 30 ft. 45 ft. 10 ft. 35 ft. or 2½ stories 30%”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Heflin or Cleburne County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption from Heflin building-permit or contractor requirements.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Heflin city limits.
  • Septic inspection — Inspection of onsite sewage systems inside Heflin city limits.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation inside Heflin city limits.
  • Well permit — Private wells inside Heflin city limits.
4 more unanswered
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • Building in a floodplain

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Heflin publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Cleburne County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Cleburne County: county rules, score and offices