Dallas County, AL: Owner-Builder Allowed

Dallas County, Alabama directs anyone planning a new home or business to contact the Dallas County Emergency Management Department at (334) 874-2515 to obtain a building permit before building¹. After the permit is issued, the E-911 Data Management Office assigns the address¹. Septic permits come from the Dallas County Health Department, and Dallas County Engineering reviews subdivisions²³. We could not confirm countywide zoning; Selma and Orrville have their own⁴.

At a glance

Building permit: Required for a new home or business; contact Emergency Management at (334) 874-2515 first¹
Zoning: Countywide zoning unconfirmed; Selma and Orrville have their own⁵⁴
Septic permit: Required off sewer; handled by the Dallas County Health Department²⁶
Owner-builder: State licensing exemption for a qualifying owner-built home; subcontractors over $10,000 must be licensed⁷
RV or tiny-home living: No county occupancy rule was confirmed; ask the County Commission and Health Department⁵⁸
Subdivision development: County Engineer review and a Permit to Develop are required³
County-road driveway: Engineering installs qualifying turnouts when the owner supplies the required pipe⁹

Who to call

Building permits

Dallas County Emergency Management Department (Homeland Security and Emergency Management)

First stop for a new-home or business building permit in Dallas County; the E-911 Data Management Office assigns the address afterward

(334) 874-2515

102 Church Street Selma, AL 36702

Roads & driveways

Dallas County Engineering Department

Subdivision development review, county roads and bridges, and driveway turnouts on county road right-of-way

(334) 874-2503

102 Church St, 1st Floor, Selma, AL 36701

Septic permits

Dallas County Health Department Environmental Office

Onsite sewage system questions and septic permitting for Dallas County

334-872-5887

100 Samuel O. Moseley Drive, Selma, Alabama 36701

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Dallas 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 Dallas County, Alabama?

Yes. Dallas County's E-911 addressing page says that anyone planning to build a new home or business must first contact the Dallas County Emergency Management Department at (334) 874-2515 to obtain a building permit, and then contact the E-911 Data Management Office to request an address¹. The county source does not state a permit fee, an inspection requirement, an adopted building code or whether incorporated municipalities run separate permit systems, so ask Emergency Management about those before ordering plans¹⁰. Alabama law allows county commissions to adopt building laws and codes¹¹. The county's separate Permit to Develop belongs to the subdivision plat and road-development process, not to an ordinary house¹². Alabama's owner-builder licensing exemption applies to one- and two-family homes an owner builds for personal use, but it covers contractor licensing, not the county building permit¹³.

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

Building permits start with the Dallas County Emergency Management Department at (334) 874-2515, which is at 102 Church Street, Selma, AL 36702¹¹⁴. Septic permits, subdivision review and county-road access are handled by other offices, so the building permit does not replace them. For a subdivision, new subdivision road, or county-road access question, contact the Dallas County Engineering Department at (334) 874-2503 or visit 102 Church St, 1st Floor, Selma, AL 36701⁹. Engineering reviews proposed subdivision plats, and the County Engineer issues a Permit to Develop before subdivision construction begins³. Engineering also installs a qualifying driveway turnout on county road right-of-way at no charge when the landowner buys and supplies the drainage pipe specified by the department⁹¹⁵. For septic, call the Dallas County Health Department Environmental Office at 334-872-5887¹⁶.

Does Dallas County, Alabama have zoning?

We could not confirm a countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated Dallas County from an official county source⁵. The county hazard plan says Selma and Orrville have zoning ordinances, while Valley Grande had none when the plan was written, so zoning inside a city follows that city's ordinance⁴. Alabama counties generally lack broad land-use authority, although special local laws and narrow powers can authorize zoning or land-use controls in particular circumstances¹⁷. That uncertainty means a rural parcel should not be advertised as unrestricted: the available information does not settle RV occupancy, tiny homes, minimum dwelling size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height, or minimum lot size. Ask the Dallas County Commission which rules govern the parcel, and separately verify whether the land is inside a municipality or its applicable jurisdiction because municipal rules are not answered by the county information. Subdivision creation remains regulated even though general zoning is unconfirmed³.

How do septic permits work in Dallas County?

A Dallas County property that is not connected to a public sanitary sewer needs a septic permit from the local health department before a new onsite system is installed or an existing system is repaired¹⁸. Submit the application and complete plans to the Dallas County Health Department; construction may begin only after the Permit to Install is issued, and the installer must be licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board¹⁹. The Dallas County Health Department Environmental Office handles onsite sewage systems and can be reached at 334-872-5887²¹⁶. Septic permits for every address in Dallas County, city or not, come from that office, and the application includes soils information, a legal description, a plot plan and a vicinity map⁶. The applicant must contact the health department before beginning installation⁶. Only 11.8% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make soil suitability and system cost an early contingency in any land contract²⁰.

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

We could not confirm an official Dallas County rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV living, temporary camping, or tiny-home occupancy on private land in unincorporated areas⁵. Ask the Dallas County Commission about the proposed use and ask the Dallas County Health Department how wastewater must be handled before placing or occupying a unit⁸¹⁶. Alabama does recognize a qualifying manufactured home as a residence when it meets the state's dimensional, permanent-chassis, utility, and HUD Seal conditions, but that statewide recognition does not settle local siting requirements²¹. An RV or custom tiny house should not be treated as a manufactured home unless it actually meets that definition.

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

Call the Dallas County Emergency Management Department at (334) 874-2515 to obtain the building permit, then contact the E-911 Data Management Office for an address once the permit is issued¹. Ask the Dallas County Commission about floodplain review or land-use restrictions on the parcel⁵.
Call the Dallas County Health Department Environmental Office at 334-872-5887, establish whether public sewer is available, and apply for a septic Permit to Install when the property will use onsite sewage¹⁶¹⁹.
If acting as your own contractor, confirm that the project meets Alabama's owner-builder licensing exemption and that every subcontractor who crosses the state's licensing threshold is properly licensed⁷.
Contact Dallas County Engineering for a driveway connecting to a county road, or submit ALDOT Form BM-111 when access will connect to a state highway⁹²².
If dividing land or developing subdivision roads, complete County Engineer review and obtain the Permit to Develop before construction³.

What should you check before buying land in Dallas County?

Put septic feasibility first: only 11.8% of Dallas County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so obtain a site evaluation before the purchase becomes final²⁰. The county averages 53.8 inches of precipitation a year, while 91.6% of its land has a slope of 15% or less and 70.8% is wooded; those figures help frame drainage, clearing, and access work but do not replace a parcel survey²³²⁴²⁵. Confirm legal road access with Dallas County Engineering when the entrance meets a county road, and use ALDOT's permit process for a state-highway entrance⁹²². Also confirm municipal boundaries, floodplain status, deed restrictions, available utilities, and the exact tax assessment before closing.

Watch-outs

Dallas County's Permit to Develop concerns subdivision development, while a new home needs a separate building permit from the Emergency Management Department¹²¹.
Only 11.8% of Dallas County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so do not price the project around a basic system before a site evaluation²⁰.
Long-term RV living, tiny-home occupancy, building inspections, certificates of occupancy, and countywide zoning remain unconfirmed; ask the Dallas County Commission before relying on any of them⁵¹⁰.

Sources

Written October 10, 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.

Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike all 6 of its neighbors, Dallas County requires a building permit for a home.

Rule	Dallas County	Perry County	Wilcox County	Autauga County	Lowndes County	Hale County	Marengo County
Building permit	Required	Not required	Not required	Limited	Not required	Not required	Not required
County zoning	Not published	No	No	No	No	No	No
Septic permits	County Health Dept. Env. Office	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.

How Dallas County scores

Seclusion87100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency63100% ev.

Admin Boringness7277% ev.

Durability62100% ev.

Property Autonomy39100% ev.

Carry Cost89100% ev.

Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$91kTypical home

0.4%Property tax

$2,402Land / acre

53.8"Annual rain

2.5% of yrsSevere drought

17.1 / yr (+15.4)Mid-century 100°F days

16.7 daysMid-century dry spell

2.65" (+6%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.35×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$2,061Home insurance / yr

1.1% / yrInsurance growth

0.99%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

1,789People within 30 min

865,966People within 2 hr

17,931Radius comparison (15 mi)

37People / sq mi

0.8%Federal land

91.6%Land at 15% slope or less

11.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)

71,571 acWorkable land screen

70.8%Wooded land

39.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac

64.9°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Dallas County

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

Dallas County rules

Building permitRequired
Planning to build a new home or business in Dallas County, Alabama.
- The applicant must first contact the Dallas County Emergency Management Department to obtain a Building Permit.
- After the Building Permit is issued, the applicant must contact the E-911 Data Management Office to request an address.
- The source does not state whether incorporated municipalities administer separate permit systems.
“In the event you are planning to build a new home or business, you must first contact our Emergency Management Department (334) 874-2515 to obtain a Building Permit.”
E911 Addressing ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Planning to build a new home or business in Dallas County, Alabama.
  “In the event you are planning to build a new home or business, you must first contact our Emergency Management Department (334) 874-2515 to obtain a Building Permit.”
  E911 Addressing ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate of local zoning within Dallas County, including municipal jurisdictions; this does not mean Dallas County administers each local ordinance.
- The official hazard plan states that Selma and Orrville had zoning ordinances in place and that Valley Grande had no zoning ordinance at the time of the plan.
- Municipal zoning applies within the relevant incorporated jurisdiction; unincorporated applicability was not established.
“With regards to zoning ordinances, jurisdictions with ordinances in place (Selma and Orrville) may amend them to address any issues that may arise as long as adequate public notice and a public comment period are given. These jurisdictions have planning commissions that hear all requests with regards to the ordinances. For municipalities with no zoning ordinances (Valley Grande), ordinances can be drafted and enacted as long as adequate public notice and a public comment period are given.”
Dallas County, Alabama Hazard Mitigation Plan ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
Who permits septicCounty
Onsite sewage systems in Dallas County, Alabama, through the Dallas County Environmental Office's Division of Community Environmental Protection
- The official page identifies onsite sewage systems as a responsibility of the Dallas County Environmental Office's Division of Community Environmental Protection.
- The page does not state that Dallas County government itself is the rule-making authority.
“In Dallas County, the Environmental Office is composed of the following divisions: [...] Responsibilities of the Division of Community Environmental Protection include: [...] Onsite Sewage Systems (Septic Systems)”
Environmental Office ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- County (with conditions) — Onsite sewage systems in Dallas County; the Dallas County Environmental Office administers the local health-department function.
  “Responsibilities of the Division of Community Environmental Protection include: Onsite Sewage Systems (Septic Systems)”
  Environmental Office | Alabama Department of Public Health ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivisions outside the corporate limits of municipalities in Dallas County.
- The County Engineer or designee reviews proposed plats and certifies compliance with county regulations.
- Evidence of approval by state and local regulatory agencies must be submitted.
- Developers must comply with Dallas County road-construction standards.
- At least 10 days' certified-mail notice is required before presentation to the County Commission.
- The County Commission must approve the plat before the County Engineer issues a Permit to Develop.
- The final plat must be signed by the County Engineer and filed with the Dallas County Judge of Probate at the developer's expense.
- The requirements are not all-inclusive and prospective developers should consult the County Attorney and County Engineer.
- The requirements do not apply inside municipal corporate limits or to a sale, deed, or transfer to an immediate family member.
notice period: 10 days (certified-mail notice before presentation of the plat to the County Commission)
“The County Engineer or his designee must review all proposed plats”
Engineering | County of Dallas, AL ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Driveway accessLimited
Driveway turnout installation on public County road right-of-way in Dallas County, Alabama
- The service is for public County road right-of-way.
- A private land owner must request the service for access.
- The property owner must purchase and furnish the required drainage pipe.
- The drainage pipe size and type are determined by the Engineering Department.
- The County provides the clay gravel material and labor/equipment to install the pipe and clay gravel driveway turnout.
- Large vertical pipe headwalls are unsafe and not approved for placement on County right-of-way.
- The page does not establish a requirement that every driveway obtain or use this installation service.
installation service charge: 0 USD (The page states the installation is at no charge; the property owner must still purchase and furnish the required drainage pipe.) · drainage pipe size and type: determined by the Engineering Department
“The Dallas County Engineering Department will install driveway turnouts on public County road right-of-way at no charge if requested by a private land owner for access, provided the property owner purchases and furnishes the required drainage pipe (size and type to be determined by the Engineering Department) for the proposed driveway. The County will provide the clay gravel material and labor/equipment to install the pipe and clay gravel driveway turnout. Large vertical pipe headwalls are unsafe and not approved for placement on County right-of-way. Please contact the Engineering Department to request this service.”
Engineering ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Driveway turnouts on public Dallas County road right-of-way.
  “The Dallas County Engineering Department will install driveway turnouts on public County road right-of-way at no charge if requested by a private land owner for access, provided the property owner purchases and furnishes the required drainage pipe (size and type to be determined by the Engineering Department) for the proposed driveway.”
  Engineering ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
Permit processPartial
County subdivision-development process outside municipal corporate limits.
- Proposed plats undergo County Engineer review.
- State and local regulatory approvals must be submitted.
- The County Commission approves qualifying plats after the 10-day notice period.
- The County Engineer issues a Permit to Develop before construction can commence.
- Final plats require County Engineer signature and filing with the Judge of Probate at the developer's expense.
- The page states that the requirements are not all-inclusive.
notice period: 10 days (certified-mail notice before County Commission consideration)
“The County Engineer shall then issue a "Permit to Develop" and construction can commence.”
Engineering | County of Dallas, AL ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Partial — Subdivision-development permitting in unincorporated Dallas County.
  “The County Engineer shall then issue a "Permit to Develop" and construction can commence.”
  Engineering ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026

Alabama rules that apply here

Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Owners building or improving one-family or two-family residences on their own property for their own occupancy or use under Alabama's Home Builders Licensure Law.
- The owner must act as the owner's own contractor.
- The owner must provide all material supervision.
- The residence must be a one-family or two-family residence.
- The residence must be on the owner's property.
- The residence must be for the occupancy or use of the owner.
- The residence must not be offered for sale.
- The exemption is nontransferable.
- Offering the residence for sale within one year of substantial completion creates presumptive evidence that construction was undertaken for sale.
- A homeowner who hires or compensates anyone to supervise the work is not acting as the homeowner's own contractor.
- Subcontractors hired by an exempt homeowner must be licensed if the cost of the subcontracted undertaking exceeds $10,000.
subcontractor undertaking cost threshold: > 10000 USD (Subcontractors hired by homeowners claiming the exemption must be licensed.) · sale timing presumption: <= 1 year after substantial completion (Sale or offering for sale is presumptive evidence construction was undertaken for sale.)
“Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing all material supervision themselves, when building or improving one-family or two-family residences on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale. This exemption is a nontransferable privilege.”
Exemptions – Home Builders Licensure Board ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Available (with conditions) — An Alabama property owner acting as the owner's own residential contractor for a one-family or two-family residence for the owner's occupancy or use.
  “Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing all material supervision themselves, when building or improving one-family or two-family residences on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale. This exemption is a nontransferable privilege.”
  Exemptions ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
- Available (with conditions) — Alabama Home Builders Licensure Law licensing exemption for an owner acting as the owner’s own residential contractor when building or improving a one-family or two-family residence for the owner’s own occupancy or use.
  “Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing all material supervision themselves, when building or improving one-family or two-family residences on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale. This exemption is a nontransferable privilege.”
  Exemptions ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
- 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”
  Exemptions ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
State Building Code ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
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.”
  State Building Code ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- Partial — Residential construction and improvements governed by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Law, including ordinary residential construction beginning January 1, 2027.
  “The Alabama Residential Building Code shall be enforced by local jurisdictions that have permitting and inspection programs for residential construction and improvements that are adhered to by residential home builders. The Alabama Residential Building Code shall not supersede any local residential building code adopted by any county or municipality in effect on January 1, 2027. [...] Beginning January 1, 2027, a residential home builder within this state who constructs, renovates, or repairs a residence or structure shall do so in accordance with applicable residential building code adopted pursuant to Section 34-14A-12 or, if applicable, the local jurisdiction’s residential building code.”
  Home Builders Licensure Law, Effective October 1, 2025 ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- Partial — Construction within the Alabama Division of Construction Management jurisdiction, including state-owned or state-funded work, public and private K-12 schools, public higher-education institutions, hotels, motels, and movie theaters.
  “The 2021 International Building Code [...] DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except for hotels/motels and movie theaters.”
  Division of Construction Management — State Building Code ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- Partial — Construction within the Alabama Division of Construction Management jurisdiction, including state-owned or state-funded property, public and private K-12 schools, public higher-education institutions subject to the stated ACCS limitation, hotels/motels, and movie theaters.
  “The State Building Code is limited to any new construction, addition, renovation, modification of mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, sitework”
  State Building Code ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- Partial — Residential building-code investigations by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board involving contracts entered into on or after February 13, 2022, in Alabama cities and counties that have not adopted a residential building code.
  “In cities and counties that have not adopted a residential building code, the Board will apply the 2015 International Residential building Code (IRC)”
  hblb.alabama.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- Partial — Alabama's statutory framework authorizing county commissions to adopt building laws and codes for unincorporated areas and recognizing municipal building laws or codes within municipal police jurisdictions.
  “The county commissions of the several counties are authorized and empowered to adopt building laws and codes by ordinance”
  Home Builders Licensure Law ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- Partial — Residential construction and improvements statewide under the Alabama Residential Building Code framework.
  “The Alabama Residential Building Code shall not supersede any local residential building code adopted by any county or municipality in effect on January 1, 2027.”
  Home Builders Licensure Board Law Effective October 1, 2025 ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- Partial — 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”
  Home Builders Licensure Law and 2025 legislative changes ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Partial — Projects within the Alabama Division of Construction Management's State Building Code jurisdiction, including state construction and specified school, hotel/motel, and movie-theater projects; not ordinary residential property.
  “DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except for hotels/motels and movie theaters.”
  Division of Construction Management Building Code Jurisdiction ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Partial — Residential construction in Alabama where a county or municipality has a permitting and inspection program or has adopted a local residential building code; this is not a uniform DCM residential-code jurisdiction.
  “The Alabama Residential Building Code shall be enforced by local jurisdictions”
  Home Builders Licensure Board Law, Effective October 1, 2025 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
InspectionsLimited
Required DCM construction inspections, pre-construction conferences, and substantial-completion determinations for projects within the narrower DCM inspection jurisdiction.
- DCM-required inspections are limited to state-funded construction, any project on state-owned property, public K-12 schools including charter schools, public universities, and ACCS projects with Notices-to-Proceed issued before August 1, 2021.
- DCM's broader plan-review/code jurisdiction also includes private K-12 schools, hotels/motels, and movie theaters, but the official DCM jurisdiction page does not include those categories in its stated required-inspection list.
- Inspections must be requested by the contractor in writing or by email to the design professional, who coordinates with the DCM inspector.
- A permit fee must be paid before scheduling the required DCM pre-construction conference; inspection benchmarks, including periodic, special, final, and year-end inspections when applicable, must then be met.
- Fully locally-funded public K-12 projects require DCM pre-construction conferences and inspections regardless of estimated construction cost.
“Conducts required pre-construction conferences, inspections and substantial completions limited to state-funded construction, any project on state-owned property, public K-12 (including charter) schools, on public universities, and on ACCS projects with Notices-to-Proceed issued prior to August 1, 2021.”
About DCM — Jurisdiction and Divisions ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Residential construction and improvements in Alabama local jurisdictions that have permitting and inspection programs.
  “The Alabama Residential Building Code shall be enforced by local jurisdictions that have permitting and inspection programs for residential construction and improvements”
  Home Builders Licensure Law, effective October 1, 2024 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Residential projects in Alabama municipalities that issue a certificate of occupancy and for which the builder is subject to the Home Builders Licensure Law.
- An updated list of subcontractors must be furnished before issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the municipality.
- The provision does not establish a statewide requirement that every residential project obtain a certificate of occupancy.
- The builder must provide the subcontractor list within three working days after hiring an added subcontractor; the initial list is due within 15 days after issuance of the building permit if requested by the issuing municipality.
- No license fee for subcontractors is required as a condition of issuing a building permit or certificate of occupancy.
initial subcontractor list deadline: 15 days after building permit issuance (only if requested by the issuing municipality) · added subcontractor list deadline: 3 working days after hiring
“An updated list of subcontractors shall be furnished by the builder before the issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the municipality.”
§ 34-14A-13 Issuance of permits ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)
Park models, defined by Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission Rule 535-X-11 as recreational park trailers, statewide.
- The rule states that a park model is not a permanent dwelling and is for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.
- In an RV Park, park models may be installed or set up to the same standard as a travel trailer.
- When not in an RV Park, the manufacturer's approved installation instructions must be complied with.
- The rule does not expressly establish a general statewide authorization for permanent occupancy of motor homes or ordinary travel trailers outside an RV park.
gross trailer area: <= 400 square feet or less in set-up mode (Measurements are taken on the exterior of the trailer; roofing overhang is excluded.)
“A park model is not a permanent dwelling. It is temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.”
Chapter 535-X-11 Regulations for Manufactured Buildings ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
Camping on your landLimited
Camping on state-owned lands under the jurisdiction of the Alabama State Lands Division.
- Camping is prohibited except in designated areas.
- Camping-period limits apply.
- Campfires must be extinguished.
- Warming fires may not be used away from designated campgrounds.
- The listed scheduled fine is $50.
scheduled fine: 50 USD (For violations listed under Alabama Administrative Code rule 220-4-.15(c).)
“220-4-.15(c) Camping except in designated areas, $50 exceeding limit of camping period, failure to extinguish campfires, and using warming fires away from designated campgrounds on state-owned lands under the State Lands Division jurisdiction”
Appendix B. Supreme Court’s Extended Schedule of Fines ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Allowed (with conditions) — Recreational park trailers used as temporary living quarters for camping in Alabama.
  “A park model is not a permanent dwelling. It is temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.”
  HB461, Recreational Park Trailers ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)
Manufactured homes used as residences in Alabama, subject to the definition and utility conditions stated by the Alabama Department of Revenue.
- The structure must meet the source's manufactured-home definition.
- It must be connected to required utilities, including plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems.
- The source states that a manufactured home may be used as a place of residence by the owner, lessee, or assigns.
- Local land-use, zoning, septic, building, installation, and inspection requirements are not resolved by this claim.
transport-mode width: >= 8 body feet or more (The alternative on-site threshold is 320 square feet or more when erected on site.) · transport-mode length: >= 40 body feet or more (The alternative on-site threshold is 320 square feet or more when erected on site.) · on-site area: >= 320 square feet or more (Applies when erected on site.) · construction: permanent chassis · required utilities: plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems
“It may be used as a place of residence, business, profession, trade, or for any other purpose, by the owner, lessee, or assigns and may consist of one or more units that can be attached or joined together.”
What are the requirements for titling a manufactured home? ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Allowed (with conditions) — Occupancy of a qualifying manufactured home as a residence in Alabama.
  “It may be used as a place of residence, business, profession, trade, or for any other purpose, by the owner, lessee, or assigns and may consist of one or more units that can be attached or joined together. A manufactured home bears a HUD Seal affixed to the rear of the home. (Section 32-20-2)”
  What is a manufactured home? ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
- Allowed (with conditions) — Manufactured homes meeting Alabama's statutory definition and connected to required utilities; this establishes state recognition of residential use but does not resolve local land-use or zoning requirements.
  “It may be used as a place of residence, business, profession, trade, or for any other purpose, by the owner, lessee, or assigns and may consist of one or more units that can be attached or joined together.”
  What are the requirements for titling a manufactured home? ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Homeowners and businesses in Dallas County that are not connected to a public sanitary sewer system and that install a new onsite sewage disposal system or repair an existing one.
- A permit must be obtained from the local health department before installation or repair.
- The application includes professional soils information, legal description, plot plan, vicinity map, and in some instances a construction plan.
- The application is submitted with the applicable fee.
- A permit is issued if the application is approved.
- The applicant must contact the health department before beginning installation.
“Alabama State Law requires homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer system to obtain a permit from the local health department prior to installing a new system or making repairs to an existing onsite sewage disposal system.”
Onsite Sewage ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Required — Construction of an onsite sewage disposal system serving property in Dallas County that is not connected to a public sewer.
  “If the application and plans are complete and meet all the requirements of the rules, a 'Permit to Install' will be issued.”
  Can I Live On This Lot? ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- 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”
  Onsite Sewage Disposal ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Septic inspectionLimited
Repairs to malfunctioning onsite septic systems in Alabama, including Dallas County.
- The protocol concerns repairs to septic systems, not all new installations.
- The protocol searches records for prior approval and an Approval for Use document.
- If no Approval for Use is on file or provided, the applicant must obtain a site evaluation and follow new-system requirements.
- For engineered systems, a professional engineer must propose and design the repair.
“If time allows, the LHD may inspect the installation of the tank or non-perforated component.”
Has your onsite sewage system failed? Be sure to contact your county health department ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)
Use of an onsite septic/onsite sewage treatment and disposal system instead of connection to a municipal sewer where municipal sewers are unavailable or impractical.
- The system must comply with ADPH onsite sewage rules.
- A Permit to Install is required before construction.
- Inspection and an Approval for Use are required before occupancy.
- Site and soil suitability, professional design, and local health-department review may be required.
“Septic tank systems are used where municipal sewers are not available or are impractical.”
Septic Tank Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Well permitLimited
New groundwater wells and alterations to existing groundwater wells extracting at least 50 gallons per minute when the well is in Alabama's coastal area or its 50-year capture zone extends into the coastal area.
- A permit from ADEM is required for the covered installation or alteration.
- The cited rule is limited to the specified coastal-area or capture-zone circumstances and does not establish a general statewide permit requirement for individual private wells.
- ADEM states that it does not have regulatory authority over individual private wells.
groundwater extraction rate: >= 50 gallons per minute (Applies when the well surface location is in the coastal area or the 50-year capture zone extends into the coastal area.)
“The installation of a new well, or alteration of an existing well, for the purposes of extracting groundwater”
Coastal Permitting Information ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Residential or mobile/modular-home development statewide where wastewater service is being planned.
- The property should be checked with the city sewer authority or local health department for availability of city sewage disposal.
- If public sanitary sewer is unavailable or the property is not connected to it, an onsite sewage system may be used only under the applicable ADPH permit and approval requirements.
- The source does not establish a statewide mandatory connection-to-sewer rule.
“If it is not, you will be required to have the soil tested to see if the soil is suitable”
alabamapublichealth.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Agricultural buildings under the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board residential home-builder licensing rules.
- The exemption does not include a residence contained in the agricultural building.
- The agricultural building must meet the definition in Ala. Admin. Code r. 465-X-1-.01(3).
“Agricultural buildings, as defined in Ala. Admin. Code r. 465-X-1-.01(3), except for any residence contained therein.”
Alabama Administrative Code, Home Builders Licensure Board Rules and Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area within an Alabama community participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.
- The actual development permit is administered by the local building or floodplain official.
- More stringent local requirements may apply.
- Additions or improvements valued at 50% or more of the existing structure's market value are substantial improvements and generally trigger bringing the entire structure into compliance with mapped elevations.
substantial-improvement threshold: >= 50 percent of existing structure market value
“When a community chooses to participate in the NFIP, it must require permits for all development in the SFHA”
My house is in a floodplain. What do I do if I want to build an addition or otherwise improve it? ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Permit 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.”
Do I Need Permit Coverage? ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
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.”
Handbook for Alabama County Commissioners, 13th edition ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
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.”
  Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- Limited — County authority over land use and zoning in unincorporated Alabama; general Alabama law does not grant counties broad general zoning authority, but limited authority exists through special local laws and specified statutory circumstances.
  “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law”
  Handbook for Alabama County Commissioners, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
county building authorityGeneral
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.”
Home Builders Licensure Board Law, effective October 1, 2025 ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- General — Alabama county authority to adopt and enforce residential building laws and codes in unincorporated areas.
  “There are two general statutory provisions authorizing counties to adopt building codes: the Home Builders Licensure Law found at Ala. Code § 34-14A-1 et seq. and the law on the state minimum building standards code found at Ala. Code § 41-9-160 et seq.”
  Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026

Still unanswered

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

County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning in Dallas County, Alabama.
Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in Dallas County.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in unincorporated Dallas County.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements in unincorporated Dallas County.
Setbacks — Building setbacks in unincorporated Dallas County.

5 more unanswered

Lot coverage
Building height
Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings
Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Dallas County, Alabama

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

Dallas County scores 79/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and sparse surroundings — about 1,789 people within a 30-minute drive. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

Dallas County generally requires a residential building permit. Onsite septic is permitted by Dallas County Health Department Environmental Office (under Alabama Department of Public Health). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Dallas County is allowed on a temporary basis only: Statewide rule. Park models, defined by Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission Rule 535-X-11 as recreational park trailers, statewide. The rule states that a park model is not a permanent dwelling and is for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use. In an RV Park, park models may be installed or set up to the same standard as a travel trailer. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Dallas County, Alabama?

Land in Dallas County runs about $2,402 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Dallas County?

Dallas County gets about 53.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.5% of years.

How remote is Dallas County?

A representative private-land location has about 1,789 people within a 30-minute drive and 865,966 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

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

Does Dallas County, Alabama have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Dallas County?

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

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

What should you check before buying land in Dallas County?

Watch-outs

Sources

Compared with neighboring counties

Dallas County in Alabama

How Dallas County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Cities and towns in Dallas County

Answers from the rulebook for Dallas County

Dallas County rules

Alabama rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Dallas County, Alabama

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Dallas County, Alabama?

What is the water situation in Dallas County?

How remote is Dallas County?

How Dallas compares in Alabama