Bolthole Index

Franklin County, Alabama

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

76Index Score / 100
#23 of 67 in Alabama

Unincorporated Franklin County, Alabama appears to have no general county building-permit requirement, but development in a Special Flood Hazard Area or another county-designated floodplain needs a Floodplain Development Permit12. Russellville issues city building permits and applies city zoning, while unincorporated land has no county zoning ordinance345. Septic permits for addresses countywide stay with the Franklin County Health Department's Environmental Office67.

At a glance

Building permit
No general building permit appears to apply in unincorporated areas; floodplain development requires a Floodplain Development Permit12
Zoning
No county zoning ordinance on unincorporated land; Russellville has city zoning and other municipal rules vary584
Septic permits
Franklin County Health Department, Environmental Office (Alabama Department of Public Health)9
RV / tiny home
No county zoning rule sets RV or tiny-home occupancy on unincorporated land; sanitation and floodplain rules still apply510
Owner-builder
Home-builder licensing exemption for an owner personally supervising a home for personal use, not for sale11
Manufactured home
State installation rules apply, including setup inspection before skirting12
Agricultural buildings
Excluded from county subdivision regulation and state home-builder licensing, but not from every other rule1314
Septic soil difficulty
Only 3.5% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field15

Who to call

Also useful

Franklin County Commission

Main county government office; administers the county's Floodplain Development Ordinance No. 24-001 and can direct you to the current Floodplain Administrator and permit forms

(256) 332-8850

410 Jackson Avenue North, P.O. Box 1028, Russellville, AL 35653

Roads & driveways

Franklin County Highway Department (County Engineer)

County road and driveway questions for Franklin County; the department's page also links to the county's Subdivision Regulations

(256) 332-8434

Septic permits

Franklin County Health Department, Environmental Office (Alabama Department of Public Health)

Onsite sewage disposal system permits (Permit to Install), inspections and approval for use in Franklin County

256-332-2700

801 Highway 48, Russellville, AL 35654

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 Franklin 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 Franklin County, Alabama?

Unincorporated Franklin County, Alabama appears to have no general county building-permit requirement1. Franklin County requires a Floodplain Development Permit before buildings, grading, filling, excavation, or other development begins in a Special Flood Hazard Area or another county-designated floodplain2. Alabama’s Division of Construction Management does not regulate ordinary residential property; its State Building Code jurisdiction is limited to specified project categories, not every rural home16. Beginning January 1, 2027, residential home builders must follow the applicable state or local residential building code17. We could not confirm a separate county residential code or ordinary inspection program; ask the Franklin County Commission1. Alabama’s owner-builder licensing exemption requires the owner to act as contractor and personally provide all material supervision for a home intended for the owner’s use, not sale; hiring a paid supervisor defeats the exemption11. The exemption does not waive separate construction approvals, and subcontractors must be licensed when their undertaking exceeds $10,00011.

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

For ordinary building-permit questions on unincorporated land, start with the Franklin County Commission at 410 Jackson Avenue North, Russellville, AL 35653, phone (256) 332-885018. The Commission can direct you to the Floodplain Administrator and county forms; a Floodplain Development Permit is required before work begins in a Special Flood Hazard Area or an additional county-designated flood area19. Inside Russellville, the city issues building permits for most construction and inspects new construction and many remodeling projects in phases320. City building-permit authority does not move septic permitting: the Franklin County Health Department handles onsite-sewage applications and permits throughout the county921. The County Engineer handles county-road and subdivision questions at (256) 332-843422.

Does Franklin County have zoning?

Unincorporated Franklin County has no county zoning ordinance; no county zoning rule sets dwelling size, lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height, accessory dwellings, or RV and tiny-home occupancy there5. Russellville has its own zoning for structures and uses within city limits; ask the city’s Building, Licensing, and Zoning Department for parcel-specific district rules423. Septic permitting remains with the Franklin County Health Department throughout the county67. Subdivision control is separate: Franklin County regulates land divisions outside municipal limits and municipal planning commissions’ territorial jurisdiction, with limited county plat approval also possible in municipal planning areas unless waived24. Agricultural roads or buildings on private agricultural property are excluded from county subdivision regulation; that exclusion does not waive other applicable approvals13.

How do septic permits work in Franklin County?

The Franklin County Health Department handles onsite-sewage applications and septic permits through its Environmental Office at 801 Highway 48, Russellville, AL 35654, phone 256-332-27009217. Before construction, submit an Application for a Permit to Install; construction may begin only after the Health Department issues the Permit to Install25. The application includes professional soil information, a legal description, plot plan, vicinity map, and sometimes a construction plan26. Only 3.5% of Franklin County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so evaluate the site before choosing a house location or purchase price15. The Health Department must have an opportunity to inspect before the installation is covered, subject to the state's inspection-delay exception, and the system cannot be used until Approval for Use is issued27. The installer must hold an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license25.

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

For an RV or tiny home on unincorporated Franklin County land, sanitation and floodplain rules still apply: an onsite system must go through the Health Department when public sewer is unavailable or impractical, and regulated floodplain development needs a county permit1028. Alabama recognizes a manufactured or mobile home as a residence when it meets the state's definition, bears a HUD Seal, connects to required utilities, and is installed by a certified installer29. A manufactured home cannot be skirted until the state commission inspects the setup; if no inspection occurs within 10 days after notice, skirting may proceed12. Alabama park models are temporary living quarters, not permanent dwellings30. We could not confirm a general certificate-of-occupancy rule for an ordinary unincorporated home, so ask the County Commission before planning move-in1.

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is inside a municipality or on unincorporated land; Russellville has city building permits, inspections, and zoning, while septic permits remain with the county Health Department32049.
  2. Ask the County Commission whether the parcel is in a regulated floodplain and obtain the Floodplain Development Permit before grading, filling, or construction when required2.
  3. If the project divides land, submit the proposed plat to the County Engineer at least 30 days before Commission consideration; covered building development must wait until the final plat is recorded24.
  4. Evaluate the septic site early because only 3.5% of county soils are rated without severe conventional-drain-field limitations15.
  5. Apply to the Health Department for the septic Permit to Install and leave the system uncovered for the department's inspection opportunity2527.
  6. For a state-highway driveway permit, submit form BM-111 to the ALDOT District Administrator; ask the County Highway Department about county-road access3122.
  7. If acting as owner-builder, personally provide all material supervision and keep separate floodplain and septic approvals in place11.

What to check before you buy land in Franklin County

Start with septic feasibility: only 3.5% of Franklin County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so get a site evaluation before committing to a house site15. Confirm municipal boundaries because Russellville has city zoning and building permits, while other municipal zoning rules vary438. Check the flood map because development in a Special Flood Hazard Area or another county-designated floodplain requires a Floodplain Development Permit2. If the sale creates new lots, ask the County Engineer about subdivision approval and fees: the published schedule lists a $25 Permit to Develop, minor-subdivision review at $500 plus $25 per lot/site, and major-subdivision review at $500 plus $50 per lot/site and $0.25 per linear foot of new road32. Inspection and testing charges are additional; ask the County Engineer which county review applies if the parcel falls within a municipal planning commission’s jurisdiction33. Subdivision lots need road access with a deeded travel way at least 30 feet wide, and arterial access may be limited3435.

Watch-outs

  • Franklin County's no-zoning answer applies to unincorporated land; Russellville has city zoning and building permits, and other municipal rules must be checked separately583.
  • A land division can trigger county subdivision review, published subdivision fees, and access standards even though unincorporated Franklin County has no zoning ordinance363734.
  • No official Franklin County source confirms whether a certificate of occupancy or a general building inspection is required for an ordinary home outside a flood zone; confirm directly with the County Commission office1.

Sources

  1. Franklin County Development Authority - Licenses & Permits (2026 county census)
  2. Franklin County Floodplain Development Ordinance No. 24-001, quoted and re-checked
  3. Russellville: Building, Licensing, and Zoning (Franklin County), quoted and re-checked
  4. Russellville: Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, Section 40.0 - Establishment of districts (Franklin County), quoted and re-checked
  5. Alabama law on county zoning and building authority
  6. Soil and Onsite Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  7. Franklin County Health Department, Environmental Office (Alabama Department of Public Health) (alabamapublichealth.gov)
  8. Building Licensing Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  9. Soil and Onsite Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  10. Septic Tank Systems, quoted and re-checked
  11. Exemptions – Home Builders Licensure Board, quoted and re-checked
  12. Chapter 535-X-13 Regulations for the Installation of Manufactured Homes and Manufactured Buildings, quoted and re-checked
  13. 2022 Franklin County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  14. Home Builders Licensure Board Sunset Report, quoted and re-checked
  15. 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
  16. State Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  17. State Building Code (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Franklin County Commission (franklincountyal.org)
  19. Franklin County Floodplain Development Ordinance No. 24-001, quoted and re-checked
  20. Building, Licensing, and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  21. Franklin County Health Department Services, quoted and re-checked
  22. Franklin County Highway Department (County Engineer) (franklincountyal.org)
  23. Building, Licensing, and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  24. 2022 Franklin County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  25. Can I Live On This Lot?, quoted and re-checked
  26. Onsite Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  27. Rule 420-3-1-.08 OSS/EDS Installation, quoted and re-checked
  28. January 20, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes — Floodplain Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  29. What are the requirements for titling a manufactured home? (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Chapter 535-X-11 Regulations for Manufactured Buildings (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. ALDOT Permit Manual, quoted and re-checked
  32. 2022 Franklin County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  33. 2022 Franklin County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  34. 2022 Franklin County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  35. 2022 Franklin County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  36. 2022 Franklin County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  37. 2022 Franklin County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked

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.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Franklin County has no countywide zoning.

RuleFranklin CountyMarion CountyColbert CountyLawrence CountyWinston CountyLauderdale CountyLamar County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot 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

Franklin County in Alabama

76
County map
Franklin County highlighted among the Alabama counties · colored by Index score

How Franklin County scores

Seclusion67100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency64100% ev.
Admin Boringness86100% ev.
Durability59100% ev.
Property Autonomy39100% ev.
Carry Cost88100% 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 →

$182kTypical home
0.3%Property tax
$3,526Land / acre
59.5"Annual rain
4.7% of yrsSevere drought
11.2 / yr (+10.4)Mid-century 100°F days
15.2 daysMid-century dry spell
2.86" (+7.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.43×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,795Home insurance / yr
1.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.95%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
10,557People within 30 min
1,862,030People within 2 hr
29,486Radius comparison (15 mi)
50.2People / sq mi
2.4%Federal land
57.4%Land at 15% slope or less
3.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
13,696 acWorkable land screen
70.7%Wooded land
44.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
60.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Franklin 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.

Not yet researched: Town of Hodges · Town of Phil Campbell · Red Bay · Town of Vina

Answers from the rulebook for Franklin County

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

Franklin County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Development, including buildings or other structures, in Special Flood Hazard Areas or other designated floodplains within Franklin County.

    • A Floodplain Development Permit must be obtained before development in the Special Flood Hazard Areas.
    • Development includes any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, drilling operations, or storage of equipment or materials.
    • The application is made to the Floodplain Administrator on county forms.
    • The source does not establish a general countywide building-permit requirement outside the specified floodplain areas.
    “Application for a Floodplain Development Permit shall be made to the Floodplain Administrator on forms furnished by the community PRIOR to any development (any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, drilling operations, or storage of equipment or materials) in the SFHAs of the community, and may include, but not be limited to, the following: plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the elevations of the area of development and the nature, location, and dimensions of existing or proposed development.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Franklin County, including municipal zoning and unincorporated areas; the county itself does not administer each municipal zoning rule.

    • Russellville has an official Building, Licensing, and Zoning Department and states that certain areas within the city are zoned for specific types of structures and uses.
    • The county subdivision regulations define subdivision jurisdiction as areas outside municipal corporate limits except areas within the territorial jurisdiction of a municipal planning commission; subdivision regulation is distinct from zoning.
    • Municipal zoning rules and county subdivision rules must be checked separately for the specific parcel.
    “Certain areas of the city are zoned for specific types of structures and uses.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Franklin County: no county rule sets this, because Franklin 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 franklineda.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 Franklin County: no county rule sets this, because Franklin 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 franklineda.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 Franklin County: no county rule sets this, because Franklin 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 franklineda.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 Franklin County: no county rule sets this, because Franklin 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 franklineda.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 Franklin County: no county rule sets this, because Franklin 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 franklineda.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 Franklin County: no county rule sets this, because Franklin 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 franklineda.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 Franklin County: no county rule sets this, because Franklin 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 franklineda.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 Franklin County: no county rule sets this, because Franklin 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 franklineda.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 Franklin County: no county rule sets this, because Franklin 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 franklineda.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 Franklin County: no county rule sets this, because Franklin 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 franklineda.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 Franklin County: no county rule sets this, because Franklin 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 franklineda.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

    Onsite sewage and septic-tank administration in Franklin County.

    • The Franklin County Health Department directs septic-tank requests to its Environmental Office.
    • The Alabama Department of Public Health coordinates the statewide program through county health departments.
    “If you have requests about septic tanks or would like to file a complaint on an establishment, please call our office and ask for the Environmental Office.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems in Franklin County, including permitting, installation, approval, and use.
      “The Soil and Onsite Sewage Branch's main objective is to coordinate the onsite sewage program in the county health departments.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction of an onsite sewage disposal system in Franklin County, including systems serving property without municipal sewer.

    • Before construction, submit an Application for a Permit to Install an Onsite Sewage Disposal System to the local county health department.
    • A Permit to Install is issued only if the application and plans are complete and meet all requirements of the rules.
    • Construction may begin only after the Permit to Install is issued.
    • Where municipal sewer is unavailable, soil suitability may need to be evaluated by a professional engineer, professional land surveyor, professional geologist, or professional soil classifier.
    • The system 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.”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    Use of an onsite septic system as sanitation where municipal sewer is unavailable or impractical in Franklin County.

    • The system must be approved through the local county health department's Permit to Install process before construction.
    • The application and plans must be complete and satisfy applicable rules.
    • The source states that some soils or lots may be unsuitable for conventional septic systems and may require professional evaluation or engineered design.
    “Septic tank systems are used where municipal sewers are not available or are impractical.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Construction or development of roads or buildings on private property used for agricultural purposes within Franklin County's subdivision jurisdiction.

    • The exclusion applies to construction or development of roads or buildings on private property used for agricultural purposes.
    • The regulations separately exclude public acquisition of strips of land for street widening or opening; immediate-family divisions under Code of Alabama 1975, § 11-24-2(d); divisions into parcels greater than five acres only when each parcel has at least 60 feet of frontage, no public-utility extension is required, and a licensed engineer opines that no additional stormwater runoff will be created; certain State Board of Health exemption parcels only when those same three criteria are met; and divisions, sales, deeds, or other transfers between adjoining property owners.
    • The agricultural exclusion is from the definition of subdivision in these county regulations; other applicable health, septic, road, drainage, building, or municipal requirements may still apply.
    “EXCLUSIONS: A subdivision shall not include any of the following: a. The construction or development of roads or buildings on private property to be used for agricultural purposes.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivisions within Franklin County's subdivision jurisdiction, defined as areas outside municipal corporate limits except areas within the territorial jurisdiction of a municipal planning commission.

    • County subdivision jurisdiction excludes areas within municipal corporate limits and areas within the territorial jurisdiction of a municipal planning commission.
    • Unless waived by the Franklin County Commission, county plat approval also applies within a municipal planning commission's territorial jurisdiction, but county approval is limited to plat approval under Code of Alabama 1975, § 11-52-30(b) and does not include enforcement.
    • No lots may be offered for sale, transfer, or lease before proposed plat approval and a permit to develop are obtained, subject to the authorized pre-sale agreement procedure.
    • A complete application must be submitted at least 30 days before County Commission consideration and include the required plat copies, construction plans for major subdivisions, Health Department field-review letter, variance documentation, adjoining-owner and utility information, and the $25 permit fee.
    • The County Engineer reviews the application; the County Commission approves the proposed plat when the County Engineer determines it meets the regulations. The County Engineer then issues a $25 Permit to Develop.
    • Final plat approval requires completion or guaranteed construction of required infrastructure, payment of inspection and testing charges, as-built plans, four final-plat copies, Health Department certification, and applicable utility-provider certification.
    • Residential lots without public water or sewer must meet Franklin County Health Department minimum-lot requirements.
    • Major subdivision road standards vary by tier: Tier I requires a 20-foot crushed-aggregate roadway; Tier II requires a 20-foot bituminous asphalt roadway with 2-foot shoulders; Tier III requires a 22-foot bituminous asphalt roadway with curb and gutter.
    • An adequate storm-drainage system based on a minimum 25-year design storm is required; cross-drain pipes must have a minimum diameter of 15 inches.
    • The regulations state that they were adopted by Resolution 2022-01-18 on January 18, 2022, and apply after 30 days from the County's filing of a certified copy with the Probate Judge.

    permit to develop fee: 25 USD · minor subdivision fee: 500 plus 25 per lot/site USD · major subdivision fee: 500 plus 50 per lot/site plus 0.25 per linear foot of new road USD · proposed plat submission lead time: 30 days (before County Commission consideration) · minimum lot size without public water/sewer: determined by Franklin County Health Department regulations · minimum storm-drainage design: >= 25 year design storm · minimum cross-drain pipe diameter: >= 15 inches

    “These regulations shall be applicable to the development of any subdivision within the county’s subdivision jurisdiction and shall include the planning and construction of all public streets, roads, and drainage structures.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Development and division of land into two or more lots, plats, sites, or otherwise for sale, lease, or building development within Franklin County's subdivision jurisdiction, administered by the Franklin County Commission and County Engineer.
      “the Franklin County Commission does hereby set a policy to exercise the power and authority to review, approve, and disapprove plats for all subdivisions”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway access side drains in Franklin County subdivisions within the county's subdivision jurisdiction, for roads designed on a ditch cross section.

    • Side drain pipes in the ditch section may be installed only to provide driveway access to each lot.
    • Driveway side drains must be 20 to 32 feet long, with a 40-foot maximum for businesses.
    • Side drain pipes must have a minimum diameter of 15 inches.
    • Permitted materials are Class III concrete pipe, corrugated metal of at least 14 gauge, or HDPE pipe.
    • No more than two driveway side drains are allowed per lot.
    • If a lot has two driveway side drains, they must be separated by at least 20 feet.
    • The county subdivision jurisdiction excludes municipal corporate limits and areas within a municipal planning commission's territorial jurisdiction.

    driveway side drain length: 20-32 feet (40-foot maximum for businesses) · minimum side drain pipe diameter: >= 15 inches · maximum driveway side drains per lot: <= 2 drains · minimum separation when two drains are used: >= 20 feet

    “No more than two (2) drive side drains will be allowed per lot.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Subdivision lots within Franklin County's subdivision jurisdiction: areas outside municipal corporate limits except areas within the territorial jurisdiction of a municipal planning commission.
      “SUBDIVISION JURISDICTION: All areas outside the corporate limits of any municipality in Franklin County, except areas within the territorial jurisdiction of a municipal planning commission.”
    • Limited — Subdivision access to an existing or proposed arterial within Franklin County's subdivision jurisdiction.
      “Where a subdivision borders on or contains an existing or proposed arterial, the County Commission may require that access to such arterial be limited by one of the following means: (1) The subdivision of lots so as to back onto the arterial and front onto a parallel minor road; with no access to be provided from the arterial, and screening to be provided in a strip of land along the rear property line of such lots; (2) A series of cul-de-sacs, U-shaped streets, or short loops entered from and designed generally at right angles to such a parallel street, with the rear lines of their terminal lots backing onto the arterial; (3) A marginal access or service road (separated from the arterial by a planting or grass strip and having access thereto at suitable points).”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas and additional Community Flood Hazard Areas within Franklin County, Alabama.

    • A Floodplain Development Permit is required before any development begins in identified SFHAs or additional identified Community Flood Hazard Areas.
    • The ordinance applies to all FEMA SFHAs and additional areas designated by Franklin County as floodplains or areas subject to flooding.
    • No structure or land may be located, extended, converted, or altered without full compliance with the ordinance and other applicable regulations.
    • Where the ordinance conflicts or overlaps with another restriction, the more stringent restriction prevails.
    “PRIOR to the commencement of any development”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Subdivision developments within Franklin County's subdivision jurisdiction, including county review and approval of subdivision plats.

    • The total fee depends on the type of subdivision defined in Section 2-1-61.
    • The developer is responsible for all charges, including inspection and testing, incurred by the county during the subdivision approval process.
    • Permit to Develop fee is $25; the regulation states the county may charge up to $25 under amended law.
    • Minor subdivision fee is $500 plus $25 per lot/site.
    • Major subdivision fee is $500 plus $50 per lot/site plus $0.25 per linear foot of new road to be constructed.
    • The regulations state that, unless waived by the Franklin County Commission, they also apply to county plat approval for developments within a municipal planning commission's territorial jurisdiction; in that circumstance county approval is limited to approval required by Code of Alabama 1975 §11-52-30(b) and does not include enforcement.
    • The regulations were adopted by Resolution 2022-01-18 on January 18, 2022.
    • The regulations apply from 30 days after the County files a certified copy with the Probate Judge; the source does not state the filing date.

    Permit to Develop fee: 25 USD (County may charge up to $25 under amended law) · Minor Subdivision Fee: 500 plus 25 per lot/site USD · Major Subdivision Fee: 500 plus 50 per lot/site plus 0.25 per linear foot of new road USD

    “The fee schedule is as follows: (1) Permit to Develop: A permit fee of $ 25 (County may charge up to $ 25 under amended law);”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Permit-to-develop and subdivision review fees for subdivisions within Franklin County's subdivision jurisdiction.
      “The fee schedule is as follows: (1) Permit to Develop: A permit fee of $ 25 (County may charge up to $ 25 under amended law); and (2) Minor Subdivision Fee: $_500 plus $ 25 per lot/ site in the development; or (3) Major Subdivision Fee: $ 500 plus $ 50 per lot/ site plus $ 0.25/ linear foot on new road to be constructed.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Franklin County subdivision-development permit and review fees within the County's subdivision jurisdiction, which is generally outside incorporated municipalities but excludes areas within a municipal planning commission's territorial jurisdiction.
      “Franklin County has established the following schedule of fees, as authorized under Code of Alabama 1975 Section 11-24-3, to cover costs associated with the inspection and review of subdivision developments. [...] (1) Permit to Develop: A permit fee of $ 25 (County may charge up to $ 25 under amended law); and (2) Minor Subdivision Fee: $_500 plus $ 25 per lot/ site in the development; or (3) Major Subdivision Fee: $ 500 plus $ 50 per lot/ site plus $ 0.25/ linear foot on new road to be constructed. [...] 2-1-62 SUBDIVISION JURISDICTION: All areas outside the corporate limits of any municipality in Franklin County, except areas within the territorial jurisdiction of a municipal planning commission.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Floodplain development permitting in Franklin County-designated flood hazard areas, including FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas and additional Community Flood Hazard Areas.

    • A Floodplain Development Permit must be obtained before commencement of development in the identified areas.
    • The ordinance applies to FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas and additional areas designated by Franklin County as floodplains or areas subject to flooding.
    • The ordinance adopts by reference the FEMA Flood Insurance Study dated September 29, 2010, accompanying FIRMs, supporting data, and revisions.
    • This is a partial process finding and does not establish the complete process for all county or municipal permits.

    FEMA Flood Insurance Study date: September 29, 2010 (The ordinance also adopts accompanying FIRMs, supporting data, and revisions.)

    “A Floodplain Development Permit shall be required”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Onsite-sewage and small-/large-flow development applications and permits administered through the Franklin County Health Department.
      “The Franklin County Health Department provides the following services to the public. [...] Small and Large Flow Development-Applications and Permits Onsite Sewage-Applications and Permits”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    The county has no planning or zoning department; only the incorporated municipalities administer zoning, leaving unincorporated county land unzoned.

    Franklin County Development Authority - Licenses & Permits ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Alabama rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Residential owner-builders in Franklin County subject to Alabama's Home Builders Licensure Law.

    • The owner must act as the owner's own contractor.
    • The owner must provide all material supervision.
    • The project must build or improve a one-family or two-family residence on the owner's property.
    • The residence must be for the occupancy or use of the owner and must not be offered for sale.
    • The exemption is nontransferable and may not be transferred to an agent through a power of attorney.
    • Selling or offering the structure for sale within one year after completion is presumptive evidence that construction was undertaken for sale.
    • 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 subcontracted undertaking exceeds $10,000.
    • This is a licensing exemption and does not itself establish exemption from any separate building-permit, inspection, floodplain, or municipal requirement.

    residence type: one-family or two-family · sale presumption period: 1 year after completion (sale or offering for sale is presumptive evidence of construction for sale) · subcontractor undertaking threshold: > 10000 USD (subcontractor must be licensed)

    “The Home Builders Licensure Law provides an exemption for homeowners who build or improve their own residence 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 on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale. This exemption is a nontransferable privilege.”
    5 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Owner-builders in Franklin County claiming Alabama’s residential home-builder licensing exemption.
      “The Home Builders Licensure Law provides an exemption for homeowners who build or improve their own residence for their own occupancy or use.”
    • Conditional — Owners constructing or improving one-family or two-family residences on their property in Franklin County, Alabama, for their own occupancy or use under Alabama's residential home-builder licensing law.
      “The Home Builders Licensure Law provides an exemption for homeowners who build or improve their own residence for their own occupancy or use.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Owners acting as their own contractor when building or improving one-family or two-family residences on their property for their own occupancy or use, including in Franklin County.
      “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 may not be transferred to any other person, including, but not limited to, an agent through a power of attorney.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Alabama Home Builders Licensure Law licensing exemption for an owner acting as the owner’s own residential contractor when building or improving a one-family or two-family residence for the owner’s own occupancy or use.
      “Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing all material supervision themselves, when building or improving one-family or two-family residences on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale. This exemption is a nontransferable privilege.”
    • Conditional — Owners building or improving one-family or two-family residences in Alabama for their own occupancy or use.
      “Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing all material supervision themselves, when building or improving one-family or two-family residences”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Alabama's State Building Code for state-owned or state-funded work, public and private K-12 schools, public postsecondary schools, hotels and motels, movie theaters, and specified municipal and county-owned projects; residential construction is governed through the Alabama Residential Building Code framework and applicable local residential codes.

    • The State Building Code is limited to new construction, additions, renovations, mechanical, electrical, plumbing-system modifications, sitework, and generally work on state-owned property or using state funds; public and private K-12 schools; public postsecondary schools; hotels and motels; and movie theaters.
    • DCM's jurisdiction over municipal and county-owned projects is limited to projects meeting ADA Standards.
    • DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except hotels, motels, and movie theaters.
    • The 2021 International Building Code was adopted July 1, 2022 and amended March 17, 2025 with portions of the 2024 International Building Code and Companion codes.
    • The 2021 International Building Code amendments replace Chapter 2 flammable-gas definitions and specified sections including Table 307.1(1), 307.4, 307.5, 414.2.5, and Table 414.5.1, and add Section 414.2.5.4 and Table 414.2.5.4 from the 2024 International Building Code.
    • The 2021 International Mechanical Code amendments replace, add, and remove the sections and referenced standards listed on the official State Building Code page, including ASHRAE 15-2022, ASHRAE 34-2022, ASTM A333-18, UL/CSA 60335-2-40-2022, and UL/CSA 60335-2-89-2021.
    • The 2021 International Fire Code amendments replace, add, and renumber the sections and tables listed on the official State Building Code page, including provisions from the 2024 International Fire Code.
    • The Alabama Residential Building Code is to be adopted by the Home Builders Licensure Board and applies to construction and improvements governed by the Home Builders Licensure Law.
    • The Alabama Residential Building Code is enforced by local jurisdictions with permitting and inspection programs and does not supersede a local residential building code adopted by a county or municipality in effect on January 1, 2027.
    • Beginning January 1, 2027, residential home builders must construct, renovate, or repair residences or structures in accordance with the applicable state or local residential building code.
    • The Alabama Residential Building Code does not apply to an agricultural building except for a residence contained therein.

    International Building Code edition: 2021 (Amended with portions of the 2024 International Building Code and Companion codes) · International Building Code adoption date: 2022-07-01 · International Building Code amendment date: 2025-03-17 · residential-code applicability date: 2027-01-01 (Beginning on this date, residential home builders must use the applicable state or local residential building code)

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

    Installation inspections for manufactured homes and manufactured buildings, including modulars, installed in unincorporated Franklin County.

    • Manufactured homes or manufactured buildings may not be skirted until a Commission inspector has inspected the setup.
    • Effective May 1, 2006, multi-section residential units/homes may not be trimmed out until a Commission inspector has inspected the marriage line from inside and outside the home.
    • If the Commission has not inspected within ten days after notification, the home or building may be skirted.
    • The rule is an Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission installation inspection rule and does not establish a general county building-inspection program.

    inspection-notification fallback: 10 days (If the Commission has not inspected within ten days after notification, the home or building may be skirted.)

    “Manufactured homes or manufactured buildings shall not be skirted until a Commission inspector has inspected the setup.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Required DCM construction inspections, pre-construction conferences, and substantial-completion determinations for projects within the narrower DCM inspection jurisdiction.
      “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.”
    • 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 inspectionRequired

    Onsite sewage system or innovative effluent discharge system installations and repairs statewide, including Franklin County.

    • Except as allowed in Rule 420-3-1-.08, no part of the installation may be covered until the local health department has an opportunity to inspect and necessary corrections are made.
    • The OSS/EDS may not be used until the local health department issues an Approval for Use.
    • If the local health department cannot inspect within 30 minutes after the agreed inspection time because of resource constraints, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances, it may allow a licensed installer to cover the installation or repair.
    • Before Approval for Use, the installer must install or repair pursuant to a valid permit, agree on an inspection time, notify the LHD of installation problems, and submit completed ADPH Form CEP-5 within three business days of completion.
    • For an engineered system, the engineer must submit ADPH Form CEP-6 when applicable.
    • The rule chapter was published December 30, 2022, effective February 13, 2023.

    inspection-delay exception: 30 minutes (The LHD may allow covering when resource constraints, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances prevent inspection within 30 minutes after the agreed inspection time.)

    “Except as allowed in this rule, no part of any installation shall be covered or used until the LHD is afforded an opportunity to inspect”
  • 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”
  • 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 Franklin County

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

  • Building permitRequired

    Most construction projects within the City of Russellville, Franklin County, Alabama.

    • The source is limited to the City of Russellville and does not establish a countywide or unincorporated-county rule.
    • The page states that most construction projects require permits, not that every project requires one.
    “Most construction projects require building permits.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    New construction and many types of remodeling within the City of Russellville, Franklin County, Alabama.

    • The source is limited to the City of Russellville and does not establish a countywide or unincorporated-county rule.
    • Inspections occur at many phases and for different areas, including electrical work and plumbing; the page does not provide a complete inspection schedule.
    “New construction and many types of remodeling require inspections at many phases for different areas, such as electrical work and plumbing.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning within the City of Russellville, Franklin County, Alabama.

    • The cited zoning statement applies to areas within the city limits of Russellville.
    • The City of Russellville states that certain areas are zoned for specific structures and uses and that residential areas may have covenants and restrictions.
    • Building permits and phased inspections may also apply to construction projects.
    “Certain areas of the city are zoned for specific types of structures and uses.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning within the City of Russellville, an incorporated municipality in Franklin County, Alabama.
      “Certain areas of the city are zoned for specific types of structures and uses.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Land and structures within the incorporated City of Russellville, Franklin County, Alabama.
      “Certain areas of the city are zoned for specific types of structures and uses.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Short-term rentals — Short-term or vacation rentals in Franklin County, Alabama.

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

Living off-grid in Franklin County, Alabama

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

Franklin County scores 76/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

Franklin 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 Franklin County Health Department (under Alabama Department of Public Health, Onsite Sewage Program). 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 Franklin County?

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

Land in Franklin County runs about $3,526 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Franklin County?

Franklin County gets about 59.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.7% of years.

How remote is Franklin County?

A representative private-land location has about 10,557 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,862,030 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 Franklin compares in Alabama

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