Bolthole Index

Greene County, Alabama

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Greene County, Alabama

77Index Score / 100
#18 of 67 in Alabama

Unincorporated Greene County, Alabama is recorded as not requiring a general county building permit, but the county does not publish an express exemption, so confirm with the Greene County Commission before work begins1. Greene County is recorded as having no county zoning, while municipal building-permit and zoning rules remain separate and unconfirmed2. Septic permits for properties without public sewer are administered by the Greene County Health Department in both incorporated and unincorporated areas unless a separate local rule applies34.

At a glance

Building permit
Recorded as not required in unincorporated Greene County; confirm with the County Commission before starting work1
Building inspection
A county inspection program could not be confirmed; ask the County Commission before construction1
Zoning
Recorded as no county zoning in unincorporated Greene County; municipal zoning is separate and unconfirmed2
Septic permits
Required through the Greene County Health Department for a new system or repairs where public sewer is unavailable, including municipal addresses unless a separate local rule applies543
RV and tiny-home use
No county zoning restriction on unincorporated land; wastewater and other statewide rules still apply67
Minimum size and setbacks
No county minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size or setback under the no-zoning answer6
Owner-builder
A qualifying owner may use Alabama's home-builder licensing exemption but must personally supervise; building and septic approvals remain separate8
Manufactured home
County zoning does not restrict placement, but Alabama installation and occupancy standards apply69

Who to call

Septic permits

Greene County Health Department

Septic-tank requests through the Environmental Office

205-372-9361

412 Morrow Avenue, Eutaw, Alabama 35462-1109

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

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Greene 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 Greene County, Alabama?

Unincorporated Greene County is recorded as not requiring a general building permit, and the published county directory lists no building department or building inspector1. The directory does not expressly say that a building permit is unnecessary, so ask the Greene County Commission to confirm the current rule for the parcel and project before ordering materials. Alabama authorizes county commissions to adopt residential building codes in unincorporated areas, but that authority does not prove Greene County adopted one10. The Division of Construction Management's State Building Code covers specified state, school, hotel, motel and theater work, not ordinary residential property11. Alabama's residential-code framework changes on January 1, 2027, when builders must follow the applicable state or local residential code12. Greene County building inspections and certificates of occupancy remain unconfirmed; ask the Commission rather than treating the absence of a listed building office as an exemption.

Who issues building and septic permits in Greene County?

Greene County does not publish a building-permit office, so the Greene County Commission is the place to confirm whether a building permit or inspection applies in unincorporated territory1. Inside a municipality, ask that city or town about its own building permit and zoning approval; the local municipal rules could not be confirmed. Septic authority does not automatically move to a city: the Greene County Health Department administers septic permits in incorporated and unincorporated areas unless a separate local rule applies3. Call 205-372-9361 or visit 412 Morrow Avenue, Eutaw, Alabama 35462-1109, and ask for the Environmental Office about septic-tank requests13. A state-highway driveway permit is separate: submit form BM-111 to the ALDOT District Administrator14. County-road driveway requirements could not be confirmed, so ask the county highway office when access is not on a state route.

Does Greene County have zoning?

Unincorporated Greene County is recorded as having no county zoning, and the county directory lists no planning or zoning department2. Alabama counties generally lack broad land-use authority, although state law allows limited regulation in particular situations such as flood-prone areas and airport hazards15. For unincorporated Greene County, the resulting no-zoning answer sets no county minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit6. The same answer leaves accessory dwellings, RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home placement and temporary camping unrestricted by county zoning6. County zoning is only one layer: septic approval remains with the Greene County Health Department even for municipal addresses unless a separate local rule applies3. Zoning inside Eutaw, Boligee, Forkland and Union could not be confirmed, so contact the relevant municipality about zoning approval while separately contacting the Health Department about septic permits.

How do septic permits work in Greene County?

A Greene County home or business not connected to public sanitary sewer must obtain a septic permit from the local health department before installing a new onsite sewage system or repairing one16. The Greene County Health Department administers that process in incorporated and unincorporated areas unless a separate local rule applies3. Submit the Permit to Install application and complete plans to the Health Department; construction may begin only after issuance, and the installer must be licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board17. Only 7.6% of Greene County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so obtain the soil evaluation before fixing the house location or budget18. The Health Department must have an opportunity to inspect, and the system cannot be used until it issues Approval for Use19. Composting toilets and graywater were not confirmed as substitutes, so ask the Environmental Office before relying on either7.

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

Unincorporated Greene County's no-zoning answer does not impose a county zoning restriction on RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, accessory dwellings, manufactured-home placement or temporary camping6. Wastewater approval remains separate: a residence without public sewer still needs an approved onsite sewage solution from the Greene County Health Department, and the available rule does not confirm every alternative sanitation method37. A manufactured home must be installed by an Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission-certified installer and comply with statewide installation and occupancy standards9. Municipal building-permit and zoning rules in Eutaw, Boligee, Forkland and Union could not be confirmed, so ask the municipality before placing or occupying an RV or small dwelling inside its limits; septic permits ordinarily remain with the Health Department unless a separate local rule applies3. For a site-built tiny home, ask the Commission about the current building-code and inspection status, especially as Alabama's residential-code framework changes on January 1, 202712.

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated; ask the Greene County Commission about the building permit, building inspection, floodplain permit and subdivision approval, because only the general building-permit answer is recorded and the directory does not state an express exemption120.
  1. For land inside a municipality, ask the city or town about its building permit and zoning approval; ask the Greene County Health Department separately about the septic permit3.
  1. If public sewer is unavailable, arrange soils work, submit the onsite sewage application and wait for the Permit to Install before construction17.
  1. Use a licensed onsite-wastewater installer and obtain Approval for Use before occupancy19.
  1. An owner-builder exemption removes qualifying state home-builder licensing, not any applicable building permit, septic permit or inspection; the owner must personally supervise8. Agricultural-building relief likewise concerns home-builder licensing and excludes a residence inside the building21.
  1. Before building access to a state highway, submit form BM-111 to the ALDOT District Administrator14.

What should you check before buying land in Greene County?

Start with wastewater feasibility because only 7.6% of Greene County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field18. Check whether a proposed homesite or access route lies in a Special Flood Hazard Area, where the applicable local community must require a development permit for development or land-disturbing activity22. Confirm legal road access and determine whether the connection is to a state highway, because a state-highway turnout requires ALDOT approval23. Greene County is 75.7% wooded and 91.5% of its land has a slope of 15% or less, so clearing, drainage and the exact buildable area matter more than countywide averages2425. Annual precipitation is about 55 inches, which makes site drainage worth evaluating alongside flood maps and soil results26. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, with a median annual property-tax bill of about $4222728. Also review the deed, easements and any private restrictions before closing.

Watch-outs

  • Greene County's directory does not expressly confirm a building-permit exemption, inspection process or certificate-of-occupancy rule; ask the County Commission before construction1.
  • Municipal zoning in Eutaw, Boligee, Forkland and Union could not be confirmed; contact the relevant municipality for land inside or near its limits2.
  • A septic system cannot be used until the local health department issues Approval for Use19.
  • Alabama's residential-code framework changes on January 1, 2027, so reconfirm the code and enforcement path for projects extending into that year12.

Sources

  1. Greene County Commission - Directory (2026 county census)
  2. Greene County Commission - Directory (2026 county census)
  3. Soil and Onsite Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  4. Onsite Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  5. ADPH - Soil and Onsite Sewage (2026 county census)
  6. Alabama law on county zoning and building authority
  7. Onsite Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  8. Exemptions – Home Builders Licensure Board, quoted and re-checked
  9. Installers, quoted and re-checked
  10. Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. State Building Code | Alabama Division of Construction Management, quoted and re-checked
  12. Home Builders Licensure Law and 2025 legislative changes (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Greene County Health Department (alabamapublichealth.gov)
  14. Permits, quoted and re-checked
  15. Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Onsite Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  17. Can I Live On This Lot?, quoted and re-checked
  18. 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
  19. Soil and Onsite Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  20. Handbook for Alabama County Commissioners, quoted and re-checked
  21. Home Builders Licensure Law, quoted and re-checked
  22. Floodplain Management in Alabama Quick Guide, quoted and re-checked
  23. Permits, quoted and re-checked
  24. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 5 of the neighbors with published rules, Greene County has no countywide zoning.

RuleGreene CountySumter CountyHale CountyPickens CountyMarengo CountyTuscaloosa CountyPerry County
Building permitNot requiredLimitedNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot required
County zoningNoNot publishedNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsADPH Greene County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Greene County in Alabama

77
County map
Greene County highlighted among the Alabama counties · colored by Index score

How Greene County scores

Seclusion71100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency64100% ev.
Admin Boringness86100% ev.
Durability57100% 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 →

$136kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$2,573Land / acre
55"Annual rain
4.4% of yrsSevere drought
16.7 / yr (+15)Mid-century 100°F days
16.8 daysMid-century dry spell
2.56" (+6.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.4×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,974Home insurance / yr
-0.4% / yrInsurance growth
1.32%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
6,309People within 30 min
1,626,970People within 2 hr
10,468Radius comparison (15 mi)
11.3People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
91.5%Land at 15% slope or less
7.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
29,832 acWorkable land screen
75.7%Wooded land
48.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
64.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Greene County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Town of Boligee · Eutaw · Town of Forkland · Town of Union

Answers from the rulebook for Greene County

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

Greene County rules

  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Greene 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 greenecountycommission.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 Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Greene 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 greenecountycommission.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 Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Greene 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 greenecountycommission.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 Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Greene 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 greenecountycommission.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 Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Greene 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 greenecountycommission.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 Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Greene 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 greenecountycommission.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 Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Greene 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 greenecountycommission.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 Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Greene 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 greenecountycommission.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 Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Greene 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 greenecountycommission.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 Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Greene 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 greenecountycommission.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 Greene County: no county rule sets this, because Greene 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 greenecountycommission.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.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    No county planning or zoning department is listed among Greene County offices; land-use regulation is left to the county's municipalities.

    Greene County Commission - Directory ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Alabama rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Residential construction undertakings in Alabama for which the Home Builders Licensure Law requires a residential home builders license and a local incorporated municipality, municipal subdivision, or county authority issues the building or similar permit.

    • The issuing building official must refuse the permit unless the applicant provides evidence of the required license or an exemption.
    • The cited provision addresses undertakings requiring a license; it does not establish that every residential project statewide requires a building permit.
    • Local building-permit rules and local building codes remain applicable.
    “to refuse to issue a permit for any undertaking which would require a license hereunder unless the applicant has furnished evidence”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Alabama residential home-builder licensing for an owner constructing or improving the owner's own one-family or two-family residence, including in Greene County.

    • 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 on the owner's property.
    • The residence must be for the occupancy or use of the owner and not offered for sale.
    • The exemption is nontransferable, including to an agent through a power of attorney.
    • Sale or offering the structure for sale within one year after completion is presumptive evidence that construction was undertaken for sale.
    • A homeowner who hires or compensates someone to supervise the work is not acting as the owner's own contractor.
    • Subcontractors hired by an exempt homeowner must be licensed if the cost of the undertaking for the portion performed exceeds $10,000.
    • This is a licensing exemption and does not itself establish exemption from any separately applicable building permit, inspection, septic, or other local requirement.

    subcontractor undertaking cost threshold: > 10000 USD (The subcontractor must be licensed if the cost of the portion hired exceeds $10,000.) · sale or offer for sale after completion: <= 1 year (Presumptive evidence that construction was undertaken for the purpose of sale.)

    “The Home Builders Licensure Law provides an exemption for homeowners who build or improve their own residence for their own occupancy or use.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Alabama residential home-builder licensing for an owner building or improving a one-family or two-family residence on the owner's property for the owner's occupancy or use, including in Greene County.
      “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) — 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
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Projects within Alabama Division of Construction Management jurisdiction, including state-owned or state-funded work, K-12 schools, public postsecondary institutions, hotels/motels, and movie theaters in or affecting Greene County.
      “The 2021 International Building Code adopted on July 1, 2022, with exceptions as noted below amended March 17, 2025 with portions of the 2024 International Building Code and Companion codes, as the State Building Code and enforced by the Division of Construction Management (DCM) includes the following:”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — State Building Code requirements administered and enforced by the Alabama Division of Construction Management for state-owned or state-funded construction, K-12 schools, public postsecondary schools, hotels and motels, movie theaters, and other work within DCM jurisdiction.
      “The State Building Code is limited to any new construction, addition, renovation, modification of mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, sitework and generally any and all work on state-owned property and/or using state funds, on all public and private kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) schools, on public postsecondary schools, on hotels/motels and on movie theaters. DCM's code jurisdiction over plans and specifications of all municipal and county-owned projects is limited to such projects meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards. DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except for hotels/motels and movie theaters.”
    • Partial — Residential construction and improvements governed by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Law, including ordinary residential construction beginning January 1, 2027.
      “The Alabama Residential Building Code shall be enforced by local jurisdictions that have permitting and inspection programs for residential construction and improvements that are adhered to by residential home builders. The Alabama Residential Building Code shall not supersede any local residential building code adopted by any county or municipality in effect on January 1, 2027. [...] Beginning January 1, 2027, a residential home builder within this state who constructs, renovates, or repairs a residence or structure shall do so in accordance with applicable residential building code adopted pursuant to Section 34-14A-12 or, if applicable, the local jurisdiction’s residential building code.”
    • Partial — Construction within the Alabama Division of Construction Management jurisdiction, including state-owned or state-funded work, public and private K-12 schools, public higher-education institutions, hotels, motels, and movie theaters.
      “The 2021 International Building Code [...] DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except for hotels/motels and movie theaters.”
    • Partial — Construction within the Alabama Division of Construction Management jurisdiction, including state-owned or state-funded property, public and private K-12 schools, public higher-education institutions subject to the stated ACCS limitation, hotels/motels, and movie theaters.
      “The State Building Code is limited to any new construction, addition, renovation, modification of mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, sitework”
    • Partial — Residential building-code investigations by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board involving contracts entered into on or after February 13, 2022, in Alabama cities and counties that have not adopted a residential building code.
      “In cities and counties that have not adopted a residential building code, the Board will apply the 2015 International Residential building Code (IRC)”
    • Partial — Alabama's statutory framework authorizing county commissions to adopt building laws and codes for unincorporated areas and recognizing municipal building laws or codes within municipal police jurisdictions.
      “The county commissions of the several counties are authorized and empowered to adopt building laws and codes by ordinance”
    • Partial — Residential construction and improvements statewide under the Alabama Residential Building Code framework.
      “The Alabama Residential Building Code shall not supersede any local residential building code adopted by any county or municipality in effect on January 1, 2027.”
    • Partial — Residential construction and improvements governed by Alabama's Home Builders Licensure Law, including construction in local jurisdictions without an already adopted residential building code.
      “Beginning January 1, 2027, a residential home builder within this state who constructs, renovates, or repairs a residence or structure shall do so”
    • Partial — Projects within the Alabama Division of Construction Management's State Building Code jurisdiction, including state construction and specified school, hotel/motel, and movie-theater projects; not ordinary residential property.
      “DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except for hotels/motels and movie theaters.”
    • Partial — Residential construction in Alabama where a county or municipality has a permitting and inspection program or has adopted a local residential building code; this is not a uniform DCM residential-code jurisdiction.
      “The Alabama Residential Building Code shall be enforced by local jurisdictions”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Required DCM construction inspections, pre-construction conferences, and substantial-completion determinations for projects within the narrower DCM inspection jurisdiction.

    • DCM-required inspections are limited to state-funded construction, any project on state-owned property, public K-12 schools including charter schools, public universities, and ACCS projects with Notices-to-Proceed issued before August 1, 2021.
    • DCM's broader plan-review/code jurisdiction also includes private K-12 schools, hotels/motels, and movie theaters, but the official DCM jurisdiction page does not include those categories in its stated required-inspection list.
    • Inspections must be requested by the contractor in writing or by email to the design professional, who coordinates with the DCM inspector.
    • A permit fee must be paid before scheduling the required DCM pre-construction conference; inspection benchmarks, including periodic, special, final, and year-end inspections when applicable, must then be met.
    • Fully locally-funded public K-12 projects require DCM pre-construction conferences and inspections regardless of estimated construction cost.
    “Conducts required pre-construction conferences, inspections and substantial completions limited to state-funded construction, any project on state-owned property, public K-12 (including charter) schools, on public universities, and on ACCS projects with Notices-to-Proceed issued prior to August 1, 2021.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Residential construction and improvements in Alabama local jurisdictions that have permitting and inspection programs.
      “The Alabama Residential Building Code shall be enforced by local jurisdictions that have permitting and inspection programs for residential construction and improvements”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Residential projects in Alabama municipalities that issue a certificate of occupancy and for which the builder is subject to the Home Builders Licensure Law.

    • An updated list of subcontractors must be furnished before issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the municipality.
    • The provision does not establish a statewide requirement that every residential project obtain a certificate of occupancy.
    • The builder must provide the subcontractor list within three working days after hiring an added subcontractor; the initial list is due within 15 days after issuance of the building permit if requested by the issuing municipality.
    • No license fee for subcontractors is required as a condition of issuing a building permit or certificate of occupancy.

    initial subcontractor list deadline: 15 days after building permit issuance (only if requested by the issuing municipality) · added subcontractor list deadline: 3 working days after hiring

    “An updated list of subcontractors shall be furnished by the builder before the issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the municipality.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems serving property in Greene County, including unincorporated areas and incorporated municipalities unless a separate local rule applies.

    • The Alabama Department of Public Health establishes and enforces statewide onsite sewage requirements.
    • The local health department receives and reviews permit applications and administers local field activities.
    • Greene County Health Department identifies its Environmental Office as the contact for septic-tank requests.
    “The Soil and Onsite Sewage Branch's main objective is to coordinate the onsite sewage program in the county health departments.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed — Alabama's statewide onsite sewage program and its administration through local county health departments.
      “The Soil and Onsite Sewage Branch's main objective is to coordinate the onsite sewage program in the county health departments.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Homeowners and businesses in Greene County that are not connected to a public sanitary sewer system and that install a new onsite sewage disposal system or repair an existing system.

    • A permit from the local health department is required before installation of a new system or repairs to an existing system.
    • The application must include professional soils information, a legal description, a plot plan, a vicinity map, and in some instances a construction plan.
    • The owner or agent must submit the application with the applicable fee for review.
    • The health department reviews the application and soil-test results; a permit is issued if the application is approved.
    • Greene County Health Department records confirm that it issues new onsite sewage disposal permits.
    “Alabama State Law requires homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer system to obtain a permit from the local health department [...]”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Homeowners and businesses statewide that are not connected to a public sanitary sewer and intend to install a new onsite sewage system or repair an existing one.
      “Alabama State Law requires homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer to obtain a permit from the local health department”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Onsite sewage treatment and disposal system installation or repair in Greene County, Alabama, under Alabama statewide rules administered through the local health department.

    • Before an OSS/EDS is covered or used, the local health department must be afforded an opportunity to inspect and necessary corrections must be made, except as allowed by Rule 420-3-1-.08.
    • An OSS/EDS may not be used until the local health department issues an Approval for Use.
    • Before Approval for Use, the installer must use a valid Permit to Install (Repair) and agree upon an inspection time and date with the local health department Public Health Environmentalist.
    • The installer must contact the Public Health Environmentalist by 9 a.m. on the inspection date to verify that the system will be ready.
    • If applicable, the installer must notify the engineer that the OSS/EDS is ready for inspection so ADPH Form CEP-6 can be submitted under Rule 420-3-1-.34.
    • The installer must notify the local health department and professional of installation problems that may prevent compliance and stop installation until resolved; if a disruption prevents completion by the agreed inspection time, a new inspection time must be established.
    • The installer must provide a completed ADPH Form CEP-5 within 3 business days of system completion, or on the local health department's first regularly scheduled business day after an intervening holiday.
    • The local health department may allow a licensed installer to cover an OSS/EDS installation or repair when resource constraints, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances prevent inspection within 30 minutes after the agreed inspection time.
    • The local health department may authorize a licensed installer to install or repair a Conventional OSS outside normal local health department business hours.

    inspection scheduling deadline: 9 a.m. on the inspection date · local health department inspection delay for cover authorization: >= 30 minutes after agreed inspection time (Resource constraints, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances must prevent the inspection.) · ADPH Form CEP-5 submission deadline: <= 3 business days after system completion (If an intervening holiday occurs, submit on the local health department's first regularly scheduled business day afterward.)

    “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 and any necessary corrections are made, An OSS/EDS shall not be used until an Approval for Use has been issued by the LHD.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Onsite sanitation for Greene County homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer system.

    • A permit from the local health department is required before installing a new onsite sewage disposal system or repairing an existing system.
    • A permit application requires professional soils information, a legal description, a plot plan, a vicinity map, and sometimes a construction plan.
    • The health department reviews the application and soil-test results and issues a permit only if the application is approved.
    • The source does not establish rules for every alternative sanitation technology, such as composting toilets or graywater systems.
    “Alabama State Law requires homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer to obtain a permit from the local health department [...]”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (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.
      “Septic tank systems are used where municipal sewers are not available or are impractical.”
  • Well permitLimited

    New groundwater wells and alterations to existing groundwater wells extracting at least 50 gallons per minute when the well is in Alabama's coastal area or its 50-year capture zone extends into the coastal area.

    • A permit from ADEM is required for the covered installation or alteration.
    • The cited rule is limited to the specified coastal-area or capture-zone circumstances and does not establish a general statewide permit requirement for individual private wells.
    • ADEM states that it does not have regulatory authority over individual private wells.

    groundwater extraction rate: >= 50 gallons per minute (Applies when the well surface location is in the coastal area or the 50-year capture zone extends into the coastal area.)

    “The installation of a new well, or alteration of an existing well, for the purposes of extracting groundwater”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Residential or mobile/modular-home development statewide where wastewater service is being planned.

    • The property should be checked with the city sewer authority or local health department for availability of city sewage disposal.
    • If public sanitary sewer is unavailable or the property is not connected to it, an onsite sewage system may be used only under the applicable ADPH permit and approval requirements.
    • The source does not establish a statewide mandatory connection-to-sewer rule.
    “If it is not, you will be required to have the soil tested to see if the soil is suitable”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Agricultural buildings under Alabama's Home Builders Licensure Law, including in Greene County.

    • The exemption is for agricultural buildings only.
    • The exemption does not include any residence contained in the agricultural building.
    • This exemption addresses applicability of the Home Builders Licensure Law and does not establish exemption from county subdivision, zoning, floodplain, septic, or other requirements.
    “(7) Agricultural buildings, except for any residence contained therein.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Building or improving agricultural buildings under Alabama's residential home-builders licensing law, including in Greene County
      “No residential home builders license is required to build or improve agricultural buildings except for any contained therein. Ala. Code § 34-14A-6(7).”
    • Available (with conditions) — Normal agricultural land-disturbing activity in Alabama, including Greene County, for purposes of ADEM construction stormwater permit coverage.
      “Permit coverage is not required for the following: [...] Normal agricultural; and [...] Silvicultural activities.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Agricultural buildings in Greene County and elsewhere in Alabama, for purposes of exemption from Alabama residential home-builder licensure requirements.
      “This chapter does not apply to: [...] (7) Agricultural buildings, except for any residence contained therein.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Agricultural buildings under the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board residential home-builder licensing rules.
      “Agricultural buildings, as defined in Ala. Admin. Code r. 465-X-1-.01(3), except for any residence contained therein.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision development in Alabama, including county authority in unincorporated areas and applicable municipal-planning-commission territorial jurisdictions.

    • Alabama does not require every county commission to adopt subdivision regulations.
    • A county may regulate subdivision development under Ala. Code § 11-24-1 et seq. if it adopts regulations and complies with statutory procedures and enforcement requirements.
    • For municipal planning commission extraterritorial areas, a county that has adopted subdivision regulations is responsible unless the statutory agreement or municipal override exceptions apply.
    • The cited handbook describes infrastructure controls for new development in unincorporated county areas but does not establish statewide minimum lot dimensions.
    “While there is no requirement in Alabama that the county commission adopt regulations regarding subdivision development, Ala. Code § 11-24-1 et seq. provides strong statutory authority for each county to regulate subdivision development within its territorial jurisdiction.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Subdivision development in Alabama, including Greene County, where the county commission elects to adopt and enforce subdivision regulations under Ala. Code § 11-24-1 et seq.
      “Ala. Code § 11-24-1 et seq. provides strong statutory authority for each county to regulate subdivision development within its territorial jurisdiction.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway access from private property to State highways in Greene County.

    • Single-family residential minimum radius is 25 feet and minimum width is 12 feet.
    • Non-commercial agriculture minimum radius is 25 feet and minimum width is 16 feet.
    • Commercial, office, retail, and subdivision minimum radius is 50 feet and minimum width is 24 feet; one-way driveways may be less than 24 feet but must be at least 12 feet.
    • Industrial-type facilities minimum radius is 75 feet and minimum width is 26 feet.
    • Commercial and industrial facilities should be individually designed for typical large trucks.
    • Designs below the listed minimums require ALDOT approval.
    • Offset accesses should be aligned directly across the roadway or meet applicable spacing requirements; otherwise minimum spacing between offset intersections is 400 feet.

    single-family residential minimum radius: >= 25 ft · single-family residential minimum width: >= 12 ft · non-commercial agriculture minimum radius: >= 25 ft · non-commercial agriculture minimum width: >= 16 ft · commercial/office/retail/subdivision minimum radius: >= 50 ft · commercial/office/retail/subdivision minimum width: >= 24 ft (One-way driveways may be less than 24 feet but must be at least 12 feet.) · industrial-type facility minimum radius: >= 75 ft · industrial-type facility minimum width: >= 26 ft · offset intersection spacing: >= 400 ft (Applies when accesses are not directly aligned and applicable spacing criteria cannot be met.)

    “Accesses on opposite sides of the road should either be lined up directly across from each other or meet the spacing requirements laid out in Table 4-1. If those criteria cannot be met, then the minimum spacing between two offset intersections should be 400’, as shown in Figure 4-8. [...] Single-Family Residential Lot 25 12 Non-Commercial Agriculture 25 16 Commercial/Office/Retail/Subdivisions 50* 24*† Industrial-Type Facilities 75* 26* *Should be individually designed to handle the typical large truck that uses the access connection †One-way driveways can be less than 24 feet but must be at least 12 feet. ‡Designs below these minimums only allowed with ALDOT approval”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction of a driveway or turnout from private property to a State highway in Greene County.
      “Since turnouts affect drainage and safety characteristics of the highway, a permit is required to ensure that the location and construction methods are acceptable. Individuals or businesses which require access to State highways must apply for a permit by submitting a completed BM-111 application to the District Administrator.”
    • Required — Constructing a driveway, turnout, or other access from private, publicly owned, or commercial property to an Alabama state highway.
      “Individuals or businesses which require access to State highways must apply for a permit by submitting a completed BM-111 application to the District Administrator.”
  • Building in a 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Development and land-disturbing activities in Special Flood Hazard Areas in Greene County, subject to the applicable local floodplain authority.
      “You need local floodplain development permits for these and ANY land-disturbing activities in SFHAs.”
  • 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.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage disposal permits for properties in Greene County that are not connected to public sanitary sewer.

    • The application must be submitted to the local county health department.
    • The application and plans must be complete and meet all applicable rules before a Permit to Install is issued.
    • Construction may begin only after the Permit to Install is issued.
    • The installer must be licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board.
    • ADPH publishes separate forms for small-flow systems of less than 1800 GPD or 12 bedrooms or less and large-flow developments of 1800 GPD or more or 13 bedrooms or more.

    small-flow threshold: < 1800 GPD (The form also covers systems serving twelve bedrooms or less.) · large-flow threshold: >= 1800 GPD (The form also covers systems serving thirteen bedrooms or more.)

    “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. Make sure that your system installer is licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board (AOWB).”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Onsite sewage disposal system permitting for properties in Greene County that are not served by public sewer.
      “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. Make sure that your system installer is licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board (AOWB).”
    • Partial — New onsite sewage disposal systems and repairs for homes or businesses in Greene County that are not connected to a public sanitary sewer system.
      “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.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Driveway or turnout access from private property to State highways in Greene County.
      “Since turnouts affect drainage and safety characteristics of the highway, a permit is required to ensure that the location and construction methods are acceptable. Individuals or businesses which require access to State highways must apply for a permit by submitting a completed BM-111 application to the District Administrator. Turnouts will be regulated as to width of entrance, radii, placement with respect to property lines, intersecting streets and crossovers, angle of entry, vertical alignment, drainage and number of entrances to a single property.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Alabama construction sites requiring ADEM Construction Stormwater permit coverage.
      “You will receive a permitting determination via email generally within 2 –3 days.”
  • 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.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Local zoning — Zoning adopted or administered by municipalities within Greene County, Alabama; the county aggregate cannot be established from the official sources reviewed.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Greene County, including unincorporated areas and incorporated municipalities.

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 Greene County, Alabama

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

Greene County scores 77/100 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 Greene County, Alabama?

Greene 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 ADPH Greene County Health Department (Onsite Sewage). 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 Greene County?

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

Land in Greene County runs about $2,573 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Greene County?

Greene County gets about 55" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.4% of years.

How remote is Greene County?

A representative private-land location has about 6,309 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,626,970 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 Greene compares in Alabama

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