Hale County, AL: No Building Permit, No Zoning

Unincorporated Hale County, Alabama appears not to require a county building permit for a home, but the county has legal authority to adopt a code and we could not confirm whether it has done so¹². Hale County itself has no zoning ordinance, though the towns of Greensboro and Moundville do³⁴⁵. Septic permits for every Hale County address come from the Hale County Health Department⁶.

At a glance

Building permit: No county program confirmed; ask the County Commission before building¹²
Zoning: No county planning or zoning office is listed; confirm parcel-specific rules⁷
Septic permit: Permit to Install required through the county Health Department⁸⁹
RV / tiny home living: Unrestricted by county zoning (no zoning authority)¹⁰
Owner-builder exemption: Available under state contractor-licensing law, conditions apply¹¹
Manufactured home occupancy: Allowed statewide if HUD-sealed, certified-installed and utility-connected¹²
Floodplain work: Development permit likely for improvements in a floodplain¹³

Who to call

Septic permits

Hale County Health Department

Onsite sewage (septic) permit applications and the Environmental Office's septic-tank requests for Hale County

334-624-3018

670 Hall Street, Greensboro, Alabama 36744

Roads & driveways

Hale County Engineer & Road Department

County road drainage, bridges, road surface, signage, and rights-of-way, including questions about county-road access

334-624-8110

703 Cork Street, Greensboro, AL 36744

Also useful

Hale County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)

Coordination of severe weather emergencies, floods, large fires and hazardous-materials incidents in Hale County

334-624-8160

998 Church Street, PO Box 154, Greensboro, AL 36744

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 Hale 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 Hale County, Alabama?

Hale County's listed departments include no building department, code-enforcement office or building-permit office, so a county permit does not appear to be required for an ordinary home on unincorporated land¹. That is not the same as a confirmed exemption: Alabama law allows county commissions to adopt building laws and codes for unincorporated areas, and we could not confirm whether Hale County has adopted one². Alabama's State Building Code applies to specified public, school, hotel, motel and movie-theater work, not ordinary residential property¹⁴. Ask the Hale County Commission to confirm the current county requirement before construction, and contact the municipality instead if the parcel is inside town limits¹⁵.

Who handles permits and land questions in Hale County, and how do you reach them?

Hale County does not list a building or planning department, so ask the County Commission to confirm building-code, permit and zoning questions before work begins¹⁷. For septic, call the Hale County Health Department at 334-624-3018 and ask for its Environmental Office¹⁶. For county-road drainage, bridges, access or right-of-way questions, contact the County Engineer & Road Department at 334-624-8110¹⁷. Hale County Emergency Management coordinates flood and severe-weather response, but the available office information does not identify it as the county's floodplain permitting authority¹⁸. If a parcel lies in a mapped floodplain, ask the County Commission who serves as the local building or floodplain official before planning improvements¹³.

Does Hale County have zoning?

Hale County lists no county planning or zoning office, and the available county information indicates no zoning for unincorporated land⁷. Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use authority unless a special law or another limited statute supplies it¹⁹. For unincorporated Hale County, no county zoning rule sets minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height, and county zoning does not restrict accessory dwellings, RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy or temporary camping¹⁰. The county's own plan records that Hale County has no zoning ordinance, while Greensboro, Moundville and Newbern do; that information dates from 2015, and later county ordinances were not located³²⁰. Inside Moundville, the zoning ordinance regulates construction, land uses, building height and size within town limits⁵. Greensboro publishes its zoning ordinance, zoning map and special-exception application⁴. Septic permits stay with the county health department in every town. Confirm whether the parcel is inside a town or its applicable jurisdiction before relying on the unincorporated-county answer²¹.

How do septic permits work in Hale County?

Alabama law requires a permit from the local health department before a new onsite sewage system is installed or an existing one repaired, and the application includes professional soils information, a legal description, a plot plan and a vicinity map²². A Hale County property without public sewer needs an Application for a Permit to Install before construction of an onsite sewage system, filed with the Hale County Health Department⁹¹⁶. The Health Department issues the permit only after the application and plans satisfy the rules, and construction may begin only after approval²³. The installer must be licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board²³. Only about 12.7% of Hale County soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so most county soils rate poorly for a standard system; arrange the site and soil review before buying or fixing a house location²⁴.

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

Unincorporated Hale County has no county zoning restriction on RV or tiny-home occupancy, but that zoning answer does not remove state sanitation or unit-specific rules¹⁰. Alabama treats a park model as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel or seasonal use, not as a permanent dwelling²⁵. A manufactured home used as a residence must meet Alabama's definition, use a certified installer, and carry the required HUD label and data plate before installation¹². Any onsite sewage system serving the property needs a Permit to Install before construction and approval before use²⁶. Ask the Health Department how the proposed RV or tiny home may lawfully handle wastewater¹⁶.

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

Confirm whether the parcel is inside a municipality, because municipal building and zoning rules are separate from the unincorporated-county answer¹⁵.
Ask the Hale County Commission whether it has adopted a building code or permit program; none appears in the county's listed departments, but county adoption remains unconfirmed¹².
Check the flood map and ask who administers local floodplain permits; improvements in a floodplain will likely need a development permit¹³.
Contact the Hale County Health Department early for the site and soil review, then obtain the Permit to Install before septic construction¹⁶²³.
For state-highway access, submit ALDOT Permit Form BM-111 to the District Administrator; for a county road, ask the County Engineer & Road Department about access first²⁷¹⁷.
An owner acting as contractor on an owner-occupied one-family or two-family home may use Alabama's licensing exemption if all conditions are met²⁸.

What to check before you buy land in Hale County

Get a septic site evaluation before committing to a parcel because only about 12.7% of Hale County soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field²⁴. Farmland has recently averaged around $2,543 an acre, while a typical home is valued near $178,867²⁹³⁰. About 87.7% of county land has a slope of 15% or less, but slope alone does not establish that a specific homesite or septic layout will work³¹. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.3%, with a median annual bill near $406³²³³. Sites that disturb one acre or more may need ADEM construction stormwater permit coverage, which carries a $1,385.00 application fee, and normal agricultural activities are among the listed exemptions³⁴. Before buying, confirm legal road access with the County Engineer, check floodplain status and the applicable development-permit authority, and ask the County Commission whether subdivision rules apply to a planned tract split¹⁷¹³³⁵.

Watch-outs

Hale County's building-code adoption and permit requirements could not be confirmed; ask the County Commission before relying on the absence of a listed building department¹².
A development permit will likely be needed for improvements in a Hale County floodplain, and work worth 50% or more of an existing structure's market value can trigger compliance for the entire structure¹³.
The owner-builder provision is a contractor-licensing exemption, not a building-permit exemption, and it does not remove septic requirements²⁸⁹.

Sources

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.

Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 4 of the neighbors with published rules, Hale County has no countywide zoning.

Rule	Hale County	Perry County	Greene County	Marengo County	Sumter County	Dallas County	Bibb County
Building permit	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Limited	Required	Not required
County zoning	No	No	No	No	Not published	Not published	No
Septic permits	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	ADPH Greene County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept. Env. Office	County Health Dept.

How Hale County scores

Seclusion76100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency66100% ev.

Admin Boringness86100% ev.

Durability61100% ev.

Property Autonomy39100% ev.

Carry Cost89100% 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 →

$179kTypical home

0.3%Property tax

$2,543Land / acre

54.4"Annual rain

4% of yrsSevere drought

17.2 / yr (+15.3)Mid-century 100°F days

16.1 daysMid-century dry spell

2.48" (+5.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.37×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,899Home insurance / yr

0.9% / yrInsurance growth

0.42%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

8,492People within 30 min

1,472,135People within 2 hr

14,977Radius comparison (15 mi)

23.1People / sq mi

7.5%Federal land

87.7%Land at 15% slope or less

12.7%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)

50,191 acWorkable land screen

68%Wooded land

46.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac

64.1°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Hale County

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

Hale County rules

County-wide zoningAbsent
Countywide zoning administered by Hale County; the official plan's jurisdiction table distinguishes Hale County from its incorporated communities.
- The cited official plan records participating-jurisdiction information from 2015; current amendments or later county ordinances were not located.
- This claim does not negate municipal zoning within incorporated communities.
“PLAN/POLICY Akron Greensboro Moundville Newbern Hale County [...] Zoning Ordinance N Y Y Y N”
Hale County 2015 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
Local zoningVaries
Aggregate local-zoning status across Hale County's incorporated communities and county jurisdiction.
- The official plan identifies zoning ordinances for Greensboro, Moundville, and Newbern, but not Akron or Hale County, based on 2015 participating-jurisdiction information.
- The county aggregate does not mean Hale County administers municipal ordinances.
“PLAN/POLICY Akron Greensboro Moundville Newbern Hale County [...] Zoning Ordinance N Y Y Y N”
Hale County 2015 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hale County: no county rule sets this, because Hale County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Hale County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.
- 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.”
Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hale County: no county rule sets this, because Hale County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Hale County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.
- 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.”
Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Minimum lot size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hale County: no county rule sets this, because Hale County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Hale County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.
- 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.”
Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hale County: no county rule sets this, because Hale County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Hale County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.
- 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.”
Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hale County: no county rule sets this, because Hale County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Hale County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.
- 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.”
Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Building height · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hale County: no county rule sets this, because Hale County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Hale County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.
- 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.”
Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hale County: no county rule sets this, because Hale County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Hale County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.
- 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.”
Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hale County: no county rule sets this, because Hale County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Hale County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.
- 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.”
Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hale County: no county rule sets this, because Hale County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Hale County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.
- 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.”
Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hale County: no county rule sets this, because Hale County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Hale County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.
- 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.”
Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hale County: no county rule sets this, because Hale County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Hale County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.
- 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.”
Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Who permits septicMixed
Onsite sewage and septic permitting in Hale County.
- The Alabama Department of Public Health establishes and enforces the statewide onsite sewage requirements.
- The Hale County Health Department provides onsite sewage applications and permits, septic tank permits, and Environmental Office assistance for septic-tank requests.
“The Hale County Health Department provides the following services to the public. [...] Onsite Sewage - Applications and Permits [...] Septic Tank, Grease Trap, and Holding Tank Permits”
Services | Alabama Department of Public Health ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Local (with conditions) — Onsite sewage applications and permits administered for Hale County by the Hale County Health Department
  “The Hale County Health Department provides the following services to the public. [...] Onsite Sewage - Applications and Permits”
  Services | Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
- County — Onsite sewage and septic permitting services for Hale County property.
  “The Hale County Health Department provides the following services to the public. [...] Onsite Sewage - Applications and Permits [...] Septic Tank, Grease Trap, and Holding Tank Permits”
  Services | Alabama Department of Public Health ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026

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”
Home Builders Licensure Law ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
Owners building or improving one-family or two-family residences in Alabama for their own occupancy or use.
- The owner must act as the owner's own contractor.
- The owner must provide all material supervision personally.
- The residence must be a one-family or two-family residence on the owner's property.
- The residence must be for the occupancy or use of the owners and must not be offered for sale.
- The exemption is nontransferable.
- A homeowner who hires or compensates anyone to supervise the building or improvement is not acting as the owner's own contractor.
- Subcontractors hired by an exempt homeowner must be licensed if the cost of the subcontractor's portion exceeds $10,000.
- Offering the residence for sale within one year after substantial completion is presumptive evidence that construction was undertaken for sale.
subcontractor portion cost threshold: > 10000 USD (subcontractor must be licensed when the threshold is exceeded) · sale-offer period: 1 year after substantial completion (sale or offer for sale is presumptive evidence of construction for sale)
“Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing all material supervision themselves, when building or improving one-family or two-family residences”
Exemptions ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Available (with conditions) — Homeowners acting as their own residential home builder anywhere in Alabama, including Hale County, when building or improving a one-family or two-family residence on their own property for their own occupancy or use.
  “The Home Builders Licensure Law provides an exemption for homeowners who build or improve their own residence for their own occupancy or use.”
  Exemptions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
- Available (with conditions) — Alabama Home Builders Licensure Law licensing exemption for an owner acting as the owner’s own residential contractor when building or improving a one-family or two-family residence for the owner’s own occupancy or use.
  “Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing all material supervision themselves, when building or improving one-family or two-family residences on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale. This exemption is a nontransferable privilege.”
  Exemptions ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Building code adoptedPartial
Alabama's State Building Code for state-owned or state-funded work, public and private K-12 schools, public postsecondary schools, hotels and motels, movie theaters, and specified municipal and county-owned projects; residential construction is governed through the Alabama Residential Building Code framework and applicable local residential codes.
- The State Building Code is limited to new construction, additions, renovations, mechanical, electrical, plumbing-system modifications, sitework, and generally work on state-owned property or using state funds; public and private K-12 schools; public postsecondary schools; hotels and motels; and movie theaters.
- DCM's jurisdiction over municipal and county-owned projects is limited to projects meeting ADA Standards.
- DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except hotels, motels, and movie theaters.
- The 2021 International Building Code was adopted July 1, 2022 and amended March 17, 2025 with portions of the 2024 International Building Code and Companion codes.
- The 2021 International Building Code amendments replace Chapter 2 flammable-gas definitions and specified sections including Table 307.1(1), 307.4, 307.5, 414.2.5, and Table 414.5.1, and add Section 414.2.5.4 and Table 414.2.5.4 from the 2024 International Building Code.
- The 2021 International Mechanical Code amendments replace, add, and remove the sections and referenced standards listed on the official State Building Code page, including ASHRAE 15-2022, ASHRAE 34-2022, ASTM A333-18, UL/CSA 60335-2-40-2022, and UL/CSA 60335-2-89-2021.
- The 2021 International Fire Code amendments replace, add, and renumber the sections and tables listed on the official State Building Code page, including provisions from the 2024 International Fire Code.
- The Alabama Residential Building Code is to be adopted by the Home Builders Licensure Board and applies to construction and improvements governed by the Home Builders Licensure Law.
- The Alabama Residential Building Code is enforced by local jurisdictions with permitting and inspection programs and does not supersede a local residential building code adopted by a county or municipality in effect on January 1, 2027.
- Beginning January 1, 2027, residential home builders must construct, renovate, or repair residences or structures in accordance with the applicable state or local residential building code.
- The Alabama Residential Building Code does not apply to an agricultural building except for a residence contained therein.
International Building Code edition: 2021 (Amended with portions of the 2024 International Building Code and Companion codes) · International Building Code adoption date: 2022-07-01 · International Building Code amendment date: 2025-03-17 · residential-code applicability date: 2027-01-01 (Beginning on this date, residential home builders must use the applicable state or local residential building code)
“The State Building Code is limited to any new construction, addition, renovation, modification of mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, sitework and generally any and all work on state-owned property and/or using state funds, on all public and private kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) schools, on public postsecondary schools, on hotels/motels and on movie theaters. DCM's code jurisdiction over plans and specifications of all municipal and county-owned projects is limited to such projects meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards. DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except for hotels/motels and movie theaters.”
State Building Code ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
11 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Partial — Alabama State Building Code jurisdiction relevant to Hale County only for covered state, school, hotel/motel, movie-theater, and other expressly listed projects; it is not a county residential building-code adoption.
  “The State Building Code is limited to any new construction, addition, renovation, modification of mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, sitework and generally any and all work on state-owned property and/or using state funds, on all public and private kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) schools, on public postsecondary schools, on hotels/motels and on movie theaters. DCM's code jurisdiction over plans and specifications of all municipal and county-owned projects is limited to such projects meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards. DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except for hotels/motels and movie theaters.”
  State Building Code ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- Adopted (with conditions) — State Building Code requirements administered and enforced by the Alabama Division of Construction Management for state-owned or state-funded construction, K-12 schools, public postsecondary schools, hotels and motels, movie theaters, and other work within DCM jurisdiction.
  “The State Building Code is limited to any new construction, addition, renovation, modification of mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, sitework and generally any and all work on state-owned property and/or using state funds, on all public and private kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) schools, on public postsecondary schools, on hotels/motels and on movie theaters. DCM's code jurisdiction over plans and specifications of all municipal and county-owned projects is limited to such projects meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards. DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except for hotels/motels and movie theaters.”
  State Building Code ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- Partial — Residential construction and improvements governed by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Law, including ordinary residential construction beginning January 1, 2027.
  “The Alabama Residential Building Code shall be enforced by local jurisdictions that have permitting and inspection programs for residential construction and improvements that are adhered to by residential home builders. The Alabama Residential Building Code shall not supersede any local residential building code adopted by any county or municipality in effect on January 1, 2027. [...] Beginning January 1, 2027, a residential home builder within this state who constructs, renovates, or repairs a residence or structure shall do so in accordance with applicable residential building code adopted pursuant to Section 34-14A-12 or, if applicable, the local jurisdiction’s residential building code.”
  Home Builders Licensure Law, Effective October 1, 2025 ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- Partial — Construction within the Alabama Division of Construction Management jurisdiction, including state-owned or state-funded work, public and private K-12 schools, public higher-education institutions, hotels, motels, and movie theaters.
  “The 2021 International Building Code [...] DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except for hotels/motels and movie theaters.”
  Division of Construction Management — State Building Code ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- Partial — Construction within the Alabama Division of Construction Management jurisdiction, including state-owned or state-funded property, public and private K-12 schools, public higher-education institutions subject to the stated ACCS limitation, hotels/motels, and movie theaters.
  “The State Building Code is limited to any new construction, addition, renovation, modification of mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, sitework”
  State Building Code ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- Partial — Residential building-code investigations by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board involving contracts entered into on or after February 13, 2022, in Alabama cities and counties that have not adopted a residential building code.
  “In cities and counties that have not adopted a residential building code, the Board will apply the 2015 International Residential building Code (IRC)”
  hblb.alabama.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- Partial — Alabama's statutory framework authorizing county commissions to adopt building laws and codes for unincorporated areas and recognizing municipal building laws or codes within municipal police jurisdictions.
  “The county commissions of the several counties are authorized and empowered to adopt building laws and codes by ordinance”
  Home Builders Licensure Law ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- Partial — Residential construction and improvements statewide under the Alabama Residential Building Code framework.
  “The Alabama Residential Building Code shall not supersede any local residential building code adopted by any county or municipality in effect on January 1, 2027.”
  Home Builders Licensure Board Law Effective October 1, 2025 ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- Partial — Residential construction and improvements governed by Alabama's Home Builders Licensure Law, including construction in local jurisdictions without an already adopted residential building code.
  “Beginning January 1, 2027, a residential home builder within this state who constructs, renovates, or repairs a residence or structure shall do so”
  Home Builders Licensure Law and 2025 legislative changes ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Partial — Projects within the Alabama Division of Construction Management's State Building Code jurisdiction, including state construction and specified school, hotel/motel, and movie-theater projects; not ordinary residential property.
  “DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except for hotels/motels and movie theaters.”
  Division of Construction Management Building Code Jurisdiction ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Partial — Residential construction in Alabama where a county or municipality has a permitting and inspection program or has adopted a local residential building code; this is not a uniform DCM residential-code jurisdiction.
  “The Alabama Residential Building Code shall be enforced by local jurisdictions”
  Home Builders Licensure Board Law, Effective October 1, 2025 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
InspectionsLimited
Required DCM construction inspections, pre-construction conferences, and substantial-completion determinations for projects within the narrower DCM inspection jurisdiction.
- DCM-required inspections are limited to state-funded construction, any project on state-owned property, public K-12 schools including charter schools, public universities, and ACCS projects with Notices-to-Proceed issued before August 1, 2021.
- DCM's broader plan-review/code jurisdiction also includes private K-12 schools, hotels/motels, and movie theaters, but the official DCM jurisdiction page does not include those categories in its stated required-inspection list.
- Inspections must be requested by the contractor in writing or by email to the design professional, who coordinates with the DCM inspector.
- A permit fee must be paid before scheduling the required DCM pre-construction conference; inspection benchmarks, including periodic, special, final, and year-end inspections when applicable, must then be met.
- Fully locally-funded public K-12 projects require DCM pre-construction conferences and inspections regardless of estimated construction cost.
“Conducts required pre-construction conferences, inspections and substantial completions limited to state-funded construction, any project on state-owned property, public K-12 (including charter) schools, on public universities, and on ACCS projects with Notices-to-Proceed issued prior to August 1, 2021.”
About DCM — Jurisdiction and Divisions ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Residential construction and improvements in Alabama local jurisdictions that have permitting and inspection programs.
  “The Alabama Residential Building Code shall be enforced by local jurisdictions that have permitting and inspection programs for residential construction and improvements”
  Home Builders Licensure Law, effective October 1, 2024 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Residential projects in Alabama municipalities that issue a certificate of occupancy and for which the builder is subject to the Home Builders Licensure Law.
- An updated list of subcontractors must be furnished before issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the municipality.
- The provision does not establish a statewide requirement that every residential project obtain a certificate of occupancy.
- The builder must provide the subcontractor list within three working days after hiring an added subcontractor; the initial list is due within 15 days after issuance of the building permit if requested by the issuing municipality.
- No license fee for subcontractors is required as a condition of issuing a building permit or certificate of occupancy.
initial subcontractor list deadline: 15 days after building permit issuance (only if requested by the issuing municipality) · added subcontractor list deadline: 3 working days after hiring
“An updated list of subcontractors shall be furnished by the builder before the issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the municipality.”
§ 34-14A-13 Issuance of permits ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Homeowners and businesses in Hale 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 or repair.
- 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.
- The health department reviews the application and soil-test results; a permit is issued if the application is approved.
- The source instructs applicants to contact the health department before beginning installation.
“Alabama State Law requires homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer system to obtain a permit from the local health department prior to installing a new system or making repairs to an existing onsite sewage disposal system.”
Onsite Sewage | Alabama Department of Public Health ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Required — Construction of an onsite sewage disposal system in Hale County where the property is not connected to 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.”
  Can I Live On This Lot? ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
- Required — Homeowners and businesses statewide that are not connected to a public sanitary sewer and intend to install a new onsite sewage system or repair an existing one.
  “Alabama State Law requires homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer to obtain a permit from the local health department”
  Onsite Sewage Disposal ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)
Use of an onsite septic/onsite sewage treatment and disposal system instead of connection to a municipal sewer where municipal sewers are unavailable or impractical.
- The system must comply with ADPH onsite sewage rules.
- A Permit to Install is required before construction.
- Inspection and an Approval for Use are required before occupancy.
- Site and soil suitability, professional design, and local health-department review may be required.
“Septic tank systems are used where municipal sewers are not available or are impractical.”
Septic Tank Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Well permitLimited
New groundwater wells and alterations to existing groundwater wells extracting at least 50 gallons per minute when the well is in Alabama's coastal area or its 50-year capture zone extends into the coastal area.
- A permit from ADEM is required for the covered installation or alteration.
- The cited rule is limited to the specified coastal-area or capture-zone circumstances and does not establish a general statewide permit requirement for individual private wells.
- ADEM states that it does not have regulatory authority over individual private wells.
groundwater extraction rate: >= 50 gallons per minute (Applies when the well surface location is in the coastal area or the 50-year capture zone extends into the coastal area.)
“The installation of a new well, or alteration of an existing well, for the purposes of extracting groundwater”
Coastal Permitting Information ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Residential or mobile/modular-home development statewide where wastewater service is being planned.
- The property should be checked with the city sewer authority or local health department for availability of city sewage disposal.
- If public sanitary sewer is unavailable or the property is not connected to it, an onsite sewage system may be used only under the applicable ADPH permit and approval requirements.
- The source does not establish a statewide mandatory connection-to-sewer rule.
“If it is not, you will be required to have the soil tested to see if the soil is suitable”
alabamapublichealth.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Building or improving agricultural buildings in Hale County under Alabama's residential home builders licensure law.
- No residential home builders license is required for an agricultural building.
- The exemption does not apply to any residence contained in the agricultural building.
- This is a state licensure exemption and does not establish that Hale County waives subdivision, septic, floodplain, land-use, or other local requirements.
“This chapter does not apply to: [...] (7) Agricultural buildings, except for any residence contained therein.”
Exemptions ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- 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.”
  Alabama Administrative Code, Home Builders Licensure Board Rules and Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
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.”
Handbook for Alabama County Commissioners ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Access from private, publicly owned, or commercial property to a State highway in Hale County.
- The requirement applies to access to State highways; this source does not establish requirements for county or municipal roads.
- Applicants must submit a completed BM-111 application to the District Administrator.
- Turnouts are regulated for width, radii, placement, intersecting streets and crossovers, angle of entry, vertical alignment, drainage, and number of entrances.
- All costs associated with the turnout are paid by the applicant.
- A minimum 15-inch side drain pipe is required, and Regions may require an 18-inch pipe.
side drain pipe minimum diameter: >= 15 inches (Regions have authority to require 18-inch side drain pipe.)
“Individuals or businesses which require access to State highways must apply for a permit by submitting a completed BM-111 application to the District Administrator.”
ALDOT Permit Manual ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- 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.”
  ALDOT Permit Manual ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Building in a floodplainLimited
Improvements or additions to buildings in floodplains in Hale County.
- The official guidance states that a development permit will likely be needed, rather than stating an absolute requirement for every project.
- Local requirements may be more stringent and take precedence.
- Improvements valued at 50% or more of the existing structure's market value are substantial improvements and require the entire structure to be brought into compliance with map elevations in effect when the improvement begins.
- Under certain circumstances only the addition must be elevated to the mapped flood elevations.
- The applicant should contact the local building official.
substantial improvement threshold: >= 50 percent of existing structure market value
“There may be more stringent local requirements that take precedence over those stated here. Regardless of whether your building is substantially improved, you will likely need a development permit to make the improvement and need to contact your local building official.”
My house is in a floodplain. What do I do if I want to build an addition or otherwise improve it? ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area within an Alabama community participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.
  “When a community chooses to participate in the NFIP, it must require permits for all development in the SFHA”
  My house is in a floodplain. What do I do if I want to build an addition or otherwise improve it? ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Construction stormwater permit coverage for regulated land-disturbance projects in Hale County, including unincorporated areas, when Alabama requirements apply.
- Coverage is required for sites disturbing one or more acres, qualifying common plans of development or sale, or sites whose discharges have a reasonable potential to cause or contribute to a water-quality concern.
- The source lists exemptions for normal agricultural and silvicultural activities and specified minor land-disturbing activities.
- Lake Martin has a special designation that can require coverage below one acre; the source does not identify this as applicable to Hale County.
application fee: 1385 USD (required upon submission of an application)
“An application fee of $1,385.00 will be required upon submission of an application.”
Do I Need Permit Coverage? ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Published (with conditions) — Alabama construction sites requiring ADEM Construction Stormwater permit coverage.
  “An application fee of $1,385.00 will be required upon submission of an application.”
  Do I Need Permit Coverage? ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Permit processPartial
Onsite sewage disposal permit process applicable in Hale County through the local county health department when a property is not connected to public sanitary sewer.
- The process applies to onsite sewage disposal systems, not all permit types.
- The applicant must submit an Application for a Permit to Install to the local county health department.
- A permit 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.
- The installer must be licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board.
“Before the construction of an onsite sewage disposal system, you must submit an Application for a Permit to Install an Onsite Sewage Disposal System to your local county health department. If the application and plans are complete and meet all the requirements of the rules, a 'Permit to Install' will be issued. Then and only then can you begin the construction of your system. Make sure that your system installer is licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board (AOWB).”
Services | Alabama Department of Public Health ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Published (with conditions) — Construction stormwater permit coverage for regulated land-disturbance projects in Hale County.
  “Step 3: Submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) through AEPACS”
  Do I Need Permit Coverage? ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
- 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.”
  Do I Need Permit Coverage? ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
county zoning authorityLimited
County zoning and land-use authority over unincorporated Alabama land under general state law and identified special statutory circumstances.
- General Alabama law does not grant counties broad and general land-use regulatory authority.
- Several counties have planning and zoning authority created by local law, including examples identified in the official handbook: Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson County.
- Special statutory authority includes subdivision regulation under Ala. Code § 11-24-1 et seq.; flood-prone-area land-use regulation under Ala. Code § 11-19-1 et seq.; and airport zoning under Ala. Code § 4-6-1 et seq.
- Flood-prone-area authority concerns areas outside municipal corporate limits and covers areas with a frequency of inundation of once in 100 years; permitted controls include zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, building codes, health regulations, and related police-power measures.
- Airport zoning concerns airport hazards and is generally available in the county's unincorporated area, except within a municipality's police jurisdiction and within two miles of a municipality-owned or operated airport when the municipality exercises or declares its intention to exercise zoning control, unless local law provides otherwise.
- The claim does not establish that every Alabama county has a general countywide zoning ordinance.
flood-prone-area inundation frequency: 100 years (As defined by qualified hydrologists or engineers using generally accepted hydrology and engineering methods) · airport municipal control area: 2 miles (Applies when the municipality exercises or declares its intention to exercise zoning control, unless local law provides otherwise)
“Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
Handbook for Alabama County Commissioners, 13th edition ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — Alabama county authority to adopt zoning for unincorporated land.
  “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- Limited — County authority over land use and zoning in unincorporated Alabama; general Alabama law does not grant counties broad general zoning authority, but limited authority exists through special local laws and specified statutory circumstances.
  “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law”
  Handbook for Alabama County Commissioners, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
county building authorityGeneral
Authority of Alabama county commissions to adopt and administer building laws and codes for residential construction in unincorporated areas.
- A county commission may adopt building laws and codes by ordinance or, under the 2025 version of Section 34-14A-12, by resolution.
- The ordinary county-code jurisdiction is the unincorporated area of the county.
- County building laws and codes may not apply within a municipal police jurisdiction where the municipality is exercising its building laws or codes without the municipality's express consent.
- County building laws and codes may apply within municipal corporate limits only with the express consent of the municipal governing body.
- Under the 2025 statute, the county must provide the Board a copy of the resolution within 10 business days.
- A local building law or code generally may not take effect until 120 days after adoption; for insurance-claim work requiring a license, the effective date is the date of adoption.
- The county commission may employ building inspectors and exact fees from owners of inspected property.
- The county may enter mutual agreements, compacts, or contracts with municipalities and other public entities for administration and enforcement.
local-code notice deadline: 10 business days (Copy of resolution must be provided to the Home Builders Licensure Board) · local-code ordinary effective delay: 120 days (Insurance-claim work requiring a license may use the adoption date)
“A county commission, by resolution, may adopt building laws and codes that shall apply in the unincorporated areas of the county. The county commission shall provide a copy of any resolution adopted pursuant to this subsection to the board withing 10 business days of adopting the resolution.”
Home Builders Licensure Board Law, effective October 1, 2025 ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- General — Alabama county authority to adopt and enforce residential building laws and codes in unincorporated areas.
  “There are two general statutory provisions authorizing counties to adopt building codes: the Home Builders Licensure Law found at Ala. Code § 34-14A-1 et seq. and the law on the state minimum building standards code found at Ala. Code § 41-9-160 et seq.”
  Alabama County Commissioners Handbook, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026

Inside cities and towns in Hale County

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

Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Zoning within the City of Greensboro, Alabama.
- The City of Greensboro's official resources page links to a zoning ordinance, current zoning map, variance petition, and special-exception application.
- The reviewed source does not establish the ordinance's current effective or adoption date.
“Petition for Variance Zoning Ordinance Zoning Map - Current Mobile Home Permit Special Exception Use Application for Greensboro”
Resources | City of Greensboro, Alabama ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Present — Zoning within the City of Moundville, Alabama.
  “Use this zoning map to see locations in Moundville that can be used for commercial space, residential space, Moundville city limits, and much more. To view the full size map, click the link below the map.”
  Zoning & Maps | City of Moundville ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
- Present (with conditions) — Land and improvements within the town limits of the City of Moundville, Alabama.
  “The regulations set forth herein shall apply to all land and improvements thereon within the town limits of the City of Moundville, Alabama.”
  MOUNDVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE #2010-01 ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Septic inspection — Inspection requirements for onsite sewage systems in Hale County.
Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Hale County.

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

Living off-grid in Hale County, Alabama

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

Hale County scores 80/100 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 Hale County, Alabama?

Hale 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 Hale County Health Department. 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 Hale County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Hale County is allowed: Unincorporated Hale County: no county rule sets this, because Hale County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Hale County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning. 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 Hale County, Alabama?

Land in Hale County runs about $2,543 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Hale County?

Hale County gets about 54.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4% of years.

How remote is Hale County?

A representative private-land location has about 8,492 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,472,135 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who handles permits and land questions in Hale County, and how do you reach them?

Does Hale County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Hale County?

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

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

What to check before you buy land in Hale County

Watch-outs

Sources

Compared with neighboring counties

Hale County in Alabama

How Hale County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Cities and towns in Hale County

Answers from the rulebook for Hale County

Hale County rules

Alabama rules that apply here

Inside cities and towns in Hale County

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Hale County, Alabama

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Hale County, Alabama?

What is the water situation in Hale County?

How remote is Hale County?

How Hale compares in Alabama