Bolthole Index

Houston County, Alabama

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

64Index Score / 100
#56 of 67 in Alabama

Unincorporated Houston County, Alabama requires a $100 building permit before house construction begins, issued by the Road & Bridge Department1. Houston County does not perform residential building inspections or issue certificates of occupancy23. Septic permits come from the Houston County Health Department, and we could not confirm any county zoning for unincorporated land45.

At a glance

Building permit
$100 and required before house construction in unincorporated Houston County1
Building inspections
Houston County does not perform residential building inspections2
Certificate of occupancy
Houston County cannot issue one because it does not perform building inspections3
Septic permit
Required from the Houston County Health Department before installation or repair off sewer46
Zoning
Unconfirmed for unincorporated Houston County5
RV and tiny-home living
Local occupancy rules remain unconfirmed5
Owner-builder
A statewide licensing exemption is available for a qualifying owner-built home, but the county permit still applies7
Flood-zone permit
$50 in addition to the house permit when the site is in a flood zone8

Who to call

Building permits

Houston County Road & Bridge Department

Houston County building, driveway, mobile-home moving, utility-work and flood-zone permits

334-792-4149

2400 Columbia Hwy. Dothan, AL 36303

Online permits →

Also useful

Houston County Road & Bridge Department — Inspection FAQ

Publishes the county answer about residential building inspections and certificates of occupancy

334-792-4149

2400 columbia highway dothan, al 36303

Also useful

Houston County Building Permit Requirements

Publishes building-permit requirements, flood-zone requirements and permit prices

Septic permits

Houston County Health Department Environmental Office

Houston County environmental-health and septic-tank requests

334-678-2815

1781 East Cottonwood Road Dothan, Alabama 36301

Also useful

Houston County Engineer and County Commission

Subdivision plat review outside municipal boundaries

2400 Columbia Highway, Dothan, AL 36303

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 Houston County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

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

Yes. Houston County requires a $100 building permit for house construction in the unincorporated county before work begins1. The application package requires the completed county form, approved Health Department onsite-sewage installation permit where applicable, and a plot plan or survey showing the structure footprint9. Houston County does not perform residential building inspections and consequently cannot issue a certificate of occupancy23. The county permit is still required even though it does not lead to routine county inspections or a county occupancy certificate12. Alabama's owner-builder licensing exemption can cover an owner who personally acts as contractor and provides all material supervision on a qualifying home for the owner's own use, but it does not waive Houston County's permit7.

Who issues Houston County building permits, and how do you reach the office?

The Houston County Road & Bridge Department is the permit counter for building, driveway, mobile-home moving, utility-work and flood-zone matters10. Reach Road & Bridge at 334-792-4149 or visit 2400 Columbia Hwy. Dothan, AL 36303; its posted hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.10. Houston County publishes an online application, and the house-permit package includes the completed form, Health Department septic approval where applicable, a plot plan or survey, and the fee911. Houston County performs no residential building inspections and therefore issues no certificates of occupancy23. Ask Road & Bridge which adopted building-code requirements apply, because we could not confirm the code edition for unincorporated construction. Inside a city, ask city hall which office issues building permits and zoning approval; septic permits for property off public sewer still come from the Houston County Health Department4.

Does Houston County, Alabama have zoning?

Houston County's zoning status for unincorporated land remains unconfirmed5. Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use authority under general state law, although local laws and specific statutes can create limited authority12. That statewide limit does not prove that a Houston County parcel is unrestricted. Ask the Houston County Commission whether the parcel is affected by a local law, floodplain rule, airport restriction, subdivision condition or municipal jurisdiction. Houston County regulates subdivision plats outside municipal boundaries, and the County Commission is the official platting authority13. Subdivision plats must show building setback lines.14 In a platted subdivision, residential lots must meet Health Department minimum dimensions and a front setback line of 20 feet unless the County Commission approves otherwise15. A rural subdivision seeking the curb-and-gutter exception needs lots of at least 2.5 acres with 250 feet of road frontage; that is a condition of the exception, not a minimum for every parcel16. We could not confirm general rules for minimum dwelling size, accessory dwellings, lot coverage or building height. City zoning, where a city has it, applies only inside city limits, so ask city hall for those parcels.

How do septic permits work in Houston County?

The Houston County Health Department administers onsite-sewage permitting for property not connected to public sanitary sewer4. A local Health Department permit is required before installing a new onsite system or repairing an existing one, so an off-grid plan still needs an approved sanitation system617. The application calls for professional soil information, a legal description, plot plan, vicinity map and, when applicable, a construction plan; the Health Department reviews the application and soil results before issuing a permit6. Contact the Houston County Health Department Environmental Office at 334-678-2815 or 1781 East Cottonwood Road Dothan, Alabama 3630118. Septic comes before the house permit because Road & Bridge requires Health Department approval in the permit package where applicable9. Only about 22.4% of Houston County soils avoid a "very limited" rating for conventional septic drain fields, so make the site and soil review an early purchase contingency19.

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

We could not confirm a Houston County rule for RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on private land. Houston County's zoning status is also unresolved, so the absence of a confirmed rule is not permission to live in an RV or tiny home on every rural parcel5. Ask the Houston County Commission about occupancy limits for the exact parcel and Road & Bridge whether a proposed tiny home needs the county house permit. Any off-grid residence not connected to public sewer still needs Health Department approval before a new onsite sewage system is installed17. A manufactured home is a separate legal category from an RV or site-built tiny home; Alabama recognizes a qualifying manufactured home for residential use subject to required utility connections and applicable local rules20. Houston County publishes a $100 charge for installing a mobile home when it moves on county roadways11.

Building a home in Houston County: what are the steps?

  1. Ask the Houston County Commission whether parcel-specific zoning or land-use restrictions apply, because countywide zoning remains unconfirmed5.
  2. Confirm that the lot is a lawful split; Houston County regulates subdivision plats outside municipal boundaries13.
  3. Contact the Houston County Health Department for soil review and the onsite-sewage application when public sewer is unavailable6.
  4. Obtain the Health Department permit before septic installation or repair and before submitting the county house-permit package69.
  5. Submit the completed building application, septic approval where applicable, plot plan or survey, and $100 fee to Road & Bridge before construction starts1.
  6. For a flood-zone site, include the additional $50 permit and plans; Houston County checks elevation after the lowest floor is installed and before walls rise8.
  7. Plan separately for any specialty or third-party inspections because Houston County does not perform residential building inspections or issue certificates of occupancy23.

What should you check before buying land in Houston County?

Start with wastewater feasibility: only about 22.4% of Houston County soils avoid the most restrictive conventional-drain-field rating, and Health Department approval belongs in the house-permit package when onsite sewage applies199. Check flood maps early because a flood-zone house needs a $50 county floodplain permit, plans and an elevation check during construction8. Every regulated subdivision needs access over a public street, road or highway, with separate-driveway conditions applying to certain subdivision exceptions21. A parcel used solely for agriculture can get a county driveway pipe through a Road & Bridge agreement only if the owner promises not to build a residence for at least two years22. Access onto an Alabama state highway requires an ALDOT turnout permit23. For a newly divided rural tract, request evidence of Houston County subdivision approval rather than assuming the deed settled development eligibility13. We could not confirm ordinary private-well permitting, so ask the Health Department and relevant water authority about water options. Houston County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.3%, with a median annual property-tax bill of about $5342425.

Watch-outs

  • Houston County requires the house permit but performs no residential building inspections and issues no certificates of occupancy, so ask Road & Bridge what proof lenders, insurers and utility providers will expect123.
  • Houston County zoning, RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, private-well permitting and the locally adopted residential-code edition remain unconfirmed; ask the County Commission, Road & Bridge and Health Department before committing to a use5.
  • Beginning January 1, 2027, residential builders must follow the applicable Alabama Residential Building Code or a qualifying local residential code, so confirm current requirements with Road & Bridge near that transition26.

Sources

  1. Permits - Road & Bridge Department - Houston County, Alabama, quoted and re-checked
  2. Frequently Asked Questions - Road & Bridge - Houston County, Alabama, quoted and re-checked
  3. Frequently Asked Questions - Road & Bridge - Houston County, Alabama, quoted and re-checked
  4. Onsite Sewage - Houston County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  5. (2026 county census)
  6. Onsite Sewage - Houston County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  7. Exemptions - Home Builders Licensure Board, quoted and re-checked
  8. Permits - Road & Bridge Department - Houston County, Alabama, quoted and re-checked
  9. Permits - Road & Bridge Department - Houston County, Alabama, quoted and re-checked
  10. Houston County Road & Bridge Department (houstoncountyal.gov)
  11. Permits - Road & Bridge Department - Houston County, Alabama, quoted and re-checked
  12. Handbook for Alabama County Commissioners, 13th edition (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Houston County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  14. Houston County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  15. 3-2 FINAL PLAT SEPCIFICATIONS, quoted and re-checked
  16. Houston County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  17. Onsite Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  18. Houston County Health Department Environmental Office (alabamapublichealth.gov)
  19. 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
  20. What are the requirements for titling a manufactured home? (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Houston County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  22. Pipe Policy Related to Pipes Installed Under Driveways Along Right-of-Way - Houston County, quoted and re-checked
  23. ALDOT Permit Manual (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Home Builders Licensure Law, Effective October 1, 2025 (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

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.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

Compared with neighboring counties

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

RuleHouston CountyHenry CountyDale CountyGeneva CountyCoffee CountyBarbour CountyPike County
Building permitRequiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot required
County zoningNot publishedNoNoNoNoNot publishedNo
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Houston County in Alabama

64
County map
Houston County highlighted among the Alabama counties · colored by Index score

How Houston County scores

Seclusion41100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency69100% ev.
Admin Boringness5477% ev.
Durability61100% ev.
Property Autonomy39100% ev.
Carry Cost88100% ev.

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

$204kTypical home
0.3%Property tax
$3,685Land / acre
55.9"Annual rain
15.9% of yrsSevere drought
14.5 / yr (+13.1)Mid-century 100°F days
16.3 daysMid-century dry spell
2.57" (+3.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.19×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,973Home insurance / yr
0.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.72%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
111,497People within 30 min
1,876,140People within 2 hr
97,692Radius comparison (15 mi)
187.1People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
22.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
78,930 acWorkable land screen
53.7%Wooded land
43.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
66.9°FAvg temp

Scout Houston County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

View your full hunt →
ZillowLand & lotsRealtor.comLand listingsLandSearchRural & vacant land

Each button opens a current land search for Houston County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

Cities and towns in Houston County

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

Not yet researched: Ashford · Town of Avon · Town of Columbia · Town of Cottonwood · Town of Cowarts · Town of Gordon · Kinsey · Town of Madrid · Town of Rehobeth · Taylor · Town of Webb

Answers from the rulebook for Houston County

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

Houston County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction of a house subject to Houston County Road & Bridge permitting.

    • A completed building permit application is required.
    • An approved health-department permit to install an onsite sewage system is listed.
    • A plot plan or survey showing the structure footprint is listed.
    • The page does not state whether incorporated municipalities are governed by this county process.

    building permit fee: 100 USD

    “A completed building permit application An approved Health department to Install an O.S.S A Plot Plan/Survey with a Footprint of the Structure on it. $100 Payment for Building Permit”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — House construction and certain mobile-home or used-home relocation work in unincorporated Houston County.
      “A completed building permit application An approved Health department to Install an O.S.S A Plot Plan/Survey with a Footprint of the Structure on it. $100 Payment for Building Permit”
  • InspectionsNot required

    Residential construction administered by Houston County Road and Bridge.

    • The county does not perform building inspections.
    “Houston County does not perform building inspections”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Certificate of occupancyNot required

    County certificates of occupancy for residential construction.

    • Houston County states that certificates cannot be issued because it does not perform building inspections.
    “No. Because Houston County does not perform building inspections, Certificates of Occupancy are unable to be issued.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots in a Houston County Rural Subdivision seeking the Section 4-11 exception from constructing curbs and gutters; this is not stated as a general minimum lot size for every parcel or subdivision.

    • The rule applies only when the subdivision seeks the rural-subdivision curb-and-gutter exception.
    • All lots must be at least 2.5 acres.
    • All lots must have at least 250 feet of road frontage.
    • No lot may be deemed a flag lot, in the sole discretion of the County Engineer.
    • No property in the Rural Subdivision may be within the corporate limits of any municipality.
    • Additional conditions required by the County Engineer may apply.
    • Other Houston County subdivision regulations, engineered drawings, drainage plans, and paved-road standards remain applicable.

    minimum lot area: >= 2.5 acres (Applies to the Section 4-11 Rural Subdivision curb-and-gutter exception.) · minimum road frontage: >= 250 feet (Applies to the Section 4-11 Rural Subdivision curb-and-gutter exception.)

    “All lots in the subdivision are greater than or equal to 2.5 acres, [...] minimum road frontage of two hundred fifty feet (250’),”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Residential lots in subdivisions governed by the Houston County subdivision regulations in unincorporated Houston County.
      “Residential lots shall comply with the following requirements: 1) The size, shape and orientation of lots shall be such as the County Commission deems appropriate for the types of development and use contemplated. 2) Minimum lot dimensions must meet the requirements of the Houston County Health Department. 3) The subdivision plat shall provide each lot with satisfactory access to an existing street or to a subdivision street that will be deeded to public use at the time of Final Plat approval. 4) Minimum front setback lines shall be twenty feet (20’), unless otherwise approved by the County Commission. (revised 3/27/17) 5) Side lot lines shall generally be at right angles to streets, except on curves where they shall be radial.”
    • Specified — Rural subdivisions outside municipal corporate limits seeking the county regulation's exemption from constructing curbs and gutters on subdivision roads.
      “The developer shall not be required to construct curbs and gutters on roads within the subdivision if the following minimum requirements apply to that subdivision (“Rural Subdivision”): 1) All lots in the subdivision are greater than or equal to 2.5 acres, 2) All lots in the subdivision have a minimum road frontage of two hundred fifty feet (250’), 3) No lot in the subdivision is deemed to be a flag lot, in the sole discretion of the County Engineer, 4) No property in the Rural Subdivision is within the corporate limits of any municipality, and 5) Subject to any additional conditions required by the County Engineer.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Subdivision plats in areas outside municipal boundaries.

    • Final and preliminary subdivision plats must show minimum building setback lines or minimum building front-yard setback lines.
    • The opened regulation does not state a countywide numeric setback distance.
    “Minimum building front yard setback lines shall be shown.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage systems in Houston County served by the Houston County Health Department.

    • Alabama state law supplies the requirement.
    • The local health department reviews applications and soil-test results.
    • The Houston County Health Department provides environmental-health services for Houston County.
    “The Houston County Health Department provides Environmental Health services for residents of Dothan and Houston County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Local (with conditions) — Onsite sewage systems serving property in Houston County that is not connected to a public sanitary sewer system.
      “obtain a permit from the local health department”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New onsite sewage systems and repairs for homes and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer system in Houston County.

    • The application must include professional soils information, a legal description, plot plan, vicinity map, and sometimes a construction plan.
    • The owner or agent submits the application with the applicable fee.
    • The health department reviews the application and soil-test results.
    • A permit to install is issued if the application is approved.
    • The health department must be contacted before installation begins.
    “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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installing a new onsite sewage disposal system or repairing an existing system for a home or business not connected to a public sanitary sewer system in Houston County.
      “prior to installing a new system or making repairs to an existing onsite sewage disposal system.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Onsite sanitation for properties not connected to a public sanitary sewer system in Houston County.

    • A local health-department permit is required before installing or repairing the onsite sewage system.
    • The application and soil-review conditions on the Houston County ADPH page apply.
    “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.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Parcels solely dedicated to agricultural use that request installation of a driveway pipe along a Houston County-owned or maintained right-of-way.

    • The property owner must contact the Houston County Road & Bridge Department as part of obtaining a Right of Way Permit and return the completed driveway pipe permit.
    • The parcel must be solely dedicated to agricultural use, and the driveway installation must serve the property for agricultural purposes.
    • The owner must agree that for at least two years from installation the owner will neither construct nor allow construction of a residential structure on the property.
    • If a residential structure is constructed during that period, the owner must either pay the County's labor, equipment, and materials costs for installation or reimburse removal costs if the County removes the pipe.
    • Payment is due within 14 calendar days after the County provides the total expense; unpaid amounts may become a lien against the owner and property.
    • The agreement's requirements must be transferred to new owners during the two-year period.
    • A licensed and bonded contractor is required; the pipe must be inspected before installation and completed within 120 days of the Right of Way Permit.
    • Pipes must generally be at least 24 feet and no more than 60 combined feet per parcel unless approved by the County Engineer, with a maximum of two driveways per parcel.

    policy effective date: March 9, 2023 · minimum completion period after Right of Way Permit: <= 120 days (If not completed within this period, a new petition and Right of Way Permit are required.) · minimum pipe length: >= 24 feet (Continuous pipe with no breaks.) · maximum combined pipe length per parcel: <= 60 feet (Unless approved by the County Engineer.) · maximum driveways per parcel: <= 2 driveways · residential-construction restriction: >= 2 years from driveway-pipe installation (If violated, installation or removal costs become payable under the agreement.) · payment deadline after County provides total expense: <= 14 calendar days (Unpaid amount may be added as a lien.)

    “Under the County’s current policy, the County will install driveway pipes on the Property solely dedicated for agriculture without charge to the property owner.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land outside municipal boundaries within Houston County's subdivision jurisdiction.

    • The Houston County Commission is the official platting authority.
    • A preliminary plat must be approved before street grading, street improvements, or utility installation.
    • A final plat must be approved before recording or selling lots.
    • The regulations contain exceptions for certain divisions, including property divisions through probate of estate, court order, public acquisition, and certain lots with specified road frontage and no public improvements.

    preliminary-plat agenda deadline: 30 days (after submission of all required information and documentation) · notice before hearing: >= 6 days (registered or certified mail) · utility review period: >= 10 days (before final-plat approval)

    “The Houston County Commission shall be the official platting authority. From and after the effective date of these regulations, they shall govern each and every subdivision of land in all areas of the county outside the boundaries of municipal corporations: provided, however, that where a municipality now or in the future exercises by authorization subdivision control outside its corporate boundaries, such areas shall be subject to the more strict requirements, whether of the municipality or of the county.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land outside municipal corporate boundaries within Houston County subdivision jurisdiction.
      “The Houston County Commission shall be the official platting authority. From and after the effective date of these regulations, they shall govern each and every subdivision of land in all areas of the county outside the boundaries of municipal corporations”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway pipe/access work requiring Houston County Road & Bridge approval on county rights-of-way.

    • The applicant must mark the proposed access point.
    • Road & Bridge sizes the pipe and inspects the proposed location before installation.
    • The installed driveway must be inspected before fill is placed over the pipe.
    • Inspection must be scheduled at least two business days before fill placement.
    • The applicant must use an approved contractor and comply with the County Commission and Road & Bridge pipe policy.
    “An employee of the Road and Bridge Department will size the pipe and inspect the proposed location. Once the location is approved, the applicant will be contacted with what size and type pipe is needed, Then the applicant will then contact the approved contractor to have the driveway and pipe installed.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Access for subdivisions under Houston County subdivision regulations.
      “Access to every subdivision shall be provided over a public street, road, or highway.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    House construction in a Houston County flood zone.

    • One set of plans is required.
    • A $50 flood-plain permit payment is required in addition to the $100 building-permit payment.
    • Elevation must be checked after the lowest floor is installed and before walls go up.
    • All mechanical systems must meet BFE requirements.
    • The homeowner must follow the building-resolution guidelines.

    flood-zone permit fee: 50 USD · building permit fee: 100 USD

    “One set of plans $100 payment for building permit $50 payment for flood plain permit Must check elevation after the lowest floor is installed, before walls go up All mechanical must meet BFE requirements Homeowner must also follow guidelines in building resolution”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — House construction in a Houston County flood zone.
      “One set of plans $100 payment for building permit $50 payment for flood plain permit Must check elevation after the lowest floor is installed, before walls go up All mechanical must meet BFE requirements Homeowner must also follow guidelines in building resolution”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published Houston County Road & Bridge permit charges.

    • The building permit page separately lists flood-zone, house-relocation, and mobile-home charges.

    construction of a house building permit: 100 USD · flood-zone permit: 50 USD · relocation of a used house on county roadways: 100 USD · installing a mobile home on county roadways: 100 USD

    “Construction of a House: $100 for building permit Flood Zone: $50 for flood zone permit Relocation of a used home: $100 charge to move on county roadways Installing a mobile home: $100 charge to move on county roadways”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Houston County building-permit process for a house.

    • Submit a completed building permit application.
    • Provide an approved health-department permit to install an onsite sewage system.
    • Provide a plot plan or survey showing the structure footprint.
    • Pay the listed $100 building-permit fee.
    “A completed building permit application An approved Health department to Install an O.S.S A Plot Plan/Survey with a Footprint of the Structure on it. $100 Payment for Building Permit”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County building-permit application process for houses and flood-zone construction.
      “A completed building permit application An approved Health department to Install an O.S.S A Plot Plan/Survey with a Footprint of the Structure on it. $100 Payment for Building Permit”

Alabama rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Owners building or improving their own one-family or two-family residence in Alabama, including Houston County.

    • The owner must act as the owner's own contractor.
    • The owner must provide all material supervision personally.
    • The residence must be for the occupancy or use of the owner.
    • The residence must not be offered for sale.
    • The exemption is nontransferable.
    • Offering the residence for sale within one year after substantial 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 that subcontractor's portion exceeds $10,000.
    • Houston County separately requires a building permit before commencing construction, with a $100 building-permit payment listed on its permit page.

    subcontractor portion cost threshold: > 10000 USD (Subcontractors hired by homeowners claiming the exemption must be licensed above this threshold.) · Houston County building permit fee: 100 USD (County permit requirement remains separate from the state home-builder license exemption.)

    “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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — A property owner acting as the owner-builder for a one-family or two-family residence in Houston County, subject to Alabama’s Home Builders Licensure Law.
      “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”
    • 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.”
    10 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — State Building Code requirements administered and enforced by the Alabama Division of Construction Management for state-owned or state-funded construction, K-12 schools, public postsecondary schools, hotels and motels, movie theaters, and other work within DCM jurisdiction.
      “The State Building Code is limited to any new construction, addition, renovation, modification of mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, sitework and generally any and all work on state-owned property and/or using state funds, on all public and private kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) schools, on public postsecondary schools, on hotels/motels and on movie theaters. DCM's code jurisdiction over plans and specifications of all municipal and county-owned projects is limited to such projects meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards. DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except for hotels/motels and movie theaters.”
    • 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”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Park models, defined by Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission Rule 535-X-11 as recreational park trailers, statewide.

    • The rule states that a park model is not a permanent dwelling and is for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.
    • In an RV Park, park models may be installed or set up to the same standard as a travel trailer.
    • When not in an RV Park, the manufacturer's approved installation instructions must be complied with.
    • The rule does not expressly establish a general statewide authorization for permanent occupancy of motor homes or ordinary travel trailers outside an RV park.

    gross trailer area: <= 400 square feet or less in set-up mode (Measurements are taken on the exterior of the trailer; roofing overhang is excluded.)

    “A park model is not a permanent dwelling. It is temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping on state-owned lands under the jurisdiction of the Alabama State Lands Division.

    • Camping is prohibited except in designated areas.
    • Camping-period limits apply.
    • Campfires must be extinguished.
    • Warming fires may not be used away from designated campgrounds.
    • The listed scheduled fine is $50.

    scheduled fine: 50 USD (For violations listed under Alabama Administrative Code rule 220-4-.15(c).)

    “220-4-.15(c) Camping except in designated areas, $50 exceeding limit of camping period, failure to extinguish campfires, and using warming fires away from designated campgrounds on state-owned lands under the State Lands Division jurisdiction”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Recreational park trailers used as temporary living quarters for camping in Alabama.
      “A park model is not a permanent dwelling. It is temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Manufactured homes used as residences in Alabama, subject to the definition and utility conditions stated by the Alabama Department of Revenue.

    • The structure must meet the source's manufactured-home definition.
    • It must be connected to required utilities, including plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems.
    • The source states that a manufactured home may be used as a place of residence by the owner, lessee, or assigns.
    • Local land-use, zoning, septic, building, installation, and inspection requirements are not resolved by this claim.

    transport-mode width: >= 8 body feet or more (The alternative on-site threshold is 320 square feet or more when erected on site.) · transport-mode length: >= 40 body feet or more (The alternative on-site threshold is 320 square feet or more when erected on site.) · on-site area: >= 320 square feet or more (Applies when erected on site.) · construction: permanent chassis · required utilities: plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems

    “It may be used as a place of residence, business, profession, trade, or for any other purpose, by the owner, lessee, or assigns and may consist of one or more units that can be attached or joined together.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Occupancy of a qualifying manufactured home as a residence in Alabama.
      “It may be used as a place of residence, business, profession, trade, or for any other purpose, by the owner, lessee, or assigns and may consist of one or more units that can be attached or joined together. A manufactured home bears a HUD Seal affixed to the rear of the home. (Section 32-20-2)”
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Manufactured homes meeting Alabama's statutory definition and connected to required utilities; this establishes state recognition of residential use but does not resolve local land-use or zoning requirements.
      “It may be used as a place of residence, business, profession, trade, or for any other purpose, by the owner, lessee, or assigns and may consist of one or more units that can be attached or joined together.”
  • Well permitLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

    County zoning and land-use authority over unincorporated Alabama land under general state law and identified special statutory circumstances.

    • General Alabama law does not grant counties broad and general land-use regulatory authority.
    • Several counties have planning and zoning authority created by local law, including examples identified in the official handbook: Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson County.
    • Special statutory authority includes subdivision regulation under Ala. Code § 11-24-1 et seq.; flood-prone-area land-use regulation under Ala. Code § 11-19-1 et seq.; and airport zoning under Ala. Code § 4-6-1 et seq.
    • Flood-prone-area authority concerns areas outside municipal corporate limits and covers areas with a frequency of inundation of once in 100 years; permitted controls include zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, building codes, health regulations, and related police-power measures.
    • Airport zoning concerns airport hazards and is generally available in the county's unincorporated area, except within a municipality's police jurisdiction and within two miles of a municipality-owned or operated airport when the municipality exercises or declares its intention to exercise zoning control, unless local law provides otherwise.
    • The claim does not establish that every Alabama county has a general countywide zoning ordinance.

    flood-prone-area inundation frequency: 100 years (As defined by qualified hydrologists or engineers using generally accepted hydrology and engineering methods) · airport municipal control area: 2 miles (Applies when the municipality exercises or declares its intention to exercise zoning control, unless local law provides otherwise)

    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Alabama county authority to adopt zoning for unincorporated land.
      “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
    • Limited — County authority over land use and zoning in unincorporated Alabama; general Alabama law does not grant counties broad general zoning authority, but limited authority exists through special local laws and specified statutory circumstances.
      “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Authority of Alabama county commissions to adopt and administer building laws and codes for residential construction in unincorporated areas.

    • A county commission may adopt building laws and codes by ordinance or, under the 2025 version of Section 34-14A-12, by resolution.
    • The ordinary county-code jurisdiction is the unincorporated area of the county.
    • County building laws and codes may not apply within a municipal police jurisdiction where the municipality is exercising its building laws or codes without the municipality's express consent.
    • County building laws and codes may apply within municipal corporate limits only with the express consent of the municipal governing body.
    • Under the 2025 statute, the county must provide the Board a copy of the resolution within 10 business days.
    • A local building law or code generally may not take effect until 120 days after adoption; for insurance-claim work requiring a license, the effective date is the date of adoption.
    • The county commission may employ building inspectors and exact fees from owners of inspected property.
    • The county may enter mutual agreements, compacts, or contracts with municipalities and other public entities for administration and enforcement.

    local-code notice deadline: 10 business days (Copy of resolution must be provided to the Home Builders Licensure Board) · local-code ordinary effective delay: 120 days (Insurance-claim work requiring a license may use the adoption date)

    “A county commission, by resolution, may adopt building laws and codes that shall apply in the unincorporated areas of the county. The county commission shall provide a copy of any resolution adopted pursuant to this subsection to the board withing 10 business days of adopting the resolution.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Alabama county authority to adopt and enforce residential building laws and codes in unincorporated areas.
      “There are two general statutory provisions authorizing counties to adopt building codes: the Home Builders Licensure Law found at Ala. Code § 34-14A-1 et seq. and the law on the state minimum building standards code found at Ala. Code § 41-9-160 et seq.”

Still unanswered

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

  • County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning regulation in Houston County.
  • Local zoning — Local zoning across Houston County, including incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in Houston County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Houston County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in Houston County.
5 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Septic inspection
  • Short-term rentals

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

Living off-grid in Houston County, Alabama

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

Houston County scores 64/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and workable self-sufficiency basics: 55.9″/yr rainfall and 53.7% wooded land. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop and about 111,497 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Houston County, Alabama?

Land in Houston County runs about $3,685 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Houston County?

Houston County gets about 55.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 15.9% of years.

How remote is Houston County?

A representative private-land location has about 111,497 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,876,140 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 Houston compares in Alabama

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