Bolthole Index

Houston County, Alabama

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Dothan, Alabama

Dothan, Alabama reviews building plans and inspects construction at multiple stages before a certificate of occupancy may be issued.1 The city administers zoning, while the Houston County Health Department handles septic service for properties in Dothan that cannot connect to public sewer.23 Recreational vehicles cannot be used as homes outside an approved RV park or campground.4

At a glance

Building permit
Apply through Dothan Building Inspection Services; city plan review and staged inspections apply51
Zoning
Dothan Land Development administers and enforces the city zoning ordinance2
Septic
A Houston County Health Department permit is required for a new or repaired onsite system when public sewer is unavailable6
RV living
Prohibited as a residence except in an approved RV park or campground4
Tiny home
No separate occupancy rule confirmed; ask Development Services to classify the proposal under city zoning2
Owner-builder
Available for a qualifying owner building a home for personal occupancy, with a sworn statement7
Private well
Required when city water is unavailable, with advance approvals8

Who to call

Building permits

City of Dothan Building Inspection Services

Dothan residential and commercial building-permit applications, plan review and inspection requests

(334) 615-4450

permits@dothan.org

126 N Saint Andrews Street, Dothan, AL 36303

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

City of Dothan Development Services

Dothan zoning, subdivision, development-plan and land-use questions

(334) 615-4410

planning@dothan.org

126 N Saint Andrews Street, Room 305, Dothan, AL 36303

Septic permits

Houston County Health Department Environmental Health

Environmental-health and septic-tank requests for Dothan and Houston County

334-678-2815

1781 East Cottonwood Road, Dothan, Alabama 36301

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

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Do you need a building permit in Dothan, Alabama?

Start with Dothan Building Inspection Services before beginning a new home or other regulated construction inside city limits; the city accepts residential and commercial building-permit applications online.5 Dothan reviews submitted plans for code compliance and inspects projects at different stages of construction.1 Required corrections must be completed before a certificate of occupancy may be issued.1

Dothan's city process is different from Houston County's process for unincorporated land, where Road & Bridge issues the county building permit but does not perform residential building inspections.910 Confirm that the parcel is inside Dothan city limits before choosing an application path. For city work, call Building Inspection Services at (334) 615-4450 or email permits@dothan.org.5

Who issues building permits in Dothan, and how do you apply?

City of Dothan Building Inspection Services is the contact for building-permit applications and inspection requests.5 Applications may be filed through the city's online portal, and the city page says applicants can review submitted applications, receive updates and request inspections there.5 The office is at 126 N Saint Andrews Street, Dothan, AL 36303; call (334) 615-4450 or email permits@dothan.org.5

A qualifying property owner may pull a permit to build a home on the owner's land for personal occupancy, but the home cannot be offered for sale within one year of completion and the applicant must sign a sworn statement.7 The city's residential flow also limits a homeowner to one house in a twelve-month period measured from permit issuance.7 The owner-builder route is an exemption from contractor licensing conditions, not from the city's building permit, plan review or inspection process.71

Does Dothan have zoning, and what does it mean for setbacks and tiny homes?

Dothan has municipal zoning, and Land Development administers the zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations and other city development rules.2 Residential setbacks depend on the applicable district standards; a general averaging provision cannot reduce the setback below 15 feet for a residential lot.11 Ask Development Services to identify the parcel's district before using that general rule, because district dimensional requirements still control.11

We could not confirm a separate Dothan approval category for tiny homes or a complete district-specific minimum dwelling-size rule. Give Development Services the address, proposed floor area, foundation or chassis type, utility plan and intended use, then ask for a parcel-specific determination.2 The office is at 126 N Saint Andrews Street, Room 305, Dothan, AL 36303; call (334) 615-4410 or email planning@dothan.org.2

How do septic permits and private wells work inside Dothan?

A new or repaired onsite sewage system in Dothan requires a permit from the Houston County Health Department when the property is not connected to public sanitary sewer.6 The health department reviews the application and soil-test results before issuing a permit to install.6 Dothan's residential process first requires proof from Engineering Services that sewer is unavailable, followed by septic approval from the County Health Department.12

For septic-tank requests, call Houston County Environmental Health at 334-678-2815 or visit 1781 East Cottonwood Road, Dothan, Alabama 36301.13 Houston County soil data show that only 22.4% of mapped soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make system feasibility a purchase contingency.14 If city water is unavailable, Dothan also requires a well permit and prior approval from the County Health Department, Water Superintendent and City Manager.8

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

Dothan prohibits using a recreational vehicle or travel trailer as a residential dwelling or accessory apartment unless it is in an approved RV park or campground.4 The city allows temporary living quarters in such a vehicle during danger or a declared emergency.4 Parking is also restricted: the vehicle cannot be in the street, forward of the principal structure or in the street-side yard except while being prepared for relocation or transit.4

A tiny home has no separately confirmed Dothan occupancy rule in the reviewed material. Ask Development Services to determine whether the proposed unit is a dwelling, recreational vehicle, manufactured home or another structure and which district standards apply.2 A tiny home that requires construction work still goes through Dothan's plan-review and staged-inspection process.1 Wastewater must be resolved through available public sewer or an approved onsite system.12

Building a home in Dothan: what are the steps?

  1. Ask Development Services to confirm the parcel is inside Dothan, identify its zoning district and check the proposed use, setbacks and any flood-hazard constraints.215
  2. Confirm city water and sewer availability; when sewer is unavailable, obtain the city's proof letter and then County Health Department septic approval.12
  3. If water is unavailable, obtain the required well permit and prior approvals.8
  4. Submit the residential building-permit application and plans to Dothan Building Inspection Services, using the online portal or office.5
  5. If claiming the owner-builder exemption, complete the sworn statement and comply with the occupancy and resale conditions.7
  6. Schedule inspections at the required construction stages and complete corrections before seeking a certificate of occupancy.1

What should you check before buying land in Dothan and Houston County?

Verify the city-limit status first because Dothan and unincorporated Houston County use different building-permit and inspection processes.110 Obtain the Dothan zoning district and confirm the intended home type, setbacks, driveway layout and utility plan with Development Services.2 Development in a flood-hazard area cannot receive a city permit unless it complies with Dothan's flood ordinance.15

Resolve sewer or septic feasibility before fixing the house location, especially because only 22.4% of mapped Houston County soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field.614 Houston County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.3%, and its median annual property-tax bill is about $534.1617 For access to an Alabama state highway, an ALDOT driveway permit is required.18

Watch-outs

  • Dothan's city inspections differ from Houston County's unincorporated-area process, so verify city-limit status before applying.110
  • Residential use of an RV or travel trailer is prohibited outside an approved RV park or campground, apart from temporary living quarters during danger or a declared emergency.4
  • Only 22.4% of mapped Houston County soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field; confirm an approvable system before buying.14
  • Dothan's complete rules for tiny-home occupancy and minimum dwelling size could not be confirmed; request a parcel-specific answer from Development Services.2

Sources

  1. Building Permits (Dothan), quoted and re-checked
  2. City of Dothan Development Services (dothan.org)
  3. Onsite Sewage | Alabama Department of Public Health (Dothan), quoted and re-checked
  4. Sec. 114-184. Regulations applying to all districts (Dothan), quoted and re-checked
  5. City of Dothan Building Inspection Services (dothan.org)
  6. Onsite Sewage (Dothan), quoted and re-checked
  7. New Residential Home Plan Submittal Checklist (Dothan), quoted and re-checked
  8. How to Obtain a City of Dothan Residential Building Permit (Dothan), quoted and re-checked
  9. Permits - Road & Bridge Department - Houston County, Alabama, quoted and re-checked
  10. Frequently Asked Questions - Road & Bridge - Houston County, Alabama, quoted and re-checked
  11. Sec. 114-184. Regulations applying to all districts (Dothan), quoted and re-checked
  12. How to Obtain a City of Dothan Residential Building Permit (Dothan), quoted and re-checked
  13. Houston County Health Department Environmental Health (alabamapublichealth.gov)
  14. 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
  15. library.municode.com (Dothan), quoted and re-checked
  16. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  17. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  18. ALDOT Permit Manual (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.

Answers from the rulebook for Dothan

Dothan’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Residential construction inside Dothan city limits.

    • Application is made to the Planning and Development Department, Permits and Inspections Division; separate permits are required for building, curb cut, electric, fence, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work.
    “Step III. Obtain a Homeowner Submittal Package and apply for a building permit in the: Planning and Development Department Permits and Inspections Division”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An owner seeking a permit for a new home on the owner's Dothan property.

    • Home must be for the owner's occupancy; it may not be offered for sale within one year of completion; a signed Sworn Statement is required for an applicant claiming the exemption.

    sale restriction: < 1 year after completion (Home may not be offered for sale within that period.)

    “The property owner may purchase a permit to build a home on their property for their own occupancy, not to be offered for sale within one year of completion. A signed “Sworn Statement” must be completed by applicants claiming these exemptions.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction projects inside Dothan city limits.

    • Inspections occur at different construction stages.
    • Required corrections must be completed before certificate-of-occupancy issuance.
    “Then, each construction project from a single-family home to a large commercial building is inspected at the different stages of construction.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction projects inside Dothan city limits.
      “Then, each construction project from a single-family home to a large commercial building is inspected at the different stages of construction.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Residential lots inside Dothan city limits.

    • District dimensional regulations apply.
    • The averaging rule does not permit less than 15 feet for residential lots.

    minimum residential-lot setback under general supplemental rule: >= 15 ft (No building need be set back more than the average of existing setbacks within 100 feet on each side.)

    “Refer to the standards established in this chapter (district dimensional regulations). However, no building need be set back more than the average of the setbacks of the existing buildings within 100 feet each side thereof, but in no case shall it be less than 15 feet for residential lots.”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Use of recreational vehicles and travel trailers as residential dwellings or accessory apartments inside Dothan city limits.

    • Use is allowed only in an approved RV park or campground.
    • Temporary living quarters are allowed in times of danger or declared emergency.
    • Vehicles may not be parked in the street, forward of the principal structure, or in the street-side yard except when prepared for relocation or transit.
    “Recreational vehicles and travel trailers shall not be used as residential dwellings or as accessory apartments unless located in an approved RV park or campground. Such vehicles shall not be parked in the street, located forward of the principal structure or in the street side yard unless being prepared for relocation or transit. However, they may be used as temporary living quarters in times of danger or declared emergency.”
  • Well permitRequired

    A new residential water well inside Dothan city limits when public water is unavailable.

    • Prior approval is required from the County Health Department, Water Superintendent, and City Manager.
    • The city residential permit checklist states that a well permit is also required if water is not available.
    “If water is not available a Well Permit is also required.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — A proposed water well for residential construction inside Dothan city limits.
      “If Water Well*** is desired prior approval must be obtained from: (1) County Health Department (2) Water Superintendent and (2) City Manager. . *** If water is not available a Well Permit is also required.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    New residential construction inside Dothan city limits.

    • If sewer is not available, the applicant must obtain a letter of proof from Dothan Engineering Services and then obtain septic-tank approval from the County Health Department.
    • The city provides water and sewer utility services where service is established or available.
    “If Sewer is not Available, obtain letter of proof from: [...] After obtaining a letter specifying that sewer is not available then acquire Septic Tank approval from the County Health Department”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — New residential construction inside Dothan city limits where public sewer availability is evaluated.
      “After obtaining a letter specifying that sewer is not available then acquire Septic Tank approval from the County Health Department”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveways on public rights-of-way of major thoroughfares inside Dothan city limits.

    • Single-family residential developments are exempt from the shared-access condition.
    • For other developments, access must be available to other properties and developments.
    • The planning commission requires written assurance of shared access before approving development plans.
    “Except for single-family residential developments, no driveway shall be constructed on the right-of-way of any major thoroughfare, except under the condition that access to such driveway is made available to other properties and developments. The planning commission shall not approve any development plans with a driveway on a public right-of-way unless the property owner and the developer provide written assurance that access to the driveway will be made available to other properties and developments.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in Special Flood Hazard Areas inside Dothan city limits.

    • For approximate A zones without BFE data, new construction and substantial improvements must elevate the lowest floor at least three feet above highest adjacent grade; a building permit requires a special-flood-hazard-area development permit first.

    lowest floor elevation without BFE: >= 3 feet above highest adjacent grade (Approximate A zones without BFE data.)

    “In SFHAs without BFE data, new construction and substantial improvements of existing structures shall have the lowest floor (for the lowest enclosed area; including basement) elevated no less than three feet above the highest adjacent grade.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or development in flood-hazard areas inside Dothan city limits.
      “No permit shall be approved or issued for any construction or development, unless the proposed construction or development complies with City of Dothan Code of Ordinances, chapter 42 , floods.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Residential permits inside Dothan city limits.

    • New-residence permit fee is based on heated and non-heated area; repair, alteration, and addition fees are based on total project cost.
    “The Permit Fee is based on Heated and Non-Heated area of the Residence”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential building-permit applications inside Dothan city limits.

    • Applicant must meet business-license/owner-builder requirements, have a valid E-911 address, submit the homeowner package, and obtain required site-plan approvals.
    “Step III. Obtain a Homeowner Submittal Package and apply for a building permit in the: Planning and Development Department Permits and Inspections Division”

Rules another office applies inside Dothan

Dothan does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage systems for land inside Dothan city limits not connected to public sanitary sewer.

    • The Alabama state-law program requires a permit from the local health department; Dothan's residential permit instructions additionally require county health-department septic approval when sewer is unavailable.
    “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.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New or repaired onsite sewage systems inside Dothan city limits where the property is not connected to public sanitary sewer.

    • Permit is obtained before installation or repair; application includes soils information, legal description, plot plan, vicinity map, and sometimes a construction plan; issuance follows approval.
    “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 — New or repaired onsite sewage systems inside Dothan city limits when the property is not connected to a public sanitary sewer system.
      “Alabama State Law requires homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer system to obtain a permit from the local health department prior to installing a new system or making repairs to an existing onsite sewage disposal system.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Onsite sanitation serving property inside Dothan city limits not connected to public sanitary sewer.

    • Local-health-department permit is required before installing or repairing an onsite sewage disposal system.
    “Alabama State Law requires homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer system to obtain a permit from the local health department prior to installing a new system or making repairs to an existing onsite sewage disposal system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Sanitation for homes inside Dothan city limits that are not connected to public sewer.
      “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.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Dothan or Houston County directly.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Residential dwellings inside Dothan city limits.
  • Lot coverage — Development inside Dothan city limits.
  • Building height — Buildings inside Dothan city limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Dothan city limits.
  • Septic inspection — Onsite sewage systems inside Dothan city limits.
1 more unanswered
  • Agricultural exemption

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Dothan publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Houston County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Houston County: county rules, score and offices