Perry County, AL: No Building Permit, No Zoning

Unincorporated Perry County, Alabama appears not to require a residential building permit and has no county zoning ordinance¹². The Perry County Health Department handles onsite sewage applications and permits³. Access from private property to a state highway needs an ALDOT permit, and a septic system needs health-department approval before installation or repair⁴⁵.

At a glance

Building permit: Appears not required in unincorporated Perry County; confirm with the County Commission¹
Zoning: None countywide; no county zoning ordinance in unincorporated Perry County²
Septic permits: Required off public sewer; apply through the Perry County Health Department³⁵
Owner-builder exemption: Available for an owner acting as contractor on a qualifying home for personal occupancy⁶
RV and tiny-home use: No county zoning restriction; Alabama treats a park model as temporary living quarters, not a permanent dwelling⁷⁸
Septic soil suitability: Only 2.9% of county soils are free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field⁹
Property tax: Effective rate around 0.4%, median bill near $325/year¹⁰¹¹

Who to call

Also useful

Perry County Commission

County governance and administration for Perry County; the county's department list carries no building, planning, codes or zoning office, so the Commission is the starting point for any question about how a piece of unincorporated land is handled

(334) 683-2200

300 Washington St, Marion, AL 36756

Septic permits

Perry County Health Department

Onsite sewage (septic) system applications and permits for Perry County, as the county office of the Alabama Department of Public Health

334-683-6153

1748 South Washington St., Marion, Alabama 36756

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 Perry 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 Perry County, Alabama?

Unincorporated Perry County, Alabama appears not to require a residential building permit, and the county lists no building-permit, inspection or code-enforcement authority¹. Because the available county information does not expressly say that permits are unnecessary, ask the Perry County Commission at (334) 683-2200 to confirm the current rule for your parcel and project¹². Alabama allows a county commission to adopt residential building laws and codes by resolution, so the answer can change if Perry County starts a local program¹³. Alabama's Division of Construction Management does not inspect ordinary residential property; its state-code jurisdiction is limited to specified public, institutional and lodging work¹⁴. A qualifying agricultural building is exempt from Alabama's residential-home-builder licensing requirements, but the exemption does not cover a residence contained in that building¹⁵.

Who handles building and zoning matters in Perry County?

Perry County does not list a building, planning, zoning or code-enforcement department, and its available county information indicates no residential building permit and no county zoning ordinance for unincorporated land¹². Start with the Perry County Commission for a project-specific answer or a referral to the right authority¹². The Commission is at 300 Washington St, Marion, AL 36756 and can be reached at (334) 683-2200¹². Building inspections and certificates of occupancy could not be confirmed, so ask the Commission about both before ordering plans or scheduling construction¹². Septic is the clear exception to the county's sparse development structure: the Perry County Health Department handles onsite sewage applications and permits³.

Does Perry County have zoning?

Perry County has no countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated land². Alabama counties lack broad general land-use authority unless a local law or another specific statute grants it¹⁶. As a result, unincorporated Perry County sets no zoning rule for minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setbacks, building height, accessory dwellings, RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy or manufactured-home occupancy⁷. That answer is limited to county zoning: land inside a municipality can be subject to municipal rules, while private deed restrictions can still bind a parcel². Alabama permits—but does not require—a county to adopt subdivision regulations, and the available authority does not establish Perry County's current lot, road, drainage or approval standards¹⁷. Ask the Perry County Commission before dividing, recording or selling acreage¹².

How do septic permits work in Perry County?

The Perry County Health Department handles onsite sewage applications and permits for Perry County³. Property not connected to a public sanitary sewer needs a local health-department permit before a new onsite sewage system is installed or an existing system is repaired⁵. The application can require professional soil information, a legal description, plot plan, vicinity map and sometimes a construction plan; the department reviews the application and soil results before issuing a permit¹⁸. Submit the application with the applicable fee, but ask the Health Department for the current amount because the published procedure does not state it¹⁹. Only 2.9% of Perry County soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, and difficult soil or shallow seasonal saturation can require a registered engineer's design⁹⁵. Contact the Perry County Health Department at 334-683-6153 before installation begins²⁰.

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

Unincorporated Perry County has no county zoning restriction on RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy or temporary camping⁷. That does not make every RV a lawful permanent home: Alabama classifies a park model as temporary living quarters for recreation, camping, travel or seasonal use rather than a permanent dwelling⁸. A park model outside an RV park must follow the manufacturer's approved installation instructions⁸. Alabama recognizes a manufactured home that bears a HUD Seal and is connected to plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and electrical systems as a place of residence, though that rule does not settle local siting questions²¹. Any off-grid toilet or wastewater arrangement must still satisfy onsite-sewage permitting, design, installation, approval and use requirements²². The available rules do not confirm permanent occupancy rights for an ordinary travel trailer or motor home, so ask the Perry County Commission about the intended unit and ask the Perry County Health Department how wastewater must be handled¹²²⁰.

Building on land in Perry County: what to expect, in order

Call the Perry County Commission at (334) 683-2200 to confirm the building-permit, inspection and occupancy requirements for the exact parcel and project¹²¹.

Arrange septic early with the Perry County Health Department because a permit is required before onsite-system installation or repair off public sewer⁵.

If a private well is planned, use a licensed water-well driller; Alabama requires the driller to file notice before work and certify completion afterward, but the cited rule does not establish a separate owner permit²³.

If acting as your own contractor on a qualifying home for your own occupancy, personally provide all material supervision and review the licensing exemption's limits²⁴.

For access from private property to a state highway, submit ALDOT Form BM-111 to the District Administrator; ALDOT regulates the turnout, and the applicant pays its costs⁴.

If the work disturbs at least 1 acre, is part of a qualifying common plan, or could affect water quality, retain a Qualified Credentialed Professional and apply for ADEM stormwater coverage through AEPACS²⁵. The application fee is $1,385; normal agriculture, silviculture and specified minor disturbances are among the exemptions²⁶.

What to check before you buy land in Perry County

Start with wastewater: only 2.9% of Perry County soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so establish septic feasibility before choosing a house site⁹. Ask the Perry County Health Department about the site evaluation, required design and current application fee⁵¹⁹. Verify whether the parcel has public water or sewer service because countywide utility availability could not be confirmed; if using a well, hire a driller who follows Alabama's licensing and notification rules²³. Check legal access and identify who owns the road: ALDOT requires a permit for access from private property to a state highway, while the available rule does not answer county-road or city-street access⁴. Finally, ask the Perry County Commission about floodplain and subdivision requirements because current Perry County rules for those topics could not be confirmed; where a community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, development in a mapped flood hazard area needs a local permit, but we could not confirm whether that applies here²⁷¹²¹⁷.

Watch-outs

Perry County's available information indicates no residential building permit, but no operative county statement expressly says permits are unnecessary; confirm with the County Commission before building¹¹².
A park model is temporary living quarters under Alabama's rule, so the absence of county zoning does not make it a permanent dwelling⁸⁷.
An onsite sewage application carries an applicable fee, but the published procedure does not state the amount; ask the Perry County Health Department for the current charge¹⁹²⁰.

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 5 of the neighbors with published rules, Perry County has no countywide zoning.

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

How Perry County scores

Seclusion76100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency60100% ev.

Admin Boringness86100% ev.

Durability65100% 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 →

$132kTypical home

0.4%Property tax

$2,354Land / acre

53.8"Annual rain

3.8% of yrsSevere drought

14.9 / yr (+13.5)Mid-century 100°F days

16.7 daysMid-century dry spell

2.5" (+5.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.34×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,876Home insurance / yr

-0.7% / yrInsurance growth

1.63%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

6,164People within 30 min

1,747,769People within 2 hr

13,208Radius comparison (15 mi)

10.8People / sq mi

7.1%Federal land

73.1%Land at 15% slope or less

2.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)

13,302 acWorkable land screen

73.5%Wooded land

44.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac

64°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Perry County

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

Perry County rules

Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Perry County: no county rule sets this, because Perry County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing perrycountyal.gov.
- 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 Perry County: no county rule sets this, because Perry County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing perrycountyal.gov.
- 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 Perry County: no county rule sets this, because Perry County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing perrycountyal.gov.
- 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 Perry County: no county rule sets this, because Perry County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing perrycountyal.gov.
- 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 Perry County: no county rule sets this, because Perry County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing perrycountyal.gov.
- 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 Perry County: no county rule sets this, because Perry County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing perrycountyal.gov.
- 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 Perry County: no county rule sets this, because Perry County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing perrycountyal.gov.
- 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 Perry County: no county rule sets this, because Perry County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing perrycountyal.gov.
- 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 Perry County: no county rule sets this, because Perry County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing perrycountyal.gov.
- 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 Perry County: no county rule sets this, because Perry County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing perrycountyal.gov.
- 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 Perry County: no county rule sets this, because Perry County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing perrycountyal.gov.
- 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 septicCounty
Onsite sewage and septic permitting and related environmental services in Perry County.
- The Perry County Health Department is the county-level office identified as providing onsite sewage applications and permits.
- The county health department operates within Alabama's statewide ADPH onsite sewage program.
“The Perry County Health Department provides the following services to the public. [...] Onsite Sewage - Applications and Permits”
Services — Perry County Health Department ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
County-wide zoningAbsent
No county planning or zoning department is listed on the county's official site; Alabama counties generally lack county-wide zoning authority in unincorporated areas absent a specific enabling local act.
Perry County, AL (official county government site) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Alabama rules that apply here

Building permitLimited
Residential construction undertakings in Alabama for which the Home Builders Licensure Law requires a residential home builders license and a local incorporated municipality, municipal subdivision, or county authority issues the building or similar permit.
- The issuing building official must refuse the permit unless the applicant provides evidence of the required license or an exemption.
- The cited provision addresses undertakings requiring a license; it does not establish that every residential project statewide requires a building permit.
- Local building-permit rules and local building codes remain applicable.
“to refuse to issue a permit for any undertaking which would require a license hereunder unless the applicant has furnished evidence”
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 — Owners acting as their own contractor for building or improving one-family or two-family residences in Alabama, including Perry County, for the owners' 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 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
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.”
  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
New onsite sewage disposal systems and repairs to existing systems in Perry County when the property is not connected to a public sanitary sewer system.
- A permit from the local health department is required before installing a new system or making repairs to an existing onsite sewage disposal system.
- A registered engineer must perform required tests for designed systems where soil will not percolate well, where average seasonal high extended saturation is shallower than allowed for conventional systems, or for large systems.
- The permit application must include professional soils information, a legal description, a plot plan, a vicinity map, and in some instances a construction plan.
- The owner or agent must submit the application with the applicable fee for review.
- The permit is issued if the application is approved after health-department review of the application and soil-test results.
- 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”
Onsite Sewage — Alabama Department of Public Health ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Homeowners and businesses statewide that are not connected to a public sanitary sewer and intend to install a new onsite sewage system or repair an existing one.
  “Alabama State Law requires homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer to obtain a permit from the local health department”
  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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Use of an onsite sewage disposal system instead of a public sanitary sewer in Perry County.
  “requirements for the design, permitting, installation, approval, and use of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems.”
  Onsite Sewage — Alabama Department of Public Health ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Well permitLimited
Water-well drilling in Perry County, including private-well drilling.
- The person proposing to drill must file an application for a water-well driller's license and pay the stated annual fee.
- A Notification of Intent to drill must be filed before work begins.
- A Certification of Completion must be filed within 30 days after completion.
- The rule states that the board shall notify local health authorities within 7 days after receiving the completion certification.
- The cited rule addresses drilling licensure and notifications; it does not establish that an individual private-well owner must obtain a separate permit.
annual water-well driller license fee: 200 USD (payable with the annual application on or before September 30)
“Every person who proposes to drill a water well in the State of Alabama shall file [...] an application for a water well driller’s license”
ADEM Water Well Standards Program, Division 335-9 ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — 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.
  “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)
Agricultural buildings in Perry County and elsewhere in Alabama under the Home Builders Licensure Board residential-home-builder licensing law.
- The exemption concerns licensing requirements under the Home Builders Licensure Board Act.
- The structure must qualify as an agricultural building under Ala. Admin. Code r. 465-X-1-.01(3).
- Any residence contained in the agricultural building is excluded from the exemption.
- The rule history states an amendment effective October 12, 2018; the source document is effective June 1, 2025.
effective date of current source document: 2025-06-01 · rule: Ala. Admin. Code r. 465-X-3-.03(7) (Agricultural buildings are exempt except for any residence contained therein.)
“Agricultural buildings, as defined in Ala. Admin. Code r. 465-X-1-.01(3), except for any residence contained therein.”
Home Builders Licensure Board Law, Effective June 1, 2025 ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Available (with conditions) — Alabama residential-home-builder licensing requirements, including work in Perry County, for qualifying agricultural buildings.
  “465-X-3-.03 Exemptions. The licensing requirements of the Act shall not apply to: [...] (7) Agricultural buildings, as defined in Ala. Admin. Code r. 465-X-1-.01(3), except for any residence contained therein.”
  Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board Rules and Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
- 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 landLimited
Subdivision development in Alabama counties, including Perry County, subject to county adoption of subdivision regulations.
- Alabama law does not require a county commission to adopt subdivision regulations.
- A county must adopt regulations and comply with statutory procedures and enforcement requirements before those county regulations govern subdivision development.
- The cited authority does not establish current Perry County lot dimensions, road standards, drainage requirements, utility requirements, approval procedures, or exemptions.
statutory authority: Ala. Code § 11-24-1 et seq. · related flood-prone-area authority: Ala. Code § 11-19-12 (Applies to regulations adopted for flood-prone areas.)
“While there is no requirement in Alabama that the county commission adopt regulations regarding subdivision development”
Handbook for Alabama County Commissioners, 13th Edition ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision development in Alabama, including county authority in unincorporated areas and applicable municipal-planning-commission territorial jurisdictions.
  “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 property to State highways in Perry County.
- The requirement applies to turnouts/access points affecting State highways.
- A completed BM-111 application is submitted to the District Administrator.
- Turnouts are regulated for width, radii, placement, angle of entry, vertical alignment, drainage, and number of entrances.
- All costs associated with the turnout are paid by the Applicant.
- The source does not establish a comparable county-road or municipal-road requirement.
“a permit is required to ensure that the location and construction methods are acceptable.”
ALDOT Permit Manual ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Required — Driveway or turnout access from private, publicly owned, or commercial facilities to Alabama state highways, including such access in Perry County.
  “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
- Required — Access from private property to an Alabama state highway, including driveway turnouts.
  “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.”
  Permits | Alabama Department of Transportation ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
- 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 floodplainRequired
Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area within an Alabama community participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.
- The actual development permit is administered by the local building or floodplain official.
- More stringent local requirements may apply.
- Additions or improvements valued at 50% or more of the existing structure's market value are substantial improvements and generally trigger bringing the entire structure into compliance with mapped elevations.
substantial-improvement threshold: >= 50 percent of existing structure market value
“When a community chooses to participate in the NFIP, it must require permits for all development in the SFHA”
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
Short-term rentalsLimited
Short-term rental of rooms, homes, apartments, cabins, or other accommodations to transients for fewer than 180 continuous days in Perry County, including rentals in incorporated municipalities unless a local rule changes the result.
- Alabama lodgings tax applies to accommodations rented for fewer than 180 continuous days.
- The state rate is 4% in counties outside the Alabama Mountain Lakes area; the source lists Marion County, not Perry County, among the 5% Alabama Mountain Lakes counties.
- Local lodgings-tax rates vary and the Alabama Department of Revenue does not administer all county or city lodgings taxes; operators should determine whether local registration is required.
- Returns and remittances are generally due monthly by the 20th for the preceding month's lodgings.
- Quarterly, semi-annual, or annual filing may be requested when the source's stated liability or rental-frequency thresholds are met.
continuous occupation threshold: < 180 days (The source describes accommodations for 180 days or more as outside this tax definition.) · state lodgings tax rate in counties outside listed Alabama Mountain Lakes counties: 4 percent of charges (The source lists Marion County among counties with a 5% state rate; Perry County is not listed.)
“The lodgings tax is a privilege tax on persons, firms, and corporations engaged in renting or furnishing rooms, lodgings, or other accommodations to transients for periods of less than 180 days of continuous occupation and applies to all charges for providing such accommodations. [...] In all other Alabama counties, the state lodgings tax rate is 4 percent of the charges for accommodations.”
Lodgings Tax ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Alabama Construction Stormwater General Permit coverage for regulated construction activity in Perry County, including 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.
- This is an ADEM construction-stormwater permit application fee, not a Perry County building-permit fee.
- Coverage is not required for listed exemptions including normal agricultural and silvicultural activities and specified minor land-disturbing activities.
- If the site is located in a priority watershed, the CBMPP must be included with the application; otherwise it is not required to be included.
- The page states that the most recent permit was issued April 1, 2026.
application fee: 1385 USD
“An application fee of $1,385.00 will be required upon submission of an application.”
Do I Need Permit Coverage? ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Variable (with conditions) — Onsite sewage disposal permit applications applicable in Perry County, including applications submitted to the Perry County Health Department.
  “The owner or the owner's agent can then submit the application to the health department with the applicable fee for review.”
  Onsite Sewage | Alabama Department of Public Health ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- 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 processPublished (with conditions)
Alabama Construction Stormwater General Permit coverage for regulated construction activity in Perry County.
- Coverage is required for sites disturbing one or more acres, qualifying common plans of development or sale, or sites of any size whose discharges have a reasonable potential to cause or contribute to a water-quality concern.
- The applicant must retain a Qualified Credentialed Professional throughout the permitting process and required inspections.
- The applicant must submit a Construction Best Management Practices Plan and Notice of Intent through AEPACS, with the stated priority-watershed exception for including the CBMPP.
- The application requires responsible-official and QCP signatures, a compliant topographic map, and a plat map when located within a common plan of development or subdivision.
- The page states that permitting determinations are generally issued by email within 2–3 days after a project-review request.
minimum disturbance threshold: >= 1 acre (Coverage can also be required below one acre for qualifying common plans of development or sale or discharges with reasonable potential to cause or contribute to a water-quality concern.) · permitting determination response: 2–3 days (Generally, by email after a project-review request.)
“Permit coverage is required if your site meets one of the following: A site that will disturb one or more acres of land; A site that will disturb less than one acre of land and is part of a common plan of development or sale that will ultimately disturb one or more acres of land (such as a home lot in a residential subdivision or outparcel related to a shopping center); or A site of any size whose discharges have a reasonable potential to cause/contribute to a water quality concern. [...] You will receive a permitting determination via email generally within 2 –3 days.”
Do I Need Permit Coverage? ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Partial — Onsite sewage disposal systems in Perry County where the property is not connected to a public sanitary sewer system.
  “Before the construction of an onsite sewage disposal system, you must submit an Application for a Permit to Install an Onsite Sewage Disposal System”
  Onsite Sewage | Alabama Department of Public Health ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- Partial — Driveways, turnouts, and other access points from private property to State highways in Perry County.
  “Applicants should submit Permit Form BM-111”
  Permits | Alabama Department of Transportation ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 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

Still unanswered

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

Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning within Perry County, including any incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas.
Septic inspection — Inspection of onsite sewage systems in Perry 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 Perry County, Alabama

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

Perry County scores 79/100 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 Perry County, Alabama?

Perry 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 Perry County Health Department (Environmental Health) under Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). 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 Perry County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Perry County is allowed: Unincorporated Perry County: no county rule sets this, because Perry County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing perrycountyal.gov. 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 Perry County, Alabama?

Land in Perry County runs about $2,354 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Perry County?

Perry County gets about 53.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.8% of years.

How remote is Perry County?

A representative private-land location has about 6,164 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,747,769 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 Perry County, Alabama

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who handles building and zoning matters in Perry County?

Does Perry County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Perry County?

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

Building on land in Perry County: what to expect, in order

What to check before you buy land in Perry County

Watch-outs

Sources

Compared with neighboring counties

Perry County in Alabama

How Perry County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Cities and towns in Perry County

Answers from the rulebook for Perry County

Perry County rules

Alabama rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Perry County, Alabama

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Perry County, Alabama?

What is the water situation in Perry County?

How remote is Perry County?

How Perry compares in Alabama