Bolthole Index

Randolph County, Alabama

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

80Index Score / 100
#12 of 67 in Alabama

Randolph County, Alabama does not require a general county building permit, but subdivision development and construction in a flood-prone area go through the County Engineer123. Inside a municipality, ask the city about its building permit and zoning rules; the Randolph County Health Department still administers septic permits countywide45.

At a glance

Building permit
No general county building permit; subdivision and flood-prone development have separate review1
Zoning
No county zoning outside municipal limits and police jurisdictions4
Septic permit
Required for new systems and repairs off public sewer; apply through the Randolph County Health Department65
Subdivision development
County review, approval and published fees apply within the county's subdivision jurisdiction78
Owner-builder
Available because no county building permit is required; state trade-licensing rules may still apply9
RV / tiny home
County zoning does not restrict them, but a park model is not a permanent dwelling under state rules1011
New home / structure tax reporting
Report to the Revenue Commissioner's Appraisal Office to avoid back-taxing12

Who to call

Floodplain permits

Randolph County Highway Department (County Engineer)

Subdivision of land into lots, construction of homes or businesses in a flood-prone area, and timber harvest permits; there is no separate county building or zoning department.

256-357-2311

Septic permits

Randolph County Health Department

Septic tank certification and permits, onsite sewage applications, private well water testing, and other environmental services for Randolph County.

(334) 863-8981

Property records

Randolph County Revenue Commissioner's Appraisal Office

Ensuring proper tax exemptions are recorded for new homes or structures, and preventing back-taxing for unreported new buildings.

256-357-4343 ext. 402

Also useful

Randolph County Commission

General county administration; a starting point if you're not sure which office to call for land-use questions.

256-357-4980

12 East Broad Street Southeast, Wedowee, Alabama 36278

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 7, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Randolph 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 Randolph County, Alabama?

Randolph County has not adopted a general county building permit requirement or county building code1314. That answer does not eliminate the septic Permit to Install, subdivision approval or review of construction in a flood-prone area623. Inside a municipality or its police jurisdiction, ask the municipality whether its own building permit or zoning approval applies; the Randolph County Health Department remains the septic authority for the county415. A landowner may build their own home because there is no county building permit to obtain, although state trade-licensing rules may still apply9. Alabama also provides a licensing exemption for an owner who personally supervises construction of a qualifying home for their own occupancy16. Report the completed structure to the Revenue Commissioner's Appraisal Office12.

Who issues building and septic permits in Randolph County?

Randolph County has no general county building permit office because the County Commission has not adopted general building permit requirements13. The County Engineer handles subdivision approval and is the first contact for floodplain development involving a home or business2317. The Randolph County Health Department administers onsite sewage applications, septic permits and septic certifications throughout the county1518. Inside a municipality, contact the city about its building permit and zoning approval requirements; septic authority does not shift to the city195. The published county guidance does not give a complete floodplain development application or fee schedule, so take floodplain questions to the County Engineer3. The County Commission can route other land-use questions20.

Does Randolph County have zoning?

Randolph County has no county zoning ordinance for unincorporated property outside municipal limits and police jurisdictions21. County zoning therefore sets no minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit, and county zoning does not restrict accessory dwellings, RVs, tiny homes or manufactured homes10. The agricultural exclusion is narrower: roads or buildings on private property used for agriculture are excluded from the subdivision definition, but that is not an exemption from septic, floodplain or other applicable rules22. Subdivision access standards, septic permits and floodplain development review can still apply even without zoning2363. Inside a municipality or its police jurisdiction, ask the city about zoning approval and building permits while taking septic permit questions to the Randolph County Health Department45.

How do septic permits work in Randolph County?

A Randolph County home or business not connected to public sanitary sewer needs a septic Permit to Install before a new onsite sewage system is built or an existing system is repaired6. Submit the application and plans to the Randolph County Health Department, which administers onsite sewage and septic permits throughout Randolph County, including addresses inside municipalities518. The county page also lists septic-tank-pumper inspections and permits, but we could not confirm the installation-inspection sequence for every septic system24. We also could not confirm Randolph County septic permit fees, so ask the Health Department for the parcel-specific application, site evaluation, inspection steps and charges2518. Only 40.5% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, making an early site evaluation especially useful26.

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

Randolph County zoning does not restrict an RV, tiny home or manufactured home on unincorporated land outside municipal limits and police jurisdictions104. A park model, however, is classified by Alabama as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel or seasonal use rather than a permanent dwelling11. A qualifying manufactured home may be used as a residence when it meets the state definition and utility conditions27. A new or repaired onsite sewage system still needs a septic Permit to Install through the Randolph County Health Department65. For an ordinary motor home or travel trailer, we could not confirm a general permanent-occupancy rule, so discuss the proposed unit and sanitation plan with the Health Department before moving in1118. Inside a municipality, also ask the city about zoning approval19.

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is inside municipal limits or a police jurisdiction; if it is, ask the city about its building permit and zoning approval19.
  2. If the project divides land, start with the County Engineer; subdivision applications must be submitted at least 30 days before consideration28.
  3. Ask the County Engineer about floodplain development review before designing on a flood-prone site3.
  4. Apply to the Randolph County Health Department for a septic Permit to Install before building or repairing an onsite sewage system65.
  5. Use a licensed builder or follow the owner-builder and trade-licensing rules even though the county does not issue a general building permit149.
  6. If access is from a state highway, obtain the required ALDOT driveway turnout permit before construction29.
  7. Report the finished structure to the Revenue Commissioner's Appraisal Office12.

What to check before you buy land in Randolph County

Confirm the parcel's municipal status, flood exposure, septic suitability and legal access before buying43623. Lots governed by the subdivision regulations generally need at least 30 feet of access from a city, county or state road to the building site, while specified parcels need 60 feet23. Published subdivision charges include a $250 minor-subdivision base fee plus $50 per lot or site; these are subdivision fees, not general building permit or septic permit fees8. Only 40.5% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, and the county is 76.8% wooded, so evaluate the actual homesite rather than judging the tract from road frontage2630. The Health Department offers private-well water testing, but we could not confirm a general well-construction permit rule18.

Watch-outs

  • Randolph County has not adopted a general building permit or building code, but we could not confirm whether ordinary residential construction receives a county building inspection or certificate of occupancy1314.
  • Subdivision rules and fees apply only within Randolph County's subdivision jurisdiction; a functioning municipal planning commission may control review in its territory instead7.

Sources

  1. Zoning & Permitting Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  2. randolphcountyal.gov, quoted and re-checked
  3. randolphcountyal.gov, quoted and re-checked
  4. Zoning & Permitting Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  5. alabamapublichealth.gov, quoted and re-checked
  6. Onsite Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  7. Subdivision Specifications Specified for Randolph County, quoted and re-checked
  8. Subdivision Specifications Specified for Randolph County, quoted and re-checked
  9. Alabama law on county zoning and building authority
  10. Alabama law on county zoning and building authority
  11. Chapter 535-X-11 Regulations for Manufactured Buildings (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Randolph County Revenue Commissioner's Appraisal Office (randolphcountyal.gov)
  13. Zoning & Permitting Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  14. Zoning & Permitting Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  15. Environmental Services, quoted and re-checked
  16. Exemptions (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Randolph County Highway Department (County Engineer) (randolphcountyal.gov)
  18. Randolph County Health Department (alabamapublichealth.gov)
  19. Zoning & Permitting Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  20. Randolph County Commission (randolphcountyal.gov)
  21. Zoning & Permitting Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  22. Subdivision Specifications Specified for Randolph County, quoted and re-checked
  23. Subdivision Specifications Specified for Randolph County, quoted and re-checked
  24. Environmental Services, quoted and re-checked
  25. Environmental Services, quoted and re-checked
  26. 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
  27. What are the requirements for titling a manufactured home? (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Subdivision Regulations of Randolph County, Alabama, quoted and re-checked
  29. ALDOT Permit Manual (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 7, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Randolph County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleRandolph CountyChambers CountyClay CountyCleburne CountyTallapoosa CountyTalladega CountyCalhoun County
Building permitLimitedLimitedNot requiredNot requiredRequiredLimitedNot required
County zoningNoNoNoNoNot publishedNoNo
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Randolph County in Alabama

80
County map
Randolph County highlighted among the Alabama counties · colored by Index score

How Randolph County scores

Seclusion68100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency73100% ev.
Admin Boringness76100% ev.
Durability65100% ev.
Property Autonomy39100% ev.
Carry Cost87100% 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 →

$213kTypical home
0.2%Property tax
$4,005Land / acre
55.6"Annual rain
14.4% of yrsSevere drought
8 / yr (+7.5)Mid-century 100°F days
15.6 daysMid-century dry spell
2.36" (+6.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.34×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,764Home insurance / yr
1.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.62%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
11,012People within 30 min
3,974,239People within 2 hr
24,454Radius comparison (15 mi)
39.2People / sq mi
0%Federal land
56.6%Land at 15% slope or less
40.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
145,482 acWorkable land screen
76.8%Wooded land
44.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
61.3°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Randolph 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.

Roanoke · Town of Wadley · Town of Wedowee · Town of Woodland

Answers from the rulebook for Randolph County

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

Randolph County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    County-level permitting for construction and land-development activities in Randolph County.

    • The county states it has not formally adopted general building permit requirements.
    • Persons or businesses wishing to divide land into subdivision lots, construct homes or businesses in a flood-prone area, or harvest timber should contact the County Engineer as soon as possible.
    • Municipal requirements may apply inside municipalities.
    “Although the County Commission has not formally adopted any building codes or permit requirements, all residential home builders must be licensed by and follow the “Alabama Residential Building Code” as required by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not required — County Commission building permit requirements for construction in Randolph County.
      “Although the County Commission has not formally adopted any building codes or permit requirements, all residential home builders must be licensed by and follow the “Alabama Residential Building Code” as required by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board.”
    • Not required — County Commission building permits for residential construction in unincorporated Randolph County
      “Although the County Commission has not formally adopted any building codes or permit requirements, all residential home builders must be licensed by and follow the “Alabama Residential Building Code” as required by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board.”
  • Owner-builder exemption · follows from the permit answerNot needed

    Unincorporated Randolph County: no county building permit is required, so there is no permit to be exempt from and you may build your own home. State licensing for electrical, plumbing and HVAC work may still apply.

    • The county states it has not formally adopted permit requirements.
    • Separate subdivision, floodplain-development, logging, septic, tax-reporting, licensing, or municipal requirements may apply.
    “Although the County Commission has not formally adopted any building codes or permit requirements, all residential home builders must be licensed by and follow the “Alabama Residential Building Code” as required by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board.”
  • Building code adoptedNot adopted (with conditions)

    County Commission adoption of building codes in Randolph County.

    • Residential home builders must be licensed by and follow the Alabama Residential Building Code as required by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board.
    • The county document says builders are strongly encouraged to ensure their contractor is licensed and complies with that code.
    “has not formally adopted any building codes”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not adopted (with conditions) — County Commission adoption of building codes in Randolph County.
      “Although the County Commission has not formally adopted any building codes or permit requirements, all residential home builders must be licensed by and follow the “Alabama Residential Building Code” as required by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    County zoning restrictions in unincorporated Randolph County outside municipal limits and police jurisdictions.

    • Municipal regulations apply inside municipalities; the county document instructs property owners inside a municipality to contact that municipality.
    • Floodplain, subdivision, timber, septic, and other non-zoning requirements may still apply.
    “The County Commission has no legal authority to issue zoning ordinances; therefore, there are no zoning restrictions for properties located in the unincorporated areas of the county and outside of municipal limits and police jurisdictions.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Absent — Zoning in unincorporated Randolph County outside municipal limits and police jurisdictions
      “The County Commission has no legal authority to issue zoning ordinances; therefore, there are no zoning restrictions for properties located in the unincorporated areas of the county and outside of municipal limits and police jurisdictions.”
    • Absent — County zoning restrictions in unincorporated areas outside municipal limits and police jurisdictions.
      “The County Commission has no legal authority to issue zoning ordinances; therefore, there are no zoning restrictions for properties located in the unincorporated areas of the county and outside of municipal limits and police jurisdictions.”
  • Local zoningAbsent

    Properties in the unincorporated areas of Randolph County that are outside municipal limits and police jurisdictions.

    • The source does not establish zoning status inside municipalities or municipal police jurisdictions.
    • For property located inside a municipality, the source directs owners to contact the municipality to verify compliance with municipal requirements.
    • Separate county subdivision, floodplain-development, and other non-zoning requirements may apply.
    “ZONING: The County Commission has no legal authority to issue zoning ordinances; therefore, there are no zoning restrictions for properties located in the unincorporated areas of the county and outside of municipal limits and police jurisdictions.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Randolph County: no county rule sets this, because Randolph County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Randolph County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Randolph County: no county rule sets this, because Randolph County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Randolph County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Minimum lot size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Randolph County: no county rule sets this, because Randolph County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Randolph County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Randolph County: no county rule sets this, because Randolph County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Randolph County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Randolph County: no county rule sets this, because Randolph County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Randolph County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Building height · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Randolph County: no county rule sets this, because Randolph County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Randolph County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Randolph County: no county rule sets this, because Randolph County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Randolph County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Randolph County: no county rule sets this, because Randolph County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Randolph County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Randolph County: no county rule sets this, because Randolph County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Randolph County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Randolph County: no county rule sets this, because Randolph County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Randolph County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Randolph County: no county rule sets this, because Randolph County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Randolph County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law.
    • Limited authority may arise through county-specific local laws, including examples identified by the handbook for Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson Counties.
    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Septic tank certifications and local onsite-sewage administration in Randolph County.

    • The Randolph County Health Department is the local county health authority identified by the county for septic tank certifications.
    • State ADPH onsite-sewage rules also govern the work.
    “Onsite Sewage, Septic Tanks, and Grease Traps - Applications and Permits”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — Onsite sewage and septic certifications in Randolph County.
      “Onsite Sewage, Septic Tanks, and Grease Traps - Applications and Permits”
    • County — Septic tank certifications and related onsite sewage services in Randolph County
      “For more information about environmental services, call the Randolph County Health Department at (334) 863-8981, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.”
    • County — Septic and onsite sewage services for Randolph County.
      “For more information about environmental services, call the Randolph County Health Department at (334) 863-8981, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of an onsite sewage disposal system in Randolph County when the property is not served by a city or central sewer system.

    • The application must be submitted to the local health department.
    • If the application is complete and meets all requirements, an approved permit to install is issued before installation.
    “As a property owner you should be aware that you must submit an APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT TO INSTALL AN ONSITE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM to your local health department, If this application is complete and meets all requirements you will receive an approved PERMIT TO INSTALL.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Onsite sewage, septic tank, and grease-trap applications and permits administered through Randolph County environmental services.
      “Onsite Sewage, Septic Tanks, and Grease Traps - Applications and Permits”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Septic-related inspections in Randolph County

    • The official county environmental-services page expressly lists septic-tank-pumper inspections and permits; it does not establish a general installation-inspection rule.
    “Septic Tank Pumpers - Inspections and Permits”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Subdivision-regulation exclusion for construction or development of roads or buildings on private property used for agricultural purposes.

    • This is an exclusion from the subdivision definition, not a blanket exemption from every county, state, health, floodplain, or other applicable rule.
    • The regulation cites Code of Alabama 1975 §11-24-1(a)(4).
    “The construction or development of roads or buildings on private property to be used for agricultural purposes. See, Code of Alabama 1975, § 11-24-1(a)(4);”
  • Subdividing landLimited

    Division of land into subdivision lots in Randolph County.

    • Individuals or businesses wishing to divide land into subdivision lots should contact the County Engineer as soon as possible.
    • Municipal requirements may apply inside municipalities.
    “The developer is responsible for all charges, including inspection and testing, incurred by the county during the subdivision approval process.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivisions within Randolph County's subdivision jurisdiction, generally outside municipal corporate limits except areas within an organized and functional municipal planning commission's territorial jurisdiction.
      “The regulations set out herein shall be in force and applicable to the development of all subdivisions in the subdivision jurisdiction of the Randolph County Commission from and after the date of adoption by resolution.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Access for lots and building sites in subdivisions governed by Randolph County subdivision regulations

    • All lots must have access to a city, county, or state road.
    • Access must generally be at least 30 feet wide from the road to the building site.
    • Parcels excluded under Section 2-1-60(d), and certain lots capable of further division, must have at least 60 feet of access.
    • Subdivision approval requires frontage on or access from an existing state, county, or city road or an approved public road, suitably improved or secured by an improvement guarantee.

    standard access width: >= 30 feet (From city, county, or state road to building site) · specified excluded/further-dividable parcel access width: >= 60 feet (As stated in Section 2-1-1)

    “All access must have thirty (30) foot minimum width from the city, county, or state road to the building site.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Access serving subdivision lots or building sites under the county subdivision regulations.
      “All access must have thirty (30) foot minimum width from the city, county, or state road to the building site. [Parcels excluded in Section 2-1-60(d) must have a minimum of sixty (60) foot access along with any lot in a subdivision of land covered by these regulations which has the ability to be further divided to provide additional building sites/ lots.]”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Construction of homes or businesses in flood-prone areas of Randolph County.

    • Persons or businesses wishing to construct homes or businesses in a flood-prone area should contact the County Engineer as soon as possible.
    • The county document does not provide numeric floodplain limits, fees, or a complete application procedure.
    • Municipal requirements may apply inside municipalities.
    “Individuals or businesses wishing to divide land into subdivision lots, construct homes or businesses in a flood-prone area, or harvest timber should contact the County Engineer at 256-357-2311 as soon as possible.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Homes or businesses proposed in flood-prone areas of Randolph County
      “Individuals or businesses wishing to divide land into subdivision lots, construct homes or businesses in a flood-prone area, or harvest timber should contact the County Engineer at 256-357-2311 as soon as possible.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Subdivision review, development permits, and inspection costs under the posted Randolph County subdivision regulations.

    • Developer is responsible for all county inspection and testing charges during the approval process.
    • Minor and major subdivision fees depend on subdivision type.
    • Administrative subdivisions are exempt from the normal fee schedule and subject to $50 per occurrence.

    permit to develop: 25 USD (County may charge up to $25 under amended law.) · minor subdivision fee: 250 USD (Plus $50 per lot/site.) · major subdivision fee: 500 USD (Plus $50 per lot/site and $0.25 per linear foot of new road.) · administrative subdivision fee: per 50 USD (Per occurrence; normal subdivision fee schedule does not apply.)

    “(1) Permit to Develop: A permit fee of $ 25 (County may charge up to $ 25 under amended law); and (2) Minor Subdivision Fee: $250.00 plus $ 50.00 per lot/ site in the development; or (3) Major Subdivision Fee: $ 500.00 plus $ 50.00 per lot/ site plus $ 0.25/ linear foot on new road to be constructed.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Randolph County subdivision review, inspection, and development permits
      “Randolph County has established the following schedule of fees, as authorized under Code of Alabama 1975 Section 11-24-3, to cover costs associated with the inspection and review of subdivision developments.”
  • Permit processPartial

    County-administered development and septic contacts in Randolph County.

    • For subdivision lots, flood-prone construction, or timber harvest, contact the County Engineer at 256-357-2311 as soon as possible.
    • For septic tank certification, contact the Randolph County Health Department at 334-863-8981.
    • The reviewed sources do not provide a complete application, review, appeal, or fee process.
    “SEPTIC TANK CERTIFICATIONS: Individuals needing a septic tank certification should contact the Randolph County Health Department at 334-863-8981.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Subdivision plat approval and Permit to Develop process within Randolph County subdivision jurisdiction
      “Following the approval of the Proposed Plat by the County Commission, the County Engineer shall issue a Permit to Develop for the Proposed Plat for a fee of $25. The Permit to Develop allows the developer to proceed with construction of the development in compliance with these regulations.”

Alabama rules that apply here

  • InspectionsLimited

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

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

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

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

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

    “An updated list of subcontractors shall be furnished by the builder before the issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the municipality.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rentals in Randolph 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 Randolph County, Alabama

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

Randolph County scores 80/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

Randolph County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Randolph 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 Randolph County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Randolph County is allowed: Unincorporated Randolph County: no county rule sets this, because Randolph County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Alabama law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Randolph County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning. Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits. Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Randolph County, Alabama?

Land in Randolph County runs about $4,005 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Randolph County?

Randolph County gets about 55.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 14.4% of years.

How remote is Randolph County?

A representative private-land location has about 11,012 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,974,239 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 Randolph compares in Alabama

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