Bolthole Index

Russell County, Alabama

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Phenix City, Alabama

Phenix City, Alabama (Russell County) runs its own Building Department at 1119 Broad Street, and its zoning ordinance sets rules for RVs, tiny homes, accessory dwellings and manufactured homes inside the city.12 Septic is separate: onsite sewage permits come from the Russell County Health Department, and the city's own permit page requires its septic approval for building in the police jurisdiction.31 Rules for unincorporated Russell County do not apply to lots inside Phenix City.

At a glance

Building permits
City Building Department, 334-448-27401
Septic
Russell County Health Department permit required before an onsite system is built4
RV living
Limited to RV parks, no more than two consecutive weeks per person or family5
Tiny home
Permanent occupancy only if it conforms to the Building Code or is a manufactured home2
Accessory dwelling
Accessory Dwelling Permit required6
Floodplain
Lowest floor at least two feet above base flood elevation7
Owner-builder
Owner may act as general contractor with a sworn statement; city exemption not confirmed1

Who to call

Building permits

City of Phenix City Building Department

Residential and commercial building permits, plan review and inspections inside Phenix City; its residential checklist asks for a residential driveway permit application inside the city limits

334-448-2740

1119 Broad St., Phenix City, AL 36867

Septic permits

Russell County Health Department — Environmental Office

Septic tank (onsite sewage) permits and inspections requests for Russell County; the city's permit page requires its approval for building in the police jurisdiction

334-297-0251

1850 Crawford Road, Phenix City, Alabama 36867

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Phenix City means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Does Phenix City have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs and tiny homes?

Yes. Phenix City's zoning ordinance sets use rules for land inside the city. For living quarters it says that only buildings conforming to the Building Code and manufactured homes may be used for permanent residential occupancy.2

RVs and tiny homes on wheels may be used only temporarily and only in RV parks, and no RV may be occupied by a person or family for more than two consecutive weeks.5 Camping in a vehicle between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. is unlawful except in licensed or approved mobile home parks, trailer parks or campsites.8

Manufactured homes can be a permanent home if they meet the ordinance definition and Building Code requirements; a manufactured home stand must be at least 5,000 square feet and 50 feet wide.9

An accessory dwelling needs an Accessory Dwelling Permit, a lot of generally at least 10,000 square feet, and a permitted single-family detached dwelling; only one is allowed per lot.6

Do you need a building permit in Phenix City, and who issues it?

Yes. The City of Phenix City Building Department, in the Municipal Building at 1119 Broad Street, issues residential building permits; call 334-448-2740.1

Its residential checklist asks for a permit application, a stamped site plan, an erosion control permit, a driveway permit application and an E-911 verified address. If you are the homeowner acting as general contractor, you must sign a sworn statement under the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Law.1 Alabama exempts an owner who acts as their own contractor on a one- or two-family home for their own use, but that is a licensing exemption and not a permit waiver.10

City lots that sit in a special flood-hazard area must have the lowest floor, including a basement, at least two feet above base flood elevation.7

Building outside the city limits but inside the police jurisdiction goes to the Russell County Engineering Department at 334-298-7484 for driveways.1

How do septic permits work in Phenix City?

The Russell County Health Department provides onsite sewage applications and permits.3 Before building a system you must submit an Application for a Permit to Install an Onsite Sewage Disposal System to the county health department; a permit is issued only if the plans meet the rules, and the installer must be licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board.4 The one-time fee for a residential conventional system application is $100.11

Inside the city, the zoning ordinance defers to health-department lot requirements when a dwelling is not on sanitary sewer, and any onsite system is subject to county health-department permitting.12 Only about 8% of Russell County soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, so expect a site evaluation and possibly an engineered system.13

Part of Phenix City lies in Lee County; we did not confirm septic inspection rules there, so call the Lee County Health Department for a lot on that side.

Building a home in Phenix City: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm the zoning of your lot and its dwelling rules with the Building Department.1
  2. Check whether public sewer reaches the lot; if not, apply to the Russell County Health Department for a Permit to Install.414
  3. Get an E-911 verified address and a stamped site plan.1
  4. Submit the residential permit package, including a driveway permit application.1
  5. If the lot is in a flood-hazard area, elevate the lowest floor at least two feet above base flood elevation.7
  6. Complete inspections before occupying.1

What stays with Russell County, and what should you check before you buy?

Inside Phenix City, the city Building Department issues building permits; septic permits and the police-jurisdiction driveway permits stay with Russell County offices.114 Russell County's own Building Inspection office serves unincorporated land and is not the office for a city lot.

We could not confirm a city minimum dwelling size, a private well permit rule, or an agricultural exemption from permits for agricultural land, so ask the Building Department. County figures: typical home value is about $201,942 and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 24 miles from the county center.1516

Watch-outs

  • Do not use the Russell County Building Inspection office for a lot inside Phenix City; the city Building Department issues building permits there.1
  • No RV may be occupied by a person or family for more than two consecutive weeks, and only in an RV park or campground.5
  • The police jurisdiction outside city limits is handled by Russell County for driveways and septic.1

Sources

  1. City of Phenix City Building Department (phenixcityal.gov)
  2. Code of Ordinances §3.03 Buildings and Structures (Phenix City), quoted and re-checked
  3. Services | Russell County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  4. Can I Live On This Lot? | Alabama Department of Public Health, quoted and re-checked
  5. Code of Ordinances §7.14 Recreational Vehicle Parks and Campgrounds (Phenix City), quoted and re-checked
  6. Code of Ordinances §7.01 Accessory Dwellings (Phenix City), quoted and re-checked
  7. Code of Ordinances §34-62 Flood Hazard Reduction (Phenix City), quoted and re-checked
  8. Code of Ordinances §54-11 Camping (Phenix City), quoted and re-checked
  9. Code of Ordinances §3.03 Buildings and Structures (Phenix City), quoted and re-checked
  10. Exemptions, quoted and re-checked
  11. Russell County Health Department Environmental Health Division Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  12. Code of Ordinances §7.01 Accessory Dwellings (Phenix City), quoted and re-checked
  13. 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
  14. Russell County Health Department — Environmental Office (alabamapublichealth.gov)
  15. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  16. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Phenix City

Phenix City’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, excavation, demolition, moving, and covered alteration work inside Phenix City city limits.

    • Repairs, painting, wallpapering, and work not changing the structure's character are excepted.
    • parameters and plans are required with the application.
    “It shall be unlawful to commence excavation for the construction of any building or other structure, including accessory structures, signs or pools; or to commence the demolition of any structure; or to store building materials or erect temporary field offices; or to commence the moving, or alteration (except repairs, painting or wall papering and work not changing the character of the structure) of any structure, including accessory structures, signs and advertising structures; until the Building Official has issued for any and all such work a building permit stating that plans have been reviewed for compliance with this Ordinance.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Buildings or premises before certificate-of-occupancy issuance inside Phenix City city limits.

    • Inspection is for enforcement of the zoning ordinance and occurs before certificate-of-occupancy issuance.
    “Within three (3) days after the owner or owner's agent has notified the Building Official that a building or premises or part thereof is ready for occupancy or use, the Building Official shall make a final inspection thereof, and issue a Certificate of Occupancy if the building or premises or part thereof is found to conform with the provisions of this Ordinance”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Any building or structure constructed or substantially rehabilitated after adoption of the ordinance, before use or occupancy inside Phenix City city limits.

    • Building Official makes a final inspection within three days after notification that it is ready; certificate is issued only if conforming.
    “The owner or owner’s agent prior to use or occupancy of any building or structure, whose construction or substantial rehabilitation is undertaken following adoption of this Ordinance, shall secure a Certificate of Occupancy.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land within Phenix City city limits.

    • Zoning controls depend on the applicable district.
    “The City is hereby subdivided into General Purpose and Special Purpose Zoning Districts as shown on the Official Zoning Map of the City of Phenix City.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Land within Phenix City city limits.

    • The applicable district is the district where the site, use, or structure exists or is proposed.
    “For the purposes of this Ordinance, the area within the corporate boundary of the City is subdivided into the following zoning districts:”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Single-family accessory-dwelling lots inside Phenix City city limits.

    • Accessory dwellings require lots of at least 10,000 square feet; if the principal dwelling lacks sanitary sewer, health-authority minimums apply to each dwelling.

    minimum lot area: >= 10000 square feet (Accessory dwelling lots; health-authority requirements apply if not connected to sanitary sewer)

    “Accessory dwellings are permitted only on lots of at least 10,000 square feet If the principal dwelling is not connected to sanitary sewer service, minimum lot requirements of the health department or similar authority apply to each dwelling.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Manufactured-home stands inside Phenix City city limits.

    • Applies to manufactured-home stands within manufactured-home parks.

    front, rear, and side yard depth: >= 10 feet (Manufactured-home stands)

    “The front, rear and side yards for each home stand must be at least ten feet in depth.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Manufactured-home stands inside Phenix City city limits.

    • Applies to manufactured homes and accessory buildings on each home stand.

    maximum coverage: <= 50 percent (Manufactured-home stands)

    “No manufactured home and its accessory building may cover more than 50 percent of the total area of the home stand.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Accessory structures inside Phenix City city limits.

    • Exceptions under §3.03.07 apply.

    maximum height: <= 35 feet (Accessory structures unless §3.03.07 provides otherwise)

    “Accessory structures may not exceed 35 feet in height except as provided in §3.03.07 below.”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Recreational-vehicle occupancy inside Phenix City city limits.

    • RV parks and campgrounds require a business license and proof of commercial general liability insurance.
    • No RV may be occupied by a person or family for more than two consecutive weeks in an RV park or campground.
    • RV spaces must meet the section's area, spacing, access, sanitation, and landscaping standards.
    • RV occupancy is also subject to the city's camping prohibition and its exceptions.

    maximum occupancy period: 2 consecutive weeks

    “No recreational vehicle may be occupied by a person or family for more than two consecutive weeks.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping, lodging, or sleeping in vehicles, tents, sleeping bags, or outdoors inside Phenix City city limits.

    • Vehicle camping between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. is prohibited except in licensed or approved mobile-home parks, trailer parks, or campsites.
    • Camping on streets, alleys, or public property is prohibited.
    • Sleeping in tents, sleeping bags, or in the open is prohibited except in a specifically designated and approved area such as a permitted and zoned campground.
    • Youth campouts on a residential-zoned lot with a principal occupied structure are exempt for no more than two consecutive days.
    • Special events with an approved permit are exempt.

    restricted nighttime period: 10:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m. (licensed or approved mobile home parks, trailer parks, campsites, and listed special-event/self-contained-unit exceptions) · youth campout maximum: 2 consecutive days (residential-zoned lot with a principal occupied structure)

    “It shall be unlawful for any person to lodge or camp in an automobile, van, truck, camper, trailer, or other vehicle of any kind or nature within the corporate limits of the city or the police jurisdiction thereof, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., except in licensed or approved mobile home parks or trailer parks or campsites; provided, however, that the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to self-contained units during special events at the areas and for the times and purposes specified.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Tiny homes on wheels and similar portable structures inside Phenix City city limits.

    • Permanent residential occupancy is limited to buildings conforming to the Building Code and manufactured homes.
    • Tiny homes on wheels may be used temporarily only in recreational vehicle parks under §7.14.
    • RV-park occupancy may not exceed two consecutive weeks per person or family.
    “Only buildings conforming to the Building Code and manufactured homes, as defined in Article 2 Definitions, may be used for permanent residential occupancy. Recreational vehicles, tiny homes on wheels and similar portable structures may be permitted for temporary residential occupancy in recreational vehicle parks in accordance with §7.14 Recreational Vehicle Parks and Campgrounds.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Tiny homes on wheels inside Phenix City city limits.
      “Recreational vehicles, tiny homes on wheels and similar portable structures may be permitted for temporary residential occupancy in recreational vehicle parks in accordance with §7.14 Recreational Vehicle Parks and Campgrounds.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes inside Phenix City city limits.

    • Manufactured homes may be used for permanent residential occupancy if they meet the ordinance definition and Building Code requirements.
    • Manufactured home parks have additional standards, including private facilities, home-stand dimensions, skirting, blocking, tie-downs, utilities, and certificate-of-occupancy enforcement.
    • Mobile-home and travel-trailer parks require a permit before construction or enlargement.

    minimum manufactured-home stand area: >= 5000 square feet · minimum manufactured-home stand width: >= 50 feet

    “Each manufactured home stand must be at least 5,000 square feet in area and have a width of at least 50 feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Accessory dwellings on permitted single-family detached dwelling lots inside Phenix City city limits.

    • An Accessory Dwelling Permit is required.
    • Accessory dwellings are permitted only as an accessory use to a permitted single-family detached dwelling.
    • Lots must generally be at least 10,000 square feet.
    • In R-1, the owner must own and reside on the premises.
    • The accessory dwelling must comply with Building Code and permanent-foundation requirements.
    • One accessory dwelling maximum per lot; one additional parking space is required.
    • The accessory dwelling may not be used for short-term rental in R-1.

    minimum lot area: >= 10000 square feet (health-department or similar-authority lot requirements apply to each dwelling if the principal dwelling lacks sanitary sewer) · minimum habitable floor area: >= 200 square feet · maximum accessory dwellings per lot: 1 dwelling

    “Accessory Dwellings may only be permitted as an accessory use to a permitted single-family detached dwelling in accordance with the following: 7.01.01. Permit Required. An Accessory Dwelling Permit is required for all accessory dwellings.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Accessory dwellings accessory to permitted single-family detached dwellings inside Phenix City city limits.
      “An Accessory Dwelling Permit is required for all accessory dwellings. Accessory dwellings may be maintained in perpetuity but only in compliance with these regulations.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Residential development inside Phenix City city using onsite wastewater disposal instead of city sanitary sewer.

    • Accessory dwelling rules defer to health-department lot requirements when the principal dwelling is not connected to sanitary sewer.
    • Any onsite sewage system is subject to county health-department permitting requirements.
    • The city building permit application expressly contemplates gravity flow into the city sanitary sewerage system.
    “If the principal dwelling is not connected to sanitary sewer service, minimum lot requirements of the health department or similar authority apply to each dwelling.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Buildings erected or moved inside Phenix City city limits.

    • Building must adjoin a public street or use an access easement approved by the Fire Official or a private street approved by the Planning Commission.
    “Every building erected or moved must be located on a lot adjoining a public street or having access to a public street by way of an access easement approved by the Fire Official or a private street approved by the Planning Commission.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    New construction and substantial improvements in Phenix City special flood-hazard areas designated A1-30, AE, AH, or A with base-flood-elevation data.

    • Lowest floor including basement must be elevated at least two feet above base flood elevation.
    • Enclosures below the lowest floor must meet flood-resistant/opening requirements.
    • Manufactured homes and recreational vehicles have additional conditions.
    • Nonconversion agreements and inspections apply to certain enclosed areas.

    minimum elevation above base flood elevation: >= 2 feet

    “Residential and nonresidential structures — Where base flood elevation data is available, new construction and substantial improvement of any structure or manufactured home shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated no lower than two feet above the base flood elevation.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New construction and substantial improvement in designated special flood-hazard areas inside Phenix City city limits.
      “In all areas of special flood hazard designated as A1-30, AE, AH, A (with engineered or estimated base flood elevation), the following provisions are required:”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Building permits inside Phenix City city limits.

    • City Council may set fees by permit type; no current schedule amount was located.
    “The City Council may from time to time set fees it finds appropriate to various types of permits.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building-permit applications inside Phenix City city limits.

    • Application is to the Building Official using City forms and must include plans, diagrams, and specifications demonstrating compliance.
    “Application for any and all permits required under this Ordinance shall be made to the Building Official on forms provided for that purpose and supplemented with appropriate plans, diagrams and specifications to demonstrate proposed compliance with the Ordinance.”

Rules another office applies inside Phenix City

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

  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    The Russell County portion of Phenix City city limits, for onsite-sewage services.

    • The evidence identifies the Russell County Health Department's onsite-sewage service; it does not establish the administering authority for the Lee County portion.
    “The Russell County Health Department provides the following services to the public. [...] Onsite sewage – applications and permits”
  • Septic permitRequired

    The Russell County portion of Phenix City city limits, before constructing an onsite sewage disposal system.

    • Applies where an onsite system is proposed; complete application and plans must meet applicable rules before issuance, and construction may begin only after issuance.
    “Before the construction of an onsite sewage disposal system, you must submit an Application for a Permit to Install an Onsite Sewage Disposal System to your local county health department.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Phenix City or Russell County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders seeking exemption from Phenix City building-permit, licensing, or inspection requirements.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Principal single-family dwellings inside Phenix City city limits.
  • Septic inspection — Onsite sewage systems in the Lee County portion of Phenix City city.
  • Well permit — Private wells inside Phenix City city limits.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — New homes inside Phenix City city limits.
2 more unanswered
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Short-term rentals

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

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

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