Washington County, AL: No Building Permit, No Zoning

Unincorporated Washington County, Alabama does not appear to require a building permit for a home, and the county has no zoning ordinance, so no county minimum lot size, setback or building-height rule applies¹²³. Inside the towns, the rules change: Chatom and McIntosh zone their own land, and McIntosh also issues its own building permits⁴⁵⁶. Septic permits for every address, town or not, come from the Washington County Health Department, and a Permit to Install must be issued before construction begins⁷⁸.

At a glance

Building permit: Not required in unincorporated Washington County; McIntosh requires its own permit inside town limits¹⁶
Zoning: No countywide zoning ordinance; Chatom and McIntosh zone inside their limits²⁴⁵
Setbacks, lot size, height, lot coverage: None set by the county; Alabama gives Washington County no general zoning power³
RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes: No county zoning rule on unincorporated land; septic rules still apply³
Septic permits: Washington County Health Department (Environmental Office), countywide including towns⁷
Owner-builder exemption: Yes, if you act as your own contractor and supervise the work⁹
Driveway onto a state highway: ALDOT permit (Form BM-111) required¹⁰
Manufactured home occupancy: Allowed statewide if it meets Alabama's size and HUD-seal requirements¹¹

Who to call

Septic permits

Washington County Health Department - Environmental Office

Septic tank (onsite sewage system) permits and complaints for Washington County

251-206-6089

14900 St. Stephens Avenue, Chatom, Alabama 36518

Also useful

Washington County Commission

General county government contact; there is no separate county building, planning or zoning department to call

(251) 847-2208

45 Court Street, Chatom, AL 36518

Roads & driveways

Washington County Road and Bridge Department

General maintenance of county roadways and drainage; county driveway/culvert access questions for roads not maintained by ALDOT

(251) 847-2668

45 Court Street, Chatom, AL 36518

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 16, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Washington 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 Washington County, Alabama?

Not in unincorporated Washington County, as far as we could confirm. The county's list of official departments includes no building or permitting department¹. Alabama's State Building Code does not fill the gap: the state Division of Construction Management has no jurisdiction over residential property¹². Alabama law lets a county commission adopt a building code for unincorporated areas, but we could not confirm that Washington County has done so¹³.

Inside the Town of McIntosh a building permit is required before excavating for, constructing or altering a structure, including accessory structures, so check with the town if your parcel is near its limits⁶. Wherever a permit office does exist, Alabama requires it to refuse a permit unless a project that needs a home-builder license shows that license or an exemption¹⁴.

If you act as your own contractor and personally supervise all the work on a one- or two-family home you will occupy, Alabama's owner-builder exemption applies, though any subcontractor you hire must be licensed once their portion of the job exceeds $10,000⁹¹⁵. That exemption waives contractor licensing only. Farm buildings are likewise exempt from home-builder licensing, but a residence inside a farm building is not, and the exemption does not waive septic, floodplain or town rules¹⁶.

Who do you call with building or zoning questions in Washington County?

Unincorporated Washington County has no building, planning or zoning department: the county's department list runs from the Circuit Court Clerk and County Commission through the Sheriff's Office and Solid Waste Authority without one¹⁷¹². For a general county question, call the Commission Office at (251) 847-2208, 45 Court Street in Chatom¹⁷. For a county road or driveway question, the Road and Bridge Department handles general maintenance of county roadways and drainage¹⁸. Septic is the one construction-related permit the county area gets through a local office, and it comes from the Health Department rather than the Commission¹⁹. Inside McIntosh, building permits come from the town's administrative official⁶.

Does Washington County have zoning?

No. Washington County has no zoning department and no confirmed zoning ordinance². Alabama counties lack broad land-use authority; only a handful (Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson, by local law) have their own planning and zoning authority, and Washington County is not among them²⁰. With no zoning power over unincorporated land, there is no county minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height rule, and no zoning-based restriction on RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes, accessory dwellings or temporary camping on your own unincorporated land³.

All of this is specific to unincorporated Washington County. Towns zone their own land: Chatom has a zoning ordinance and map for land inside its limits⁴, and McIntosh has its own zoning code with district-specific rules⁵. A 2016 county hazard mitigation plan says Millry would consider zoning only if it decides to adopt an ordinance²¹. Even inside a town, septic permits still come from the county Health Department²².

How do septic permits work in Washington County?

Septic systems in Washington County go through the county Health Department's Environmental Office, part of the statewide Alabama Department of Public Health onsite sewage program⁷. Anyone not connected to a public sanitary sewer submits an application for a Permit to Install to the local county health department, and the permit must be issued before construction of the system begins; the installer must be licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board⁸.

Only about 8.6% of Washington County's soils are rated not limited for a conventional septic drain field, so expect a real chance of needing an engineered system; Alabama requires a registered engineer to design any system where soil percolation is slower than 60 minutes or a shallow limiting zone is present²³²⁴.

Plan for inspection too: no part of an installation may be covered or used until the local health department has had a chance to inspect, and the system cannot be used until the department issues an Approval for Use²⁵. Call the Health Department at 251-206-6089 and ask for the Environmental Office to start¹⁹.

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

Yes, as far as county zoning is concerned: because Washington County has no zoning authority over unincorporated land, no county zoning rule restricts RV, tiny-home or manufactured-home occupancy on your own unincorporated parcel³. Inside Chatom or McIntosh, check the town's zoning first⁴⁵.

Alabama's septic rules are the real constraint. The state's RV park rule sets sewage requirements for parks, including one sanitary station for every 50 vehicles, and is not a rule about living in an RV on your own land²⁶. Only mobile tiny houses count as RVs under that rule; a tiny home on a foundation is not covered²⁷. Park models are not permanent dwellings under state manufactured-housing rules²⁸. A manufactured home is recognized statewide as a residence if it is at least 8 feet wide and 40 feet long in traveling mode, or 320 square feet once erected, and carries a HUD Seal¹¹. Any RV, tiny home or manufactured home with plumbing needs a septic permit from the Health Department⁷.

Building on land in Washington County: the steps, in order

Confirm your parcel is in unincorporated Washington County rather than inside Chatom or McIntosh, which zone their own land; McIntosh also requires its own building permit⁴⁵⁶.
Decide whether you will act as your own contractor under Alabama's owner-builder exemption or hire a licensed contractor⁹.
Contact the Health Department's Environmental Office at 251-206-6089 to apply for a Permit to Install before any septic work, using a licensed installer¹⁹⁸.
If soil testing shows slow percolation or a shallow limiting zone, plan for a registered engineer to design the system²⁴.
Have the installer schedule the health department inspection before anything is covered, and wait for the Approval for Use²⁵.
If your driveway will connect to a state highway, submit ALDOT Form BM-111 to the District Administrator before building it; you pay the turnout costs¹⁰.
If you will disturb one acre or more, budget for ADEM's $1,385 construction stormwater permit application fee²⁹.
Call the County Commission Office at (251) 847-2208 with any remaining local question¹⁷.

What to check before you buy land in Washington County

Test the soil before you count on a standard septic system: only about 8.6% of the county's soils are rated not limited for a conventional drain field, so a percolation test matters here²³. The land is gentler than that number suggests, with about 95.2% at 15% slope or less and 88.3% wooded, so finding a buildable site is usually not the hard part³⁰³¹. With no county zoning, confirm deed restrictions and easements yourself, since the county will not have a zoning file on the parcel².

Check flood status. A 2016 county hazard mitigation plan lists Washington County, Chatom and Millry as active National Flood Insurance Program participants, and a participating community must require permits for all development in a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area³²³³. The same plan lists McIntosh as not participating and sanctioned, which can matter for flood insurance and financing there³². Chatom's zoning ordinance bars building where land is subject to inundation or periodic flooding until plans meet flood hazard requirements³⁴. We could not confirm a current county floodplain administrator, so ask the County Commission Office who issues that permit if any part of the parcel is mapped¹⁷.

Property tax runs low, with an effective rate near 0.2% and a median annual bill around $357³⁵³⁶.

Watch-outs

No county building, planning or zoning department was found for Washington County; if your project is unusual, confirm with the County Commission Office rather than assuming no rule applies¹⁷¹.
Zoning-free status applies to unincorporated land only; Chatom and McIntosh have their own zoning, and McIntosh requires its own building permit, so confirm with the town if your parcel is inside town limits⁴⁵⁶.
Flood information comes from a 2016 county plan, which lists McIntosh as sanctioned under the flood insurance program; confirm current flood-zone status and permits before you buy³².

Sources

Written October 16, 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 5 of its 6 neighbors, Washington County has no countywide zoning.

Rule	Washington County	Clarke County	Choctaw County	Mobile County	Monroe County	Baldwin County	Escambia County
Building permit	Not required	Not required	Not required	Required	Not required	Required	Not required
County zoning	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	No
Septic permits	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.

How Washington County scores

Seclusion83100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency70100% ev.

Admin Boringness86100% ev.

Durability55100% ev.

Property Autonomy39100% ev.

Carry Cost90100% 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 →

$178kTypical home

0.2%Property tax

$2,714Land / acre

61.8"Annual rain

6.5% of yrsSevere drought

14.2 / yr (+12.7)Mid-century 100°F days

15.9 daysMid-century dry spell

2.93" (+4.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.36×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$2,095Home insurance / yr

-0.4% / yrInsurance growth

0.67%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

6,949People within 30 min

979,209People within 2 hr

11,974Radius comparison (15 mi)

13.9People / sq mi

0%Federal land

95.2%Land at 15% slope or less

8.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)

58,803 acWorkable land screen

88.3%Wooded land

45.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac

65.9°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Washington County

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

Washington County rules

Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Local zoning within Washington County, including the incorporated towns of Chatom, McIntosh, and Millry; this is an aggregate conclusion and does not claim that Washington County administers municipal zoning ordinances.
- The official plan states that Chatom and McIntosh have zoning ordinances subject to possible adjustments.
- The official plan states that Millry would consider zoning only if it decides to adopt a zoning ordinance.
- The source is a 2016 hazard mitigation plan; current municipal ordinance text was not located in the reviewed official sources.
- Unincorporated-area county zoning was not established by the reviewed sources.
“Town of Chatom: The Town of Chatom will consider hazard mitigation while considering adjustments to zoning ordinances. No ordinances will be modified in such a way that mitigation efforts will be hindered. Hazard mitigation goals, objectives, and strategies will be reviewed and incorporated in the event the town undertakes a comprehensive planning process. Town of McIntosh: The Town of McIntosh will consider hazard mitigation while considering adjustments to zoning ordinances. No ordinances will be modified in such a way that mitigation efforts will be hindered. Hazard mitigation goals, objectives, and strategies will be reviewed and incorporated in the event the town undertakes a comprehensive planning process. Town of Millry: The Town of Millry will consider hazard mitigation if it decides to adopt a zoning ordinance.”
Washington County, Alabama Hazard Mitigation Plan ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Washington County: no county rule sets this, because Washington 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 wcalabama.com.
- 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 Washington County: no county rule sets this, because Washington 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 wcalabama.com.
- 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 Washington County: no county rule sets this, because Washington 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 wcalabama.com.
- 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 Washington County: no county rule sets this, because Washington 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 wcalabama.com.
- 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 Washington County: no county rule sets this, because Washington 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 wcalabama.com.
- 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 Washington County: no county rule sets this, because Washington 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 wcalabama.com.
- 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 Washington County: no county rule sets this, because Washington 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 wcalabama.com.
- 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 Washington County: no county rule sets this, because Washington 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 wcalabama.com.
- 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 Washington County: no county rule sets this, because Washington 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 wcalabama.com.
- 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 Washington County: no county rule sets this, because Washington 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 wcalabama.com.
- 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 Washington County: no county rule sets this, because Washington 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 wcalabama.com.
- 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
Septic-tank inquiries and local environmental-office administration in Washington County, Alabama.
- The Alabama Department of Public Health coordinates the onsite sewage program in county health departments.
- The Washington County Health Department directs septic-tank requests to its Environmental Office.
“If you have requests about septic tanks [...] please call our office and ask for the Environmental Office.”
Soil and Onsite Sewage ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Building in a floodplainLimited
Development in the Special Flood Hazard Area within Washington County's NFIP jurisdiction.
- The official county hazard mitigation plan identifies Washington County as an active NFIP participant.
- ADECA states that an NFIP-participating community must require permits for all development in the SFHA.
- Construction materials and methods must minimize future flood damage.
- Permit files must document how buildings were actually constructed.
- The community must maintain an adopted floodplain management ordinance and enforcement procedures meeting NFIP requirements.
- The cited county plan was compiled April 29, 2016 and does not provide the current ordinance text, permit fee, elevation, floodway, substantial-improvement, variance, or enforcement provisions.
- The Town of McIntosh was separately identified as nonparticipating and sanctioned in the cited plan; this claim does not determine municipal rules.
“Washington County, Chatom, and Millry are active participants in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The Town of McIntosh is not a participant and is currently sanctioned.”
Washington County, Alabama Hazard Mitigation Plan ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Development in Special Flood Hazard Areas in the unincorporated areas of Washington County, Alabama.
  “010302 WASHINGTON COUNTY* PARTICIPATING REVISED 09/29/06 FPA Stewart Jackson Comm. EMA Director 2518472668”
  Community Listing of CEO and FPA — Alabama ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
County-wide zoningAbsent
No planning or zoning department is listed among the county's official departments, indicating no countywide zoning in unincorporated areas.
Washington County, Alabama - Departments ↗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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Issuance of building or similar permits by an Alabama municipality, subdivision, or county when the undertaking requires an Alabama residential home-builder license.
  “It is the duty of the building official, or other authority charged with the duty, of issuing building or similar permits, of any incorporated municipality or subdivision of the municipality or county, to refuse to issue a permit for any undertaking which would require a license hereunder unless the applicant has furnished evidence that he or she is either licensed as required by this chapter or is exempt from the requirements of this chapter.”
  § 34-14A-13 Issuance of permits ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
Alabama Home Builders Licensure Law exemption for an owner acting as the owner's own contractor when building or improving a one-family or two-family residence for the owner's occupancy or use.
- The owner must act as their own contractor.
- The owner must provide all material supervision themselves.
- The project must be a one-family or two-family residence.
- The residence must be for the occupancy or use of the owner or owners.
- The residence must not be offered for sale.
- The exemption is nontransferable.
- Offering the residence for sale within one year after substantial completion is presumptive evidence that construction was undertaken for sale.
- An owner who hires or compensates anyone to supervise the work is not acting as their own contractor.
- Subcontractors hired by an exempt homeowner must be licensed if the cost of their portion exceeds $10,000.
- This is a residential-home-builder licensing exemption and does not establish exemption from county building permits, inspections, or certificates of occupancy.
subcontractor portion cost threshold: > 10000 USD (Subcontractors hired by homeowners claiming the homeowner exemption must be licensed above this amount.) · sale timing evidentiary period: 1 year after substantial completion (Sale or offering for sale within this period 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 on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale. This exemption is a nontransferable privilege.”
EXEMPTIONS – Home Builders Licensure Board ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- 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
- Conditional — Owners building or improving one-family or two-family residences in Alabama for their own occupancy or use.
  “Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing all material supervision themselves, when building or improving one-family or two-family residences”
  Exemptions ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 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
12 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Partial — State Building Code jurisdiction in Alabama, including qualifying state-funded, state-owned, school, hotel/motel, movie-theater, and qualifying municipal or county-owned projects in Washington County.
  “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 11, 2026
- Partial — Alabama State Building Code as it may apply within Washington County to state-owned or state-funded work, schools, public postsecondary institutions, hotels, motels, movie theaters, and qualifying municipal or county-owned projects.
  “DCM does not have jurisdiction over residential property or commercial property except for hotels/motels and movie theaters.”
  State Building Code ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
- 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
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.
- A permit from the local health department must be obtained before installation or repair.
- The application and plans must satisfy applicable state rules.
- Construction may begin only after the Permit to Install is issued.
- A registered professional may be required for soil testing and system design; only registered engineers may design systems where soil percolation exceeds 60 minutes or where a shallow limiting zone exists.
soil percolation threshold for engineer-only design: > 60 minutes (The source also identifies shallow limiting zones as requiring a registered engineer.)
“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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Construction of an onsite sewage disposal system, and repairs to an existing onsite system, for homeowners or businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer, including Washington County.
  “to obtain a permit from the local health department, prior to installing a new system or making repairs to an existing onsite system.”
  Can I Live On This Lot? ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems in Washington County, including installation and repair work governed by Alabama Department of Public Health Rule 420-3-1.
- No part of an installation may be covered or used until the local health department is afforded an opportunity to inspect and necessary corrections are made.
- An OSS/EDS may not be used until the local health department issues an Approval for Use.
- The installer must install or repair the system under a valid Permit to Install (Repair) and agree on an inspection time and date with the local health department Public Health Environmentalist.
- The installer must contact the Public Health Environmentalist by 9 a.m. on the inspection date to verify readiness.
- If applicable, the installer must notify the engineer that the OSS/EDS is ready for inspection so ADPH Form CEP-6 can be submitted.
- The installer must notify the local health department and professional of problems that may prevent compliance and stop installation until resolved; a new inspection time must be established if the work will not be completed by the agreed time.
- A completed ADPH Form CEP-5 must be provided within 3 business days of system completion, or on the local health department's first regularly scheduled business day after an intervening holiday.
- The local health department may allow a licensed installer to cover an installation or repair when resource constraints, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances prevent inspection within 30 minutes after the agreed inspection time.
- The local health department may authorize a licensed installer to install or repair a conventional OSS outside normal local health department business hours.
- For new construction, ADPH also states that the Permit to Install must be issued before construction begins.
“Except as allowed in this rule, no part of any installation shall be covered or used until the LHD is afforded an opportunity to inspect and any necessary corrections are made, An OSS/EDS shall not be used until an Approval for Use has been issued by the LHD.”
Chapter 420-3-1 Onsite Sewage Treatment And Disposal ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 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
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”
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 under Alabama's residential home-builder licensure chapter, including agricultural buildings located in Washington County.
- The exemption applies to agricultural buildings but expressly excludes any residence contained in the agricultural building.
- This is an exemption from the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board chapter; it is not an exemption from subdivision plat approval, septic requirements, floodplain requirements, municipal rules, or other applicable construction and land-use laws.
“This chapter does not apply to: [...] (7) Agricultural buildings, except for any residence contained therein.”
§ 34-14A-6 Exemptions ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Available (with conditions) — Construction or improvement of agricultural buildings under Alabama's residential home-builders licensing law
  “(7) Agricultural buildings, except for any residence contained therein.”
  Exemptions — Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board ↗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 landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision development in Alabama, including county authority in unincorporated areas and applicable municipal-planning-commission territorial jurisdictions.
- Alabama does not require every county commission to adopt subdivision regulations.
- A county may regulate subdivision development under Ala. Code § 11-24-1 et seq. if it adopts regulations and complies with statutory procedures and enforcement requirements.
- For municipal planning commission extraterritorial areas, a county that has adopted subdivision regulations is responsible unless the statutory agreement or municipal override exceptions apply.
- The cited handbook describes infrastructure controls for new development in unincorporated county areas but does not establish statewide minimum lot dimensions.
“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
Private, publicly-owned, and commercial facilities in Washington County that require access to an Alabama State highway.
- A permit is required because turnouts affect highway drainage and safety.
- The applicant must submit a completed BM-111 application to the District Administrator.
- Turnouts are regulated for entrance width, radii, placement relative to property lines, intersecting streets and crossovers, angle of entry, vertical alignment, drainage, and the number of entrances to a single property.
- For major developments, turnouts are regulated based on the overall development area, not merely initial phases.
- Out parcels within a major development area should be served internally to limit the number of required turnouts.
- The application is submitted to the Region/Area for approval when the District Administrator is satisfied that the proposed turnout conforms to current specifications and department requirements, except as described in the ALDOT Levels of Review and Approval.
- All costs associated with the turnout are paid by the applicant.
“Since turnouts affect drainage and safety characteristics of the highway, a permit is required to ensure that the location and construction methods are acceptable. 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 Oct 5, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- 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
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Alabama construction sites requiring ADEM Construction Stormwater permit coverage.
- Coverage is generally required for land disturbance of one or more acres, qualifying common plans of development, or discharges with reasonable potential to cause or contribute to a water-quality concern.
- Certain listed minor land-disturbing activities are exempt.
- Lake Martin has a special designation requiring coverage for non-exempt projects even when disturbance is less than one acre.
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 Sep 8, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Onsite sewage disposal system construction in Washington County, including properties not served by a public sewer.
- The application and plans must be complete and meet all applicable rules.
- A Permit to Install must be issued before construction of the onsite sewage system may begin.
- The application must be submitted to the local county health department.
- The installer must be licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board.
- The page is statewide Alabama guidance and does not establish a separate Washington County construction-permit process.
“Before the construction of an onsite sewage disposal system, you must submit an Application for a Permit to Install [...] to your local county health department.”
Can I Live On This Lot? ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- 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
Campground & park staysLimited
Mobile tiny houses used as recreational vehicles or in RV parks in Washington County, insofar as Alabama's onsite-sewage rules regulate them.
- The rule expressly addresses onsite sewage treatment and disposal, not a general land-use or dwelling authorization.
- Only mobile tiny houses are included in the RV definition.
- The RV park must have more than two recreational vehicles and meet Rule 420-3-1-.31.
- The RVs must be mobile.
- The lots, appurtenances, utilities, and onsite sewage system must be owned and operated by a responsible person.
- The responsible person must provide approved sewage treatment and disposal or a sanitary station for off-site disposal.
- The sanitary station or onsite sewage system must be permitted by the local health department.
- One sanitary station is required for every 50 vehicles the park is designed to accommodate.
- The park may not exceed its design capacity, and no sewage disposal or storage other than the RV's onboard tank is allowed unless approved by the local health department.
- A tiny home that is not a mobile tiny house is not covered by this RV definition.
sanitary stations: per 1 station per 50 vehicles (For the number of vehicles the park is designed to accommodate.)
“Recreational Vehicle (RV) -- a vehicle, that is self-propelled or towed which may have self-contained fixtures and facilities for collecting sewage. This term includes recreational trailers, mobile tiny houses, and campers, but excludes manufactured or mobile homes.”
Chapter 420-3-1 Definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — RV park use in Washington County, including RV occupancy insofar as Alabama's onsite-sewage rules regulate the park and its sewage facilities.
  “For purposes of regulating sewage disposal, a site may be designated a Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park by the LHD if it meets the following conditions: (a) The RVs shall be mobile, (b) The lots and all appurtenances and utilities, including the OSS, shall be owned and operated by a responsible person as defined by these rules.”
  Chapter 420-3-1 Onsite Sewage Treatment And Disposal ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 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

Inside cities and towns in Washington County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
All land within the corporate limits of the Town of Chatom, Washington County, Alabama; subsequently annexed territory is initially designated A-O until zoned under the ordinance's amendment procedures.
- The ordinance establishes districts A-0, R-1, R-2, R-3, C, and I.
- District boundaries are established by the Chatom zoning map.
- The ordinance states that subsequently annexed territory is designated A-O until zoned through the amendment procedures.
- Uses specified as permitted require application to the Building Official unless Development Plan Review by the Planning Commission is required.
- Uses permitted on appeal require written application and approval by the Board of Zoning Adjustment.
- Discretionary uses require Development Plan Review and written application to and approval by the Planning Commission.
“This Zoning Ordinance and Map shall govern and regulate all land within the City limits of Chatom, Alabama. If additional territory is annexed to the Town of Chatom, Alabama at a subsequent date, that land shall be designated as an A-O District until zoned in accordance with the amendment procedures set forth in this Zoning Ordinance.”
Zoning Ordinance of Chatom, Alabama ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
Building in a floodplainLimited
Buildings and other structures within the Town of Chatom, Alabama, including land subject to inundation or periodic flooding.
- The plans must comply with applicable requirements for flood hazard areas before a building or other structure may be located, erected, or altered.
- The ordinance applies to all portions and uses of land, buildings, and other structures within the Town of Chatom regardless of district designation.
- The ordinance does not state the specific flood-hazard permit, elevation, variance, exception, or fee provisions in Section 3.5.
“The requirements and provisions of this Article apply to all portions and uses of land, buildings and other structures within the Town of Chatom, Alabama regardless of district designation. [...] No building or other structure, either in part or whole, shall be located, erected or altered where the land is subject to inundation or periodic flooding until the plans comply with applicable requirements for flood hazard areas.”
Town of Chatom Zoning Ordinance ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026

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 rental use in Washington County, Alabama.

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 Washington County, Alabama

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

Washington County scores 81/100 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 Washington County, Alabama?

Washington 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 Washington County Health Department (under 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 Washington County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Washington County is allowed: Unincorporated Washington County: no county rule sets this, because Washington 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 wcalabama.com. 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 Washington County, Alabama?

Land in Washington County runs about $2,714 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Washington County?

Washington County gets about 61.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 6.5% of years.

How remote is Washington County?

A representative private-land location has about 6,949 people within a 30-minute drive and 979,209 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 Washington County, Alabama

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who do you call with building or zoning questions in Washington County?

Does Washington County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Washington County?

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

Building on land in Washington County: the steps, in order

What to check before you buy land in Washington County

Watch-outs

Sources

Compared with neighboring counties

Washington County in Alabama

How Washington County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Cities and towns in Washington County

Answers from the rulebook for Washington County

Washington County rules

Alabama rules that apply here

Inside cities and towns in Washington County

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Washington County, Alabama

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Washington County, Alabama?

What is the water situation in Washington County?

How remote is Washington County?

How Washington compares in Alabama