Bolthole Index

Winston County, Alabama

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Winston County, Alabama

74Index Score / 100
#34 of 67 in Alabama

Unincorporated Winston County, Alabama appears not to require a county building permit for a home, but the county does not publish an express permit rule1. Unincorporated Winston County has no county zoning ordinance, while Haleyville and Winfield apply municipal zoning inside their city limits23. Septic permits remain with the Winston County Health Department's Environmental Office throughout the county, city or not4.

At a glance

Building permit
Appears not required for a home in unincorporated areas; confirm with the County Commission1
Zoning
No county zoning on unincorporated land; Haleyville and Winfield have city zoning23
Septic permit
Permit, inspection and approval through the county Health Department456
RV / tiny home living
No county rule limits RV or tiny-home living on unincorporated land; septic rules still apply; city zoning applies in Haleyville and Winfield23
Owner-builder exemption
Available under state contractor-licensing law, conditions apply7
Manufactured home occupancy
Allowed statewide if HUD-sealed and connected to utilities8
Agricultural buildings
Exempt from state home-builder licensing, except a residence inside9
Minimum home size and setbacks
No county minimum dwelling size, lot size or setback on unincorporated land2

Who to call

Septic permits

Winston County Health Department – Environmental Office

Septic tank (onsite sewage) permit requests and complaints for Winston County, through the Environmental Office

659-247-8300

110 Legion Road, Double Springs, Alabama 35553

Roads & driveways

Winston County Road Department

County roads and driveway/access questions for county-maintained roads in Winston County

(205)489-5031

11 Blake Drive, Double Springs, AL 35553

Also useful

Winston County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)

County-wide hazard preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation coordination, including flood-related emergencies

(205)269-1975

11 Blake Drive, Double Springs, AL 35553

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Winston 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 Winston County, Alabama?

Winston County appears not to require a county building permit to build a home on unincorporated land, but the county does not publish an express building-permit rule or identify a building department1. Confirm the parcel's jurisdiction and the current building-permit answer with the County Commission before work begins. Alabama's State Building Code covers specified projects such as state work, schools, hotels, motels and movie theaters, but the state code office does not generally have jurisdiction over residential property10. Beginning January 1, 2027, residential builders must follow the applicable Alabama Residential Building Code or an applicable local residential code11. The agricultural-building exemption concerns state home-builder licensing, excludes a residence within the building and does not settle building permits, septic permits or zoning approval9.

Who issues building, septic and driveway permits in Winston County?

Winston County does not list a county building department, and the county building-permit requirement could not be confirmed from an express county rule1. Inside Haleyville or Winfield, ask the city about zoning approval and any city building permit; septic permits do not move to the city and remain with the Winston County Health Department's Environmental Office countywide34. Call the Environmental Office at 659-247-8300 for septic-tank requests12. For a county-road entrance, ask the Winston County Road Department at (205)489-5031; we could not confirm a county driveway permit or fee13. For a driveway onto a state highway, submit ALDOT's BM-111 access-permit application to the District Administrator14. We could not confirm a county floodplain-development permit process, so ask Emergency Management for the correct local contact15.

Does Winston County have zoning?

Unincorporated Winston County has no county zoning ordinance, so the county sets no minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage or building-height rule, and no accessory-dwelling rule216. Haleyville and Winfield have zoning within their corporate limits3. Haleyville's ordinance governs the location and use of land and buildings inside the city17. Winfield's ordinance regulates building size and height, yards, open space, population density and land use, with administration through its Planning Commission and City Clerk18. Ask the relevant city about zoning approval and building permits; septic permits remain with the Winston County Health Department's Environmental Office for addresses throughout Winston County4. Private deed restrictions, wastewater approval, floodplain rules, subdivision review and road-access requirements may separately constrain a parcel19.

How do septic permits work in Winston County?

The Winston County Health Department's Environmental Office handles local septic-tank requests412. If a property is not connected to a public sanitary sewer, Alabama requires a local-health-department permit before installing a new onsite sewage system or repairing an existing one5. Contact the county environmentalist before buying land that will need onsite sewage, arrange a professional soil evaluation, and submit the application and plans; the county health department may issue a Permit to Install based on the soil professional's findings20. Construction can begin only after that permit is issued, and the installer must be licensed21. Arrange the Health Department inspection before installation begins; the department must issue Approval for Use before the building can be occupied6. Only about 1.5% of Winston County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early contingency22.

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

Unincorporated Winston County has no county zoning ordinance, so no county rule limits living in an RV, tiny home or manufactured home on your own land, or camping on it2. Haleyville and Winfield have municipal zoning, and their city rules apply inside their corporate limits1718. City zoning does not replace countywide septic review: a residence without public sanitary sewer needs a septic Permit to Install before construction and Approval for Use before occupancy216. A qualifying manufactured home used as a residence must bear a HUD Seal and connect to required plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and electrical utilities8.

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside a municipality; Haleyville and Winfield have zoning inside their city limits3.
  2. Ask the County Commission to confirm whether a building permit, zoning approval or subdivision review applies; the county does not publish an express building-permit answer or current subdivision procedure119.
  3. Ask the Winston County Health Department's Environmental Office about sewer availability and septic review before buying or siting the home1220.
  4. Obtain the septic Permit to Install before construction, use a licensed installer, schedule inspection and obtain Approval for Use before occupancy216.
  5. Ask the Road Department about a county-road driveway; for state-highway access, submit ALDOT's BM-111 driveway-permit application to the District Administrator1323.
  6. If building for your own occupancy, verify the state owner-builder licensing exemption; agricultural-building licensing relief does not cover a residence inside the building79.

What to check before you buy land in Winston County

Make septic feasibility a purchase contingency: only about 1.5% of Winston County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field22. Ask the Winston County Health Department's Environmental Office about the site-evaluation path before closing1220. Farmland has recently averaged about $3,005 per acre, and a typical home value is about $210,6322425. Federal land accounts for about 23.2% of the county, so verify legal access and boundaries rather than assuming an adjoining road or tract is available for private use26. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.3%, with a median annual bill near $3632728. Alabama law allows the responsible county commission or municipal planning commission to regulate subdivision plats, but we could not confirm Winston County's current rules or administrator19. Ask the County Commission, the relevant water provider and Emergency Management before splitting land, drilling a well or building in a mapped flood area15.

Watch-outs

  • Winston County does not publish an express building-permit rule, so confirm with the County Commission whether a building permit, inspection or certificate of occupancy applies before construction1.
  • We could not confirm Winston County's floodplain procedure or current subdivision administrator; ask Emergency Management about mapped flood areas and the County Commission before splitting a tract1519.
  • The owner-builder and agricultural-building exemptions concern state home-builder licensing, not building permits, septic permits or zoning approval; the agricultural exemption does not cover a residence inside the building79.

Sources

  1. Winston County, Alabama - Official County Website (Departments) (2026 county census)
  2. Alabama law on county zoning and building authority
  3. Zoning Ordinance of the City of Haleyville, Alabama, quoted and re-checked
  4. Contact Us | Winston County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  5. Onsite Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  6. Onsite Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  7. Exemptions, quoted and re-checked
  8. What is a manufactured home? (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Exemptions – Home Builders Licensure Board, quoted and re-checked
  10. State Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  11. Home Builders Licensure Law, Effective October 1, 2025 (Alabama statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Winston County Health Department – Environmental Office (alabamapublichealth.gov)
  13. Winston County Road Department (winstonal.gov)
  14. ALDOT Permit Manual, quoted and re-checked
  15. Winston County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) (winstonal.gov)
  16. Winston County, Alabama - Official County Website (Departments) (2026 county census)
  17. Zoning Ordinance of Haleyville, Alabama, quoted and re-checked
  18. Zoning Ordinance of Winfield, Alabama, quoted and re-checked
  19. Alabama HB265, enrolled act amending subdivision regulations, quoted and re-checked
  20. Alabama Department of Public Health Guide to Services, quoted and re-checked
  21. alabamapublichealth.gov, quoted and re-checked
  22. 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
  23. ALDOT Permit Manual, quoted and re-checked
  24. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  25. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  26. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Winston County has no countywide zoning.

RuleWinston CountyLawrence CountyCullman CountyWalker CountyMarion CountyFranklin CountyFayette County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Winston County in Alabama

74
County map
Winston County highlighted among the Alabama counties · colored by Index score

How Winston County scores

Seclusion61100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency61100% ev.
Admin Boringness86100% ev.
Durability58100% ev.
Property Autonomy39100% ev.
Carry Cost89100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$211kTypical home
0.3%Property tax
$3,005Land / acre
60.3"Annual rain
5% of yrsSevere drought
10.8 / yr (+10)Mid-century 100°F days
14.8 daysMid-century dry spell
2.71" (+9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.4×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,943Home insurance / yr
1.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.5%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
19,475People within 30 min
2,685,493People within 2 hr
28,705Radius comparison (15 mi)
38.5People / sq mi
23.2%Federal land
42.1%Land at 15% slope or less
1.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
5,615 acWorkable land screen
83.2%Wooded land
49.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
60.6°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Winston County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Town of Addison · Town of Arley · Town of Double Springs · Haleyville · Town of Lynn · Town of Natural Bridge

Answers from the rulebook for Winston County

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

Winston County rules

  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Local zoning within Winston County, aggregated across incorporated municipalities; the county itself is not being represented as the administrator of each municipal ordinance.

    • Documented municipal zoning ordinances apply within the corporate limits of Haleyville and Winfield.
    • The reviewed official materials did not establish zoning ordinances for every other Winston County municipality.
    • Unincorporated-area zoning remains unresolved from the reviewed official sources.
    “For the purpose of this ordinance, the City of Haleyville is hereby divided into the type of districts designated as follows:”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Winston County: no county rule sets this, because Winston 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 winstonal.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Winston County: no county rule sets this, because Winston 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 winstonal.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Winston County: no county rule sets this, because Winston 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 winstonal.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Winston County: no county rule sets this, because Winston 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 winstonal.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Winston County: no county rule sets this, because Winston 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 winstonal.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Winston County: no county rule sets this, because Winston 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 winstonal.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Winston County: no county rule sets this, because Winston 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 winstonal.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Winston County: no county rule sets this, because Winston 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 winstonal.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Winston County: no county rule sets this, because Winston 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 winstonal.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Winston County: no county rule sets this, because Winston 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 winstonal.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Winston County: no county rule sets this, because Winston 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 winstonal.gov.

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

    Septic-tank requests and environmental-office administration for Winston County.

    • The Winston County Health Department directs septic-tank requests to its Environmental Office.
    “If you have requests about septic tanks or would like to file a complaint on an establishment, please call our office and ask for the Environmental Office.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    No county planning or zoning department is listed among Winston County departments; zoning applies only within incorporated municipalities such as Haleyville.

    Winston County, Alabama - Official County Website (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”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An owner acting as the owner-builder for a one-family or two-family residence on the owner's property in Winston County or elsewhere in Alabama.

    • The owner must act as their own contractor.
    • The owner must provide all material supervision themselves.
    • The residence must be a one-family or two-family residence on the owner's property.
    • The residence must be for the owner's occupancy or use.
    • The residence must not be offered for sale.
    • The exemption is nontransferable.
    • A homeowner who hires or compensates anyone to supervise the building or improvement is not acting as their own contractor.
    • A subcontractor hired by a homeowner claiming the exemption must be licensed if the cost of that subcontractor's portion exceeds $10,000.
    • Offering the residence for sale within one year after completion is presumptive evidence that construction was undertaken for sale.
    • Claiming the exemption jeopardizes protections under the Home Builders Licensure Law, including consumer-complaint and Homeowners' Recovery Fund benefits.

    subcontractor portion cost threshold: > 10000 USD (The subcontractor must be licensed when the cost of the undertaking for the portion the subcontractor is hired to do exceeds $10,000.) · sale or offering for sale timing: <= 1 year after completion (Proof of sale or offering for sale within one year after completion is presumptive evidence of an intent to sell.)

    “acting as their own contractor [...] one-family or two-family residences [...] for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Alabama residential home-builders-license exemption applicable to an owner-builder in Winston County.
      “The Home Builders Licensure Law provides an exemption for homeowners who build or improve their own residence for their own occupancy or use.”
    • 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.”
    • 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”
  • 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.”
    11 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — State Building Code coverage relevant to Winston County, including state-owned or state-funded work, public and private K-12 schools, public postsecondary schools, hotels and motels, movie theaters, and municipal or county-owned projects meeting ADA Standards.
      “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.”
    • 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.”
    • 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.”
    • 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.”
    • 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”
    • 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)”
    • 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”
    • 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.”
    • 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”
    • 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.”
    • 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”
  • InspectionsLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Homeowners and businesses in Winston County that are not connected to a public sanitary sewer and that install a new onsite sewage system or repair an existing system.

    • The rule applies when the property is not connected to a public sanitary sewer.
    • A permit from the local health department is required before installing a new system or making repairs to an existing onsite system.
    • The health department environmentalist reviews the application, soil-test results, and calculations.
    • The Permit to Install is issued after all state regulations have been met.
    • Installation must use a licensed installer.
    • The cited page recommends applying promptly because disturbed test-hole markers may require the professional to re-stake the proposed site at the applicant's expense.
    “Alabama State Law requires homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer to obtain a permit from the local health department prior to installing a new system or making repairs to an existing onsite system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Homeowners and businesses statewide that are not connected to a public sanitary sewer and intend to install a new onsite sewage system or repair an existing one.
      “Alabama State Law requires homeowners and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer to obtain a permit from the local health department”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of a new onsite sewage system or repairs to an existing onsite system in Winston County when the property is not connected to a public sanitary sewer.

    • A permit from the local health department is required before installing a new system or repairing an existing system.
    • The health department must be contacted before installation begins to schedule an inspection.
    • The health department issues an Approval for Use before the building can be occupied.
    • For Winston County septic-tank requests, the Winston County Health Department directs callers to its Environmental Office.
    “Agree upon an inspection time and date with the LHD's Public Health Environmentalist (PHE).”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage disposal for a Winston County property not connected to a public sanitary sewer.

    • The property must be evaluated for soil suitability.
    • A Permit to Install must be submitted to and issued by the local county health department before construction.
    • If soil conditions are unsuitable for a conventional system, an engineer must design a system that properly treats the wastewater.
    • The installer must be licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board.
    “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. If the application and plans are complete and meet all the requirements of the rules, a 'Permit to Install' will be issued. Then and only then can you begin the construction of your system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (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.
      “Septic tank systems are used where municipal sewers are not available or are impractical.”
  • Well permitLimited

    New groundwater wells and alterations to existing groundwater wells extracting at least 50 gallons per minute when the well is in Alabama's coastal area or its 50-year capture zone extends into the coastal area.

    • A permit from ADEM is required for the covered installation or alteration.
    • The cited rule is limited to the specified coastal-area or capture-zone circumstances and does not establish a general statewide permit requirement for individual private wells.
    • ADEM states that it does not have regulatory authority over individual private wells.

    groundwater extraction rate: >= 50 gallons per minute (Applies when the well surface location is in the coastal area or the 50-year capture zone extends into the coastal area.)

    “The installation of a new well, or alteration of an existing well, for the purposes of extracting groundwater”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Residential or mobile/modular-home development statewide where wastewater service is being planned.

    • The property should be checked with the city sewer authority or local health department for availability of city sewage disposal.
    • If public sanitary sewer is unavailable or the property is not connected to it, an onsite sewage system may be used only under the applicable ADPH permit and approval requirements.
    • The source does not establish a statewide mandatory connection-to-sewer rule.
    “If it is not, you will be required to have the soil tested to see if the soil is suitable”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable

    Agricultural buildings in Winston County and elsewhere in Alabama for purposes of exemption from the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Act licensing requirements.

    • The exemption is for agricultural buildings as defined in Alabama Administrative Code Rule 465-X-1-.01(3).
    • The exemption does not include any residence contained in the agricultural building.
    • The exemption concerns the licensing requirements of the Home Builders Licensure Act and does not by itself establish exemption from local building permits, septic requirements, floodplain requirements, subdivision rules, or other applicable laws.
    “The licensing requirements of the Act shall not apply to: [...] (7) Agricultural buildings, as defined in Ala. Admin. Code r. 465-X-1-.01(3), except for any residence contained therein.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Building or improving agricultural buildings in Winston County under Alabama residential home-builder licensing requirements
      “The licensing requirements of the Act shall not apply to: [...] (7) Agricultural buildings, as defined in Ala. Admin. Code r. 465-X-1-.01(3), except for any residence contained therein.”
    • 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.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision regulation under Alabama law, including land in Winston County where the applicable county commission or municipal planning commission has jurisdiction and adopted or administers subdivision regulations.

    • The municipal planning commission adopts subdivision regulations governing land within its jurisdiction unless the county commission is responsible under Section 11-52-30.
    • Regulations may address street arrangement, open spaces, utilities, fire-fighting access, recreation, light and air, congestion, and minimum lot width and area.
    • Regulations may require streets, water, sewer, and other utility facilities as conditions precedent to plat approval.
    • A minor subdivision may be administratively approved without a public hearing only if authorized by municipal regulations; a minor subdivision consists of not more than six lots or a reduction in the number of lots in an existing subdivision.
    • The cited act states that minor-subdivision plans may not conflict with the master plan, official zoning map, zoning ordinance, or other subdivision regulations.

    minor subdivision maximum lots: <= 6 lots (or a reduction of the number of lots in an existing subdivision)

    “Except where the county commission is responsible for the regulation of subdivision regulations within the territorial jurisdiction of a municipal planning commission pursuant to Section 11-52-30, the municipal planning commission shall adopt subdivision regulations governing the subdivision of land within its jurisdiction. [...] regulations adopted by a municipal planning commission may authorize administrative approval of a minor subdivision without a public hearing. A minor subdivision consists of the subdivision of land into not more than six lots or a reduction of the number of lots in an existing subdivision.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision development in Alabama, including county authority in unincorporated areas and applicable municipal-planning-commission territorial jurisdictions.
      “While there is no requirement in Alabama that the county commission adopt regulations regarding subdivision development, Ala. Code § 11-24-1 et seq. provides strong statutory authority for each county to regulate subdivision development within its territorial jurisdiction.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Private, commercial, public, or publicly owned facility access points connecting to State highways in Winston County, Alabama.

    • ALDOT's permit requirement concerns State highways and State right-of-way; the official Winston County Road Department page does not publish a separate county-road driveway or subdivision regulation.
    • The permit application is BM-111 and is submitted to the ALDOT District Administrator.
    • For private residential entrances, side-drain pipe must be at least 15 inches in diameter and conform to ALDOT specifications.
    • All turnout costs are paid by the applicant.
    • Commercial entrance improvements, major driveway extensions, resurfacing, paving of unpaved drives, and changes in use are governed by the same application and permit rules as a new entrance.

    minimum side drain pipe diameter: >= 15 inches (ALDOT Regions may require 18-inch pipe.)

    “Turnouts are access points to public roads from private, publicly-owned, and commercial facilities. 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.”
    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.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area within an Alabama community participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.

    • The actual development permit is administered by the local building or floodplain official.
    • More stringent local requirements may apply.
    • Additions or improvements valued at 50% or more of the existing structure's market value are substantial improvements and generally trigger bringing the entire structure into compliance with mapped elevations.

    substantial-improvement threshold: >= 50 percent of existing structure market value

    “When a community chooses to participate in the NFIP, it must require permits for all development in the SFHA”
  • 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.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Driveway or turnout access from private property to State highways in Winston County, Alabama.

    • The rule applies to access to State highways, not county-maintained or other non-state roads.
    • Applicants submit a completed BM-111 application to the ALDOT District Administrator.
    • Turnouts are regulated for entrance width, radii, placement relative to property lines and intersecting streets, angle of entry, vertical alignment, drainage, and the number of entrances to one property.
    • For major developments, turnouts are regulated based on the overall development area; out parcels should be served internally where possible.
    • The applicant pays all costs associated with the turnout.
    • The minimum side-drain pipe size is 15 inches; Regions may require 18-inch pipe.
    • Commercial turnouts require approved permits and a proper surety bond; improvements to existing commercial entrances and changes in commercial use require a new BM-111 application.

    minimum side drain pipe diameter: >= 15 inches (ALDOT Regions have authority to require 18-inch pipe.)

    “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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Onsite sewage disposal permitting in Alabama, including Winston County when housing or establishments lack access to sanitary sewer.
      “County health departments may issue a Permit to Install based on findings from the soils professional.”
    • 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.”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

    County zoning and land-use authority over unincorporated Alabama land under general state law and identified special statutory circumstances.

    • General Alabama law does not grant counties broad and general land-use regulatory authority.
    • Several counties have planning and zoning authority created by local law, including examples identified in the official handbook: Baldwin, Russell, Shelby, and Jefferson County.
    • Special statutory authority includes subdivision regulation under Ala. Code § 11-24-1 et seq.; flood-prone-area land-use regulation under Ala. Code § 11-19-1 et seq.; and airport zoning under Ala. Code § 4-6-1 et seq.
    • Flood-prone-area authority concerns areas outside municipal corporate limits and covers areas with a frequency of inundation of once in 100 years; permitted controls include zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, building codes, health regulations, and related police-power measures.
    • Airport zoning concerns airport hazards and is generally available in the county's unincorporated area, except within a municipality's police jurisdiction and within two miles of a municipality-owned or operated airport when the municipality exercises or declares its intention to exercise zoning control, unless local law provides otherwise.
    • The claim does not establish that every Alabama county has a general countywide zoning ordinance.

    flood-prone-area inundation frequency: 100 years (As defined by qualified hydrologists or engineers using generally accepted hydrology and engineering methods) · airport municipal control area: 2 miles (Applies when the municipality exercises or declares its intention to exercise zoning control, unless local law provides otherwise)

    “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Alabama county authority to adopt zoning for unincorporated land.
      “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law, although several counties have created some form of planning and zoning authority by local law. However, as set out below, the Legislature has granted limited authority to county governing bodies to address certain special circumstances related to use of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the county.”
    • Limited — County authority over land use and zoning in unincorporated Alabama; general Alabama law does not grant counties broad general zoning authority, but limited authority exists through special local laws and specified statutory circumstances.
      “Counties in Alabama do not have broad and general land use regulatory authority under general Alabama law”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Authority of Alabama county commissions to adopt and administer building laws and codes for residential construction in unincorporated areas.

    • A county commission may adopt building laws and codes by ordinance or, under the 2025 version of Section 34-14A-12, by resolution.
    • The ordinary county-code jurisdiction is the unincorporated area of the county.
    • County building laws and codes may not apply within a municipal police jurisdiction where the municipality is exercising its building laws or codes without the municipality's express consent.
    • County building laws and codes may apply within municipal corporate limits only with the express consent of the municipal governing body.
    • Under the 2025 statute, the county must provide the Board a copy of the resolution within 10 business days.
    • A local building law or code generally may not take effect until 120 days after adoption; for insurance-claim work requiring a license, the effective date is the date of adoption.
    • The county commission may employ building inspectors and exact fees from owners of inspected property.
    • The county may enter mutual agreements, compacts, or contracts with municipalities and other public entities for administration and enforcement.

    local-code notice deadline: 10 business days (Copy of resolution must be provided to the Home Builders Licensure Board) · local-code ordinary effective delay: 120 days (Insurance-claim work requiring a license may use the adoption date)

    “A county commission, by resolution, may adopt building laws and codes that shall apply in the unincorporated areas of the county. The county commission shall provide a copy of any resolution adopted pursuant to this subsection to the board withing 10 business days of adopting the resolution.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Alabama county authority to adopt and enforce residential building laws and codes in unincorporated areas.
      “There are two general statutory provisions authorizing counties to adopt building codes: the Home Builders Licensure Law found at Ala. Code § 34-14A-1 et seq. and the law on the state minimum building standards code found at Ala. Code § 41-9-160 et seq.”

Inside cities and towns in Winston County

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

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land and buildings within the corporate limits of Haleyville, Alabama, in Winston County.

    • The ordinance establishes and regulates zoning districts within Haleyville's corporate limits.
    • The official zoning map is incorporated into the ordinance and is filed in the City Clerk's office.
    • The ordinance was approved February 6, 2007; later amendments may apply, including the temporary-housing amendment approved May 16, 2011.
    “The provisions of this ordinance shall govern the location and use of buildings, structures, and land within the incorporated areas of the City of Haleyville, Alabama.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Local land-use regulation within the City of Haleyville, including community and industrial development.
      “The City of Haleyville shall involve local residents in the decision-making process on issues affecting economic and community development. The City of Haleyville will develop, maintain and comply with local ordinances and sub-division regulations and strictly enforce those regulations for community and industrial development.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Property within the corporate limits of the City of Winfield, Winston County, Alabama.
      “AN ORDINANCE, IN PURSUANCE OF THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY TITLE 11, CHAPTER 52, ARTICLES 4, SECTIONS 11-52-70 TO 11-52-84 INCLUSIVE, CODE OF ALABAMA 1975, AS AMENDED, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICTS WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF WINFIELD, ALABAMA, TO REGULATE WITHIN SUCH DISTRICTS, THE HEIGHT, NUMBER OF STORIES, AND SIZE OF BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES, THE PERCENTAGE OF THE LOT THAT MAY BE OCCUPIED, THE SIZE OF YARDS AND OPEN SPACES, THE DENSITY OF POPULATION AND THE USE OF BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES, AND LAND; AND TO PROVIDE METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION OF THIS ORDINANCE AND PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION THEREOF.”

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 activity in Winston County, including unincorporated areas.

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 Winston County, Alabama

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

Winston County scores 74/100 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 Winston County, Alabama?

Winston 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 Winston 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 Winston County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Winston County is allowed: Unincorporated Winston County: no county rule sets this, because Winston 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 winstonal.gov. Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits. Alabama counties lack broad, general land-use regulatory authority under general Alabama law. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Winston County, Alabama?

Land in Winston County runs about $3,005 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Winston County?

Winston County gets about 60.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5% of years.

How remote is Winston County?

A representative private-land location has about 19,475 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,685,493 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Winston compares in Alabama

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