Alabama Regulations: Counties & Municipal Zoning Guide
Understanding where Amish tiny cabins are allowed in Alabama depends on both county and city regulations. Many counties, especially in unincorporated areas, have minimal or no specific rules, offering greater flexibility for placement. However, basic state requirements for safety, utilities, and health may still apply. In contrast, municipalities often enforce stricter zoning laws, including minimum size, foundation type, and usage classification. Because regulations vary widely by location, it’s important to verify requirements with local authorities. The guide below provides a county overview and municipal references to help you confidently plan and place your tiny cabin.
Counties
Autauga County hasn’t published formal tiny home regulations. Their requires you to reach out before breaking ground on any project, so that’s your first call. They may redirect you to your municipality — keep reading for city and town specifics.
Resource: Property Development Department Autauga
Yes. Baldwin County has adopted the 2018 International Code with Appendix Q, and they expressly permit park model cabins. A park model can be treated as a permanent residence when placed on a properly zoned RV lot, and it can also qualify as a modular home if anchored to a foundation that satisfies single-family residential building standards.
Resources: Building Department Baldwin
Reach out to the Building Permit office directly. Some Barbour County decisions filter down to the city or town level, so see the municipality section below as well.
Resources: Building Permits Barbour
No clear tiny home policy is published. Visit Bibb County’s website and contact the appropriate office, or check your municipality’s rules below.
Resources: County Website Bibb
Blount County hasn’t published any formal tiny home standards or confirmed which building code version they follow. Your best move is calling their building inspector directly via the staff directory. Municipality rules may apply — check below.
Resources: Staff Directory Blount
No dedicated building enforcement office is apparent, and tiny home rules aren’t clearly spelled out. Visit your local government office in person, or scroll down to see if your municipality has more guidance.
Resources: County Website Bullock
Limited county-level information is available. Your local city or town officials are likely your best resource. You can also visit Butler County’s website and ask to be directed to the right contact.
Resources: County Website Butler
Calhoun County hasn’t clarified which building codes are in effect or whether tiny homes qualify as permanent residences. Their Licenses Department handles tags for manufactured homes and may be able to point you in the right direction. Your municipality may have clearer answers — keep reading.
Resources: County Website Calhoun
No specific tiny home policy is on the books. Contact Code Enforcement to determine what’s permissible for your property.
Resources: Code Enforcement Chambers
No specific tiny home policy is on the books. Contact Code Enforcement to determine what’s permissible for your property.
Resources: Engineering Department Cherokee
No official county-wide guidelines have been published. The Road Department oversees subdivision inspections and may be a useful starting point. Municipality rules below may apply to your area.
Resources: Road Department Chilton
No building, zoning, or planning enforcement office appears to be in place. Visit your local government office to find the right person to speak with about placing a tiny cabin on your property.
Resources: County Website Choctaw
Clarke County doesn’t have a dedicated building or planning department. With no clear published standards, your best approach is checking directly with local officials before making any purchasing decisions.
Resources: Clarke Website Choctaw
Like many rural Alabama counties, this one largely defers to city and town governments. Visit Clay County’s contact page to identify the right county-level contact, or check your municipality below.
Resources: Contact Page Clay
No formal tiny home legislation has been published. Contact the Cleburne County Commission for guidance, or consult your local city or town officials.
Resources: Cleburne County Commission
For unincorporated areas of Coffee County, there are no zoning restrictions, building codes, or ordinances to follow — giving you considerable freedom regarding tiny home placement. The County Engineer confirms this. For incorporated areas, your city or town sets the rules.
Resources: Coffee County Engineer
Does Colbert County, Alabama, Allow Amish Tiny Cabins?
Tiny home decisions here are left primarily to city and town governments. You can contact Colbert County Government with questions, but your municipality is the more reliable starting point.
Resources: Contact Government
Colbert
Does Conecuh County, Alabama, Allow Amish Tiny Cabins?
Conecuh County doesn’t have a county-level building or zoning office overseeing unincorporated areas. The county government website is your starting point, but municipality regulations below may be more directly applicable.
Resources: County Website Conecuh
Does Coosa County, Alabama, Allow Amish Tiny Cabins?
No county-level building or zoning enforcement exists. In unincorporated areas, park model tiny cabins are very likely permitted — check with your city or town if you’re in an incorporated area.
Resources: County Website Coosa
No building, zoning, or planning department exists at the county level. For unincorporated areas, tiny cabins can be used as permanent residences with no county restrictions standing in the way. Those within city or town limits must follow local codes.
Resources: Covington Website Coosa
No county-level enforcement office exists. For those in unincorporated areas, tiny homes of all types are generally allowed since no legislation prohibits them. Refer to your municipality if you’re inside a city or town boundary.
Resources: Crenshaw Website Coosa
Tiny home decisions are left to municipalities. For unincorporated areas, tiny cabins are very likely permitted with no county authority regulating them. The Cullman County Commission can field any additional questions.
Resources: County Commission Cullman
No building or zoning codes apply in unincorporated Dale County, so park model tiny cabins are permitted in those areas. If you’re within a municipality’s planning jurisdiction, check with them. The Dale County Road & Bridge Department can assist with questions for unincorporated locations
Resources: Road & Bridge Dale
Dallas County doesn’t enforce building codes or zoning for its unincorporated areas. For properties outside of any city or town, tiny cabins can serve as full-time residences with no county-level restrictions
Resources: County Website Dallas
No county website exists. Municipality rules likely govern your situation — check the section below for your city or town.
Resources: No website — refer to city/town government
No dedicated building or zoning department means tiny homes are generally permitted in unincorporated areas. Those under a city or town government’s jurisdiction should verify locally first.
Resources: County Website Elmore
Regulations are set at the municipality level. For unincorporated areas, no county-wide restrictions apply. Check your city or town’s rules in the section below.
Resources: Escambia Website Elmore
No county building, planning, or zoning department is in place, meaning that for unincorporated areas, any type of tiny cabin is allowed. If you’re in a municipality, those local rules apply instead
Resources: Etowah Website Elmore
No website, building codes, or official building contacts are available at the county level. Consult your local city or town government. Even without county enforcement, aligning with Alabama’s state building code is always recommended for safety and legal peace of mind.
Resources: No website — refer to city/town government Fayette
Franklin County has no formal building or zoning department. Their Highway Department handles subdivision road standards and may be able to offer some guidance, but your municipality is the most reliable starting point. State building codes still apply for safety compliance.
Resources: Departments Franklin
For unincorporated areas, tiny homes of any kind are permitted — Geneva County has no zoning or building regulations governing rural properties. The Road & Bridge Department can confirm. For city and town properties, local rules take over.
Resources: Road & Bridge Geneva
No county-level building department exists. Unincorporated areas are generally unrestricted. Your municipality below may have more specific guidance.
Resources: County Website Greene
No building or planning department at the county level. For unincorporated areas, self-regulated compliance with state building codes is the practical approach. Contact your local city or town government if you’re in an incorporated area.
Resources: County Website Hale
No formal building department exists. Unincorporated areas are generally open to tiny homes. Verify with your municipality if applicable.
Resources: County Website Henry
The Road & Bridge Department processes building permits for unincorporated areas, though no building inspections or Certificates of Occupancy are issued at the county level. For those outside of any incorporated city or town, there are no local regulations beyond state code compliance.
Resources: Road & Bridge Houston
Jackson County doesn’t require building permits and has no zoning ordinances in place. This means park model tiny cabins can be placed in unincorporated areas without restriction. If you’re within city or town limits, those municipal rules apply.
Resources: Zoning & Building Permits Jackson
Jefferson County permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) up to 200 square feet. Using a park model cabin as a primary residence is possible but not clearly defined — consult the Building Division for a definitive answer
Resources: Jefferson Building Division
No website or identifiable county contacts. Consult your city or town government directly.
Resources: Lamar No website — refer to city/town government
No county website or formal contacts available. Reach out to your local city or town government for guidance.
Resources:Lauderdale No website — refer to city/town government
For unincorporated Lawrence County, no zoning codes, building permits, or occupancy requirements exist — meaning tiny homes are generally permitted in those areas. Properties within city or town limits follow municipal rules. Note that subdivision regulations and floodplain ordinances do still apply.
Resources: Road Department Lawrence
Yes. Lee County has adopted the 2021 IRC including Appendix AQ, which formally allows tiny homes. Park model specifics aren’t addressed, so contact the Building Inspections Department before committing to a park model as your full-time residence
Resources: Appendix AQ, Building Inspections Department
No county building or zoning department exists for unincorporated areas. Tiny homes are generally allowed there. For city and town properties, check with local authorities. State code compliance is always a smart baseline.
Resources: Limestone County Website
No dedicated building department at the county level, though subdivision regulations and a floodplain ordinance are enforced. For city and town properties, municipal authorities govern. Unincorporated areas have no specific county restrictions on tiny homes.
Resources: Lowndes County Website
No formal building or zoning department is listed. For unincorporated areas, tiny homes are generally unrestricted. Contact the County Commission Office or your local city/town government for confirmation.
Resources: County Commission
Macon
Yes. Madison County follows the 2018 IRC including Appendix Q, which allows tiny homes. Park model specifics remain unclear, so confirm with the Inspections Department before proceeding.
Resources: Inspection Department Madison
No county-level building or zoning department means unincorporated areas have no specific restrictions on tiny homes. For city and town properties, municipal rules apply. The County Commission Office can provide further guidance.
Resources: County Website Marengo
Marion County doesn’t govern tiny homes for unincorporated areas. Tiny cabins are allowed there provided they comply with Alabama’s state building code. Those in city or town jurisdictions must check locally.
Resources: County Website Marion
Tiny home decisions are delegated to city and town governments. For unincorporated areas, a tiny home is allowed as long as it meets the Alabama State Code. Your local building department is the definitive source.
Resources: Marshall Website Marion
Yes. Mobile County has adopted the 2018 International Building Code with Appendix Q, formally addressing tiny home requirements. Whether park models qualify as tiny homes isn’t entirely clear — consult the Planning & Development Department for a firm answer.
Resources: Planning & Development Mobile
No county building or zoning department. For city and town properties, local governments set the rules. For unincorporated areas, tiny homes are generally permitted with no county-level prohibition.
Resources: Monroe Website Marion
Montgomery County’s Engineering Department handles permits for any construction exceeding 200 square feet. No county-wide prohibition on tiny homes exists for unincorporated areas. Properties within Montgomery city limits or the town of Pike Road must follow their specific local codes.
Resources: Building Department Montgomery
No county building or zoning department exists. Tiny homes are generally permitted in unincorporated areas, though subdivision and floodplain ordinances may affect placement. City and town properties follow municipal rules.
Resources: Morgan County Website
No county building or zoning enforcement. In unincorporated areas, tiny homes of all types are generally allowed. City and town properties must follow local authority rules. Contact the County Commission Office with questions.
Resources: Perry County Website
Tiny homes are allowed in unincorporated Pickens County — no building, planning, or zoning department exists to regulate them there. For properties within a city like Aliceville, local authorities handle permits. State code compliance is always the right baseline.
Resources: Pickens County Website
No county website or formal building department. Tiny home decisions are likely left to city and town governments. For unincorporated areas, no county body is enforcing restrictions — state building code compliance is the practical standard.
Resources: Pike No website — refer to city/town government
No county building or zoning department. For incorporated areas, city and town zoning ordinances apply. For unincorporated areas, tiny homes are generally not restricted at the county level — though state code compliance is expected.
Resources: Randolph County Website
Yes. Russell County has adopted the 2018 IRC including Appendix Q. Whether park models specifically fall under this code isn’t entirely clear — get a definitive answer from the Building & Inspection Department.
Resources: Russell Building & Inspection Office
Building and zoning in St. Clair County is managed at the city and town level. For unincorporated areas, tiny homes are generally permitted. State code compliance ensures safety and legal standing.
Resources: County Website Saint Clair
Yes. Any tiny home with an axle is permitted on a legal lot in unincorporated or unzoned areas of Shelby County, provided it meets the Regulations for Manufactured Home Communities. This explicitly includes park model tiny homes. On a permanent foundation, all construction must comply with the adopted building code. For city and town properties, local rules apply.
Resources: Development Services Shelby
No county building department. For unincorporated areas, tiny homes are generally allowed. State building code compliance is important for both safety and avoiding any legal complications down the road.
Resources: County Website Sumter
The county hasn’t published minimum square footage rules, adopted building codes, or park model policies. Contact the Permits, Building & Development Department directly for a clear answer.
Resources: Permits, Building & Development Talladega
The county hasn’t published minimum square footage rules, adopted building codes, or park model policies. Contact the Permits, Building & Development Department directly for a clear answer.
Resources: Building Department Tallapoosa
Tiny homes are generally permitted in unincorporated areas of Tuscaloosa County. No dedicated county department regulates them there. For city and town properties, local building codes take effect.
Resources: County Website Tuscaloosa
Yes. No building or zoning department governs unincorporated Walker County. As long as you’re outside a city or town’s jurisdiction and follow the Alabama state building code, your tiny cabin is permitted. Those within a municipality must follow local rules first.
Resources: County Website Walker
Absolutely. No county-level building or zoning office covers unincorporated Washington County, meaning tiny homes are freely permitted there provided state building codes are met. For city and town properties, local governments set the rules.
Resources: Washington Website Walker
Tiny homes are generally allowed in unincorporated Wilcox County. No dedicated county department regulates them there. For properties in a city like Camden, local governments manage permits and regulations
Resources: Wilcox Website Walker
Tiny cabins are generally permitted in unincorporated Winston County — no specific county department regulates them. City and town properties must follow municipal building codes. State code compliance is always your safety net.
Resources: No website — refer to city/town government Winston
Municipalities
Abbeville follows the 2012 IBC (which predates Appendix Q for tiny homes). However, RVs that meet new construction standards may be permitted on a permanent basis. Visit the Abbeville government office for a clear ruling.
Resource: Code of Ordinances . Website
No building resources are published online. Visit in person at 30793 HWY 278, Addison, AL.
Resources: Addison
Follows the 2006 IRC. Use their contact form to inquire about tiny cabin options.
Resources: Contact · Building Code
Follows the 2012 IRC. RVs meeting new construction standards can be permitted for stays longer than 180 days. Park models of 400 sq ft or less may qualify. Confirm with their Planning & Development Department.
Resources: Planning Department · Building Regulations
Yes. Follows the 2021 IRC with Appendix Q. Park model specifics aren’t addressed — contact the Building Department to confirm.
Resources: Building Department · Codes
No building codes published. Call (256) 354-2121 for guidance.
Resources: City Website Ashland
Yes. Follows the 2021 IRC with Appendix Q. Park model use as a residence isn’t clearly defined — check with Building & Zoning.
Resources: Building & Zoning · Zoning Ordinance
Yes. Follows the 2018 IRC with Appendix Q. Park model classification isn’t fully addressed — the Building Department can clarify.
Resources: Building Department · Adopted Codes
Limited info available. Use the contact form for guidance.
Resources: Bakerhill Contact
Yes. Follows 2018 IRC with Appendix Q. Park models may be allowed in designated RV parks. For placement on your own land, contact Planning & Development.
Resources: Planning & Development · Building Regulations
Yes. Follows 2021 IRC with Appendix AQ. Park models may qualify as manufactured homes if properly anchored, or may be permitted on-site for up to 180 days otherwise. Contact Planning, Engineering & Permits for your specific situation.
Resources: Planning, Engineering & Permits Birmingham
Follows 2015 IRC (no Appendix Q). Contact Planning & Zoning for clarity.
Resources: Brewton Planning & Zoning
Follows 2015 IRC (no Appendix Q). Contact the Town Council for a definitive answer.
Resources: Code of Ordinances · Town Council
No official website. Visit local government offices in person..
Resources: No official website
No building codes or minimum requirements published. Contact the Town Council for guidance.
Resources: Departments · Zoning Ordinances
No. Tiny homes are explicitly prohibited within Clanton’s city limits per their zoning ordinance amendments.
Resources: Zoning Amendments · Building & Zoning
No adopted codes published. Contact the Building Inspector.
Resources: Building Inspector Centre
No building codes listed online. Contact the Permits & Forms Department.
Resources: Permits & Forms Centreville
Unclear. May follow Shelby County rules (which do allow park models), but this isn’t confirmed. Contact the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Resources: Planning & Zoning Commission Columbiana
Yes. Follows 2021 IRC with Appendix AQ. Tiny homes must be 500 sq ft or less. Park model status is unclear — contact Planning & Zoning.
Resources: Planning & Zoning · Building Codes
Yes. Follows 2018 IRC with Appendix Q. Park model specifics aren’t addressed — contact the Building Department.
Resources: Building Department · Adopted Codes
Follows 2009 IRC (no tiny home appendix). Contact the Building Department for current guidance.
Resources: Building Department · Adopted Codes
Follows 2015 IRC (no tiny home appendix). Contact the Building Department.
Resources: Building Department · Codes Enforced
Follows 2015 IRC. RV/park model permanent residences are only allowed in properly zoned RV parks. Contact Planning & Zoning for details.
Resources: Planning & Development · Zoning Ordinance
No building department published. Contact the Town Clerk for guidance.
Resources: Town Clerk Double Springs
Follows 1991 Standard Building Code. Contact code enforcement at (334) 897-2333.
Resources: Building Code Elba
Yes. Follows 2021 IRC with Appendix AQ. Park model use as a residence isn’t clearly addressed — contact the Engineering Department.
Resources: Engineering Department · Building Codes
No building department listed. Use their contact form to inquire.
Resources: contact Evergreen
Follows the latest edition of the IBC (likely 2021 with Appendix AQ). Contact their Planning Department for park model specifics.
Resources: Planning & Zoning Commission Fayette
Follows 2003 IRC (no tiny home appendix). Contact the Building Department.
Resources: Building Department · Codes
No building department listed. Call (334) 227-4841.
Resources: Zoning Ordinance Fort Deposit
Does Fort Payne, Alabama, Allow Amish Tiny Cabins?
Follows 2003 IRC (no tiny home appendix). Contact Inspections & Zoning.
Resources: Inspections & Zoning · Building Code
Yes. Follows 2021 IRC with Appendix AQ. Park model residential use isn’t specified — contact the Building Department.
Resources: Building Department · Building Code Info
Follows 2009 IBC (no tiny home provisions). Contact the Building Department.
Resources: Building Department · Building Code
No regulations clearly published. Contact Code Enforcer at (334) 507-6648.
Resources: Services Greensboro
Yes. Follows 2021 IRC with Appendix AQ. Park model residential use isn’t addressed — contact the Building Department.
Resources: Building Department Greenville
Follows 2006 IRC (no tiny home appendix). Contact the Building Department.
Resources: Building Department · Adopted Codes
Yes. Follows 2021 IRC with Appendix AQ. Park model use isn’t specified — consult the Building Department.
Resources: Building Department · Building Codes
Follows 2006 IBC editions (no tiny home appendix). Contact at (205) 921-2121.
Resources: Ordinances Hamilton
Follows 2009 IRC (no tiny home appendix). Contact the City Clerk.
Resources: City Clerk · Building Regulations
Follows 2021 IRC with Appendix AQ. Park model status isn’t addressed — contact Inspection Services.
Resources: Inspection Services · Building Codes
Follows 2018 IRC but only adopted appendices E, H, and J — not Appendix Q. Minimum dwelling size requires at least 150 sq ft per occupant. Contact Urban & Economic Development at (256) 427-5300.
Resources: Building & Construction · Building Code
Yes. Site-built, modular, or pre-fabricated tiny homes up to 500 sq ft are permitted. Park models are classified as manufactured homes and are allowed in designated parks. Confirm with Public Works.
Resources: Public Works · Zoning Ordinance
Follows 2015 IRC (no tiny home appendix). Contact the Building Inspector.
Resources: Building Inspections Jasper
Follows 2021 IRC with Appendix AQ. Park model specifics unclear — contact the Street, Sanitation & Cemetery Dept..
Resources: Street, Sanitation & Cemetery Lafayette
No building codes listed. Contact the Zoning Department.
Resources: Zoning Livingston
No building codes published. Contact the City Clerk.
Resources: City Clerk Luverne
No building codes published. Contact the governing body.
Resources: Governing Body Marion
Use the citizen questions form to inquire.
Resources: Citizen Questions Millport
Yes. Follows 2021 IRC with Appendix AQ. Park model use isn’t specifically addressed — contact Build Mobile’s Planning & Zoning Division.
Resources: Build Mobile Mobile
Yes. Follows 2024 IRC with Appendix BB on tiny homes. Park model residential use isn’t addressed — contact the Inspections Department.
Resources: Build Mobile Montgomery
Yes. Follows 2018 IRC with Appendix Q. Park model use isn’t specified — contact the Building Department.
Resources: Building Department Moulton
Yes. Follows Alabama State Code allowing tiny homes. Park model specifics aren’t addressed — contact Planning & Inspections.
Resources: Planning & Inspections Northport
Follows 2015 IRC (no tiny home appendix). Contact Building Inspections & Permits.
Resources: Building Inspections & Permits
Likely follows the most recent IRC. Contact Building Inspections for confirmation.
Resources: Building Inspection Division · Code Compliance
Yes. Follows 2018 IRC with Appendix Q. Park model use isn’t specified — contact the Inspection Department.
Resources: Inspection Department Ozark
Yes. Follows state building codes featuring 2021 editions with tiny home provisions. Confirm park model plans with Planning & Zoning.
Resources: Planning & Zoning Pell City
Follows 2021 IRC but explicitly excluded Appendix AQ. Contact the Building Department for clarification.
Resources: Building Department Phenix City
Yes. Follows 2021 IRC with Appendix AQ. For park model specifics, contact Planning & Development.
Resources: Planning & Development · Building Codes
