Alabama Tiny House Zoning Laws Overview
Alabama has no statewide building code, which means tiny house regulations vary significantly by county and municipality. At the state level, Alabama follows the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), which includes Appendix AQ permitting tiny homes, but local adoption varies widely. Many Alabama counties have no dedicated building, planning, or zoning departments, effectively leaving tiny home decisions to municipalities or allowing them by default in unincorporated areas. In these areas, tiny homes are generally permitted as long as they comply with Alabama state building codes for safety. Several counties have explicitly adopted codes that support tiny homes. Baldwin County follows the 2018 IRC including Appendix Q. Jefferson County allows accessory dwelling units up to 200 square feet. Madison County has adopted the 2018 IRC with Appendix Q. Mobile County follows the 2018 International Building Codes including Appendix Q. For tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), many Alabama counties classify them as camping trailers or recreational vehicles, which cannot be used as permanent residences. Park model tiny homes face similar restrictions in some areas but may be permitted in designated RV parks or on properly zoned lots. Common requirements across Alabama include permanent foundations for primary residences, connections to water, power, and sewage, compliance with local zoning classifications, and building permits where departments exist.
Alabama has no statewide building code - this guide covers all 92 counties and cities. Regulations vary by county and municipality. Many rural counties have no building departments, allowing tiny homes by default. Baldwin, Madison, Mobile, and Russell counties have adopted IRC Appendix Q explicitly permitting tiny homes. Always verify with local authorities before building.
Understanding the zoning laws is just the first step. Once you know what is legal in Alabama, you can start looking at tiny houses for sale in Alabama or connect with experienced Alabama builders who work within these regulations. If you want a turnkey solution, consider joining a tiny house community in Alabama where all the zoning and permits are already handled.
Before you buy land or start construction, use our zoning finder tool to check specific county requirements, and get a budget estimate with our free tiny house cost calculator. If you're planning to go off-grid, check out our comprehensive off-grid living guide to understand utility and septic requirements.
