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Bessemer, AL Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

ADU rules in Bessemer, AL, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.

Key Facts

Governing section: Appendix B (Zoning) § 1.6(5)
Living quarters in accessory structure: Prohibited without approval
Approving body: Bessemer Board of Zoning Adjustment
Variance application fee: $100.00
General zoning penalty: $100-$500 fine or 6 months jail

ADU Eligibility Quick-Check

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent living unit on the same lot as a single-family home: converted garages, detached cottages, basement or attic conversions, and attached additions all qualify. Most states have streamlined ADU permitting since 2020, but local rules still control size, height, and setback.

Is your lot zoned single-family or multi-family residential?
Does your lot have at least 1,200 sq ft of buildable space?
Is your existing home owner-occupied (in most states this is not required, but some require it for ADU permits)?
Will the ADU stay under your state's size cap (commonly 850-1,200 sq ft for detached)?
Can you provide one off-street parking space (waived in many states within 0.5 mi of transit)?

If you answered 'yes' to most of these, you likely qualify in Alabama under recent ADU streamlining laws. The Bessemer, AL rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

Bessemer's zoning ordinance bars accessory structures from containing living quarters unless the Board of Zoning Adjustment approves it. A garage apartment or backyard cottage is unlawful by default until the board signs off on the specific plan.

(5)Every building hereafter erected or structurally altered shall be located on a lot as herein defined and in no case shall there be more than one main building and one main use on one lot. Accessory structures shall not include living quarters; neither will sanitary facilities or separate electrical services be permitted in accessory structures without the approval of the Bessemer Board of Zoning Adjustment.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Republication).

Full Breakdown

' In practice this means a homeowner who wants to convert a garage into a rentable apartment, or build a new accessory dwelling unit with its own bathroom and electrical meter, cannot pull a routine building permit from the buildings and inspections department. 00 filing fee, written notice mailed to every property owner within 500 feet, and a public hearing at a regularly scheduled board meeting. 6(5) sits in the ordinance's general application article rather than in a single residential district, it applies citywide across every R-1 through R-8 district. 7 and can be ordered vacated by the building inspection officer within 72 hours of notice.

Violations & Fines

Occupying an accessory structure as living quarters without Board of Zoning Adjustment approval is a nuisance per se under Section 2.7; the building inspection officer can order the space vacated within 72 hours of written notice. Section 2.9 sets the general zoning penalty at a fine of $100.00 to $500.00, up to six months imprisonment, or both, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a garage apartment in Bessemer without approval?

No. Section 1.6(5) of the zoning ordinance says accessory structures cannot include living quarters, sanitary facilities or a separate electrical service unless the Bessemer Board of Zoning Adjustment approves it first.

How do I apply for approval to add living quarters to a garage?

File an application with the department of buildings and inspections, pay the $100.00 fee, and the Board of Zoning Adjustment will hold a public hearing after mailing notice to property owners within 500 feet, per Section 2.3.

What happens if I build an ADU without approval?

The building inspection officer can declare it a nuisance per se under Section 2.7 and order the use vacated within 72 hours. Continued violation also exposes the owner to the Section 2.9 penalty of $100 to $500 per day.

Sources & Official References

[1]Bessemer Code of Ordinances, Appendix B (Zoning)

Other rules in Bessemer

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome Restrictions Shed & Carport RulesSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Bessemer rules

How Bessemer compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Compare Bessemer to another location·View the Alabama accessory structures overview

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