ADU rules in Lee County, AL — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Alabama sets no statewide ADU mandate, so whether Lee County allows a second dwelling depends on local zoning. Auburn and Opelika control it in the cities; unincorporated areas are zoned only where a beat voted zoning in.
Alabama has no law forcing cities or counties to permit accessory dwelling units, so the answer sits entirely in local zoning. In Auburn and Opelika, the city zoning ordinance and its residential districts decide whether a detached ADU or in-law suite is allowed. Unincorporated Lee County is unusual: the Lee County Planning Commission, created by Act 2007-401, only zones election beats where a majority of voters adopted zoning, so a second dwelling's status depends on whether your beat is zoned and how. Where a unit is allowed, a building permit and inspections for egress, ceiling height, and smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms apply under the state code.
Adding a second dwelling unit where zoning does not allow it draws code enforcement and denial of a certificate of occupancy. Building living space without a permit is unlawful work.
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