Hoover, AL Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Hoover, AL, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Max coverage
- 15% of rear yard
- Side/rear setback
- 5 ft from lot line
- Structure spacing
- 5 ft from other structures
- Location
- Not allowed in front yard
Summary
Hoover caps accessory buildings and sheds at 15% of the rear yard, bars them from the front yard, and requires a 5-foot clearance from lot lines and other structures.
Accessory buildings and structures shall comply with the following regulations:
A. Shall not be located to the front of a principal building;
B. Shall not be located or in a required side yard setback, unless the structure is classified as a fixed mechanical appurtenance in Sec. 9.05.07.E;
C. Shall collectively be no larger than 15% of the area comprising the rear yard as defined by this ordinance;
D. Shall in no instance be nearer than five feet to any side or rear lot line and shall be at least five feet from any other structure, unless the structure is classified as a fixed mechanical appurtenance in Sec. 9.05.07.E; and
E. Fixed mechanical appurtenances and obstructions shall have a minimum of a five foot clearance between them and adjacent property lines or structures, other than the building(s) they serve. Referenced fixed mechanical appurtenances and obstructions would include items such as HVAC equipment, pool equipment, generators and other such equipment that is permanently mounted and that cannot be easily removed during fire and rescue related incidents. The Building Official may require a survey prior to issuing a permit for a fixed mechanical appurtenance locating within five feet of the setback required by this section.
Full Breakdown
Under §9.05.07 of the zoning ordinance, sheds, detached garages, and other accessory buildings must sit behind the principal building, never in the front yard, and can't collectively cover more than 15% of the rear yard area. Every accessory structure needs at least 5 feet of clearance from side and rear property lines, and 5 feet from any other structure on the lot, unless it qualifies as a fixed mechanical appurtenance under §9.05.07(E). The Building Official can require a survey before issuing a permit for structures crowding that setback.
Violations & Fines
Building without a permit or violating the setback or coverage limits is enforced by Hoover Building Inspections; noncompliant structures can be red-tagged and required to be relocated, resized, or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a shed in my front yard in Hoover?
How big can my shed be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hoover
How Hoover compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Hoover to another location·View the Alabama accessory structures overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Shed & Carport Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jefferson County handle shed & carport rules.