Montgomery, AL Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Article VI, Sec. 4 of the zoning ordinance (City Code App. C) governs accessory structures, including sheds, garages and storage buildings, on any lot used primarily for residential purposes. Subsection (a) sets the core dimensional rule: no accessory structure in a required front or side yard, a two-story height ceiling, no more than 30 percent coverage of a required rear yard, a minimum five-foot setback from all lot lines, and a minimum ten-foot separation from any other structure on the same lot. Subsection (b) adds a further restriction where the lot's side line adjoins another residential lot: no part of the accessory building may sit within 60 feet of a front lot line.

Subsection (c) restricts accessory structures on a corner lot that backs onto another residential lot, requiring the same side-yard depth used for the adjoining dwelling within 25 feet of the shared line. Because Sec. 11 of Article I limits a residential lot to one main structure plus permitted accessory structures, and bars living quarters or sanitary facilities in an accessory structure without board of adjustment approval, a shed cannot be converted into a guest room or apartment without that separate approval. A building permit is required for any shed under Article II, Sec. "