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Lee County, AL Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

Key Facts

County zoning: Beat opt-in; Beat 13 only
Unincorporated setbacks: Subdivision regs + building code
Auburn street setback: 25 feet (Table 5-1)
Auburn side yard: 6 to 15 feet
Variance: Board of Zoning Adjustment

Summary

Most of unincorporated Lee County is unzoned. The county's zoning regulations apply only in election beats that voted them in, so far just Beat 13. There the code defers yard setbacks to the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations. Auburn and Opelika set full city setbacks.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lee County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Any beat within the unincorporated areas of Lee County in which a majority of qualified electors vote to accept the authority of the Planning Commission shall be subject to these Zoning Regulations.

Source: Code of AlabamaView official code

Full Breakdown

Alabama counties have limited zoning power, and Lee County's regulations apply beat by beat, only where a majority of qualified electors vote to accept the Planning Commission's authority. To date only Beat 13, near Smiths Station, has adopted zoning, effective May 2021. Even there the regulations set a minimum lot area and building height but defer front, side, and rear yard setbacks to the Lee County Subdivision and Land Development Regulations. Across most unincorporated land there is no county setback ordinance at all; the building code and subdivision plats govern. Inside Auburn, full city zoning applies. Auburn's Table 5-1 requires a 25-foot street setback with side yards of 6 to 15 feet.

Violations & Fines

Building inside a required yard in a zoned beat, Auburn, or Opelika triggers a stop-work order and correction. Relief requires a variance from the applicable Board of Zoning Adjustment. Unincorporated, unzoned land has no county setback to enforce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does unincorporated Lee County have setback rules?

Only in beats that voted in the county zoning regulations - so far just Beat 13. Elsewhere the building code and subdivision plats govern, not a countywide setback ordinance.

What are Auburn's residential setbacks?

Auburn's Table 5-1 sets a 25-foot street setback, side yards of 6 to 15 feet, and rear yards of 15 to 40 feet, scaling with lot size.

Sources & Official References

[1]Code of Alabama

Other rules in Lee County

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockFew Restrictions Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport RulesSome Restrictions Lot Coverage LimitsLight Restrictions Structure Height LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: BeekeepingFew Restrictions Business Licensing & Operations: Auto Repair on Residential PropertySignificant Restrictions Environmental Rules: Erosion ControlSome Restrictions

All Lee County rules

Compare Lee County to another location·View the Alabama building setbacks & zoning overview

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