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Accessory Structures in Dothan, AL (2026)

3 verified accessory structures rules for Dothan, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

ADU Rules

In the City of Dothan, an accessory apartment on a single-family residential lot needs at least 12,000 square feet of land, tops out at 800 square feet, and is limited to one per lot under City Code § 114-183(b)(5). One-story units must sit back ten feet from property lines and other buildings, while two-story units must meet the underlying district's full setbacks, and one on-site parking space is required.

Dothan ADU Rules for Single-Family Lots

Some Restrictions

Dothan City Code § 114-183(b)(5)a

(5)Accessory dwelling units in single-family residential districts.a.Standards. Accessory apartments may be allowed in single-family residential areas provided that all of the following requirements shall be met:1.Any accessory apartment must be located on the same lot, tract and/or development parcel as the primary residential building and must be clearly subordinate and incidental to the prim...

ADU Rental Restrictions

In the City of Dothan, an accessory apartment built on a non-residential development, apartment complex or manufactured home park site under City Code § 114-183(c)(2) exists only to house an on-site owner, operator or manager, and it cannot be rented commercially, short-term or long-term, to anyone who is not employed by the property's owner or lessee.

Dothan Accessory Apartment Rental Restriction

Significant Restrictions

Dothan City Code § 114-183(c)(2)b.5

(2)Accessory apartments.a.Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide for housing units to allow for an owner, operator or manager to reside on the premises of non-residential developments, apartment complexes and/or manufactured home parks.b.Standards. Accessory apartments may be allowed provided that all of the following requirements shall be met:1.Any accessory apartment must be locat...

Shed & Carport Rules

In the City of Dothan, sheds and other residential accessory buildings must sit in the rear yard only, never in a front or side yard, and stay at least ten feet from any other building and five feet from every property line under City Code § 114-183(b)(1). Buildings storing hazardous or noxious materials must sit at least 100 feet from property lines, and mobile storage units may stay on-site for only 60 days.

Dothan Accessory Building Setback Rules

Some Restrictions

Dothan City Code § 114-183(b)(1)

(1)Accessory buildings.a.Are permitted in rear yards; no accessory building and/or structure shall be permitted in a regulatory front or side yard.b.Shall be located a minimum of ten feet from any building and/or structure and a minimum of five feet from any property line.c.Shall be permitted only in compliance with standards for distance between buildings, and setbacks, if any, from property l...