Accessory Structures in Madison, AL (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Madison, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Madison's Zoning Ordinance permits one accessory dwelling unit per single-family lot. A detached ADU must be part of an accessory garage, may not exceed 1,000 square feet, and cannot be sold separately from the main home.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules in Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsMadison Zoning Ordinance 6-5-1.B
No single-family dwelling or lot shall have more than one accessory dwelling unit. Accessory dwelling units detached from the principal dwelling shall be part of an accessory detached garage. A unit may not exceed 1,000 square feet and the total structure (unit and garage) may not exceed 25 percent of the primary dwelling.
Shed Rules
A shed or storage building larger than 200 square feet requires a City of Madison building permit. Sheds 200 square feet or smaller do not need a permit, but must still meet zoning placement and setback standards.
Shed & Storage Building Rules in Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsMadison Zoning Ordinance 5-7-2.A
Minor accessory structures not exceeding eight feet in height, 200 square feet in area and located within the rear two-thirds of the lot. Detached accessory buildings... exceeding eight feet in height or 200 square feet in area shall comply with the following minimum standards. Rear Yard Setback: 10 feet. Maximum height: 15 feet.
Garage Conversions
Converting a garage into living space in Madison is a construction project that requires a building permit. If it creates a separate dwelling with a kitchen, it becomes an accessory dwelling unit and must meet the City's ADU zoning standards.
Garage Conversion Rules in Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
A carport, including metal pre-built models, requires a City of Madison building permit. Carports with a weather-impervious roof count toward lot coverage, and detached ones must meet accessory-structure setbacks.
Carport Rules in Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsMadison Zoning Ordinance 5-7-3
Any attached porch, deck, terrace, accessory structure, or carport having a roof impervious to weather shall be considered a part of the building for the determination of lot coverage.
Tiny Homes
Madison's Zoning Ordinance has no tiny-home-specific category. A small permanent dwelling must meet the standards of its zoning district, and a backyard tiny unit is only allowed as an accessory dwelling unit tied to a garage.
Tiny Home Rules in Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsLooking for Madison County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Madison city rules.
Accessory Structures in Madison County →