Building Setbacks & Zoning in Madison, AL (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Madison, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Setbacks vary by zoning district. In the common R-2 single-family district, minimum front setback is 25 feet (35 on major streets), interior/exterior side is 10/25 feet, and rear is 35 feet. R-1 estate lots require 50-foot front and rear yards.
Building Setback Rules in Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsCity of Madison Zoning Ordinance § 5-4-4 (R-2)
R-2, Single-Family Neighborhood District: Front Yard Setback (feet), min. 25; Side Yard Setback, Interior/Exterior, min. 10/25; Rear Yard Setback (feet), min. 35. Front yard setbacks for R-2 vary by street type as follows: minor arterial/collector or local = 25 feet; principal arterial/major collector = 35 feet.
Structure Height Limits
In Madison's single-family districts (R-1, R-1A, R-2), the maximum building height is 35 feet. Detached accessory buildings are capped at 15 feet. Spires, chimneys, towers and similar rooftop features may exceed the limit up to 50 feet.
Building Height Limits in Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsCity of Madison Zoning Ordinance § 5-7-5
The height limitations contained in this Ordinance do not apply to spires, belfries, cupolas, antennas, communication transmission towers, water towers, chimneys, elevator shaft enclosures, solar energy collectors and equipment... The heights of these structures or appurtenances shall not exceed 50 feet or any height limitations prescribed by the Federal Aviation Agency or airport zoning regula...
Lot Coverage Limits
Maximum lot coverage is set by district. R-1 and R-1A single-family lots are capped at 25 percent, and R-2 neighborhood lots at 27.5 percent. Roofed porches, decks, accessory structures and carports count toward coverage.
Maximum Lot Coverage in Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsCity of Madison 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.
Looking for Madison County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Madison city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Madison County →