Home Business in Madison, AL (2026)
5 verified home business rules for Madison, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning Restrictions
Home occupations are permitted in all Madison zoning districts that allow residential uses. Minor home occupations are permitted by right; major home occupations require a special exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The use must stay clearly incidental and secondary to the dwelling.
Home Business Zoning in Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsMadison Zoning Ordinance Sec. 14-1
Home occupations complying with the criteria established in Section 14-1-1 shall be considered minor in character and permitted by right. Major home occupations shall commence only after the receipt of a special exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustments.
Signage Rules
No signs are allowed for a home occupation in Madison. The Zoning Ordinance states there shall be no advertising, display, or other indications of a home occupation on the premises, and no storage or display of goods may be visible from outside.
Home Business Signs in Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsMadison Zoning Ordinance Sec. 14-1-1(D), (F)
There shall be no advertising, display, or other indications of a home occupation on the premises. ... No storage or display of goods shall be visible from outside the structure.
Cottage Food Operations
Home food sales in Madison are governed by the Alabama Cottage Food Law. You may sell nonpotentially hazardous foods like baked goods, candies, jams, and dried mixes after passing an ADPH-approved food safety course and registering with the county health department. There is no longer a sales limit.
Cottage Food Rules for Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsHome Daycare
Family day care in a Madison residence for no more than six children is a permitted minor home occupation. Group day care for more than six but no more than twelve children is a major home occupation requiring a special exception from the Board of Adjustment.
Home Daycare Rules in Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsMadison Zoning Ordinance Sec. 14-1-1(N)(11), 14-1-2(K)(8)
Family day care in a residential dwelling not involving more than six children. ... Group day care in a residential dwelling caring for more than six children, but no more than twelve children.
Home Occupation Permits
Yes. Madison requires a Home Occupation Permit from the Director of Community Development, with a one-time $30 application fee and a $7.50 annual fee paid to the City Clerk. Permits are not transferable between individuals or locations.
Home Occupation Permits in Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsMadison Zoning Ordinance Sec. 14-2-1, 14-2-4
A one-time fee of $30 shall be paid to the Department with the application. ... Applicants whose requests for Home Occupation Permits are approved shall pay an annual fee of $7.50 to the City Clerk on or before January 1 of each year.
Looking for Madison County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Madison city rules.
Home Business in Madison County →