Accessory Structures in Montgomery, AL (2026)
8 verified accessory structures rules for Montgomery, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Montgomery's zoning code addresses accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in residential districts. ADUs may be permitted as accessory uses in certain zones subject to conditions including owner occupancy and size limits.
Montgomery Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Montgomery regulates accessory structures through the city Zoning Ordinance, codified as Appendix C of the Code of Ordinances. The current ordinance does not contain a dedicated ADU-by-right framework, so accessory living quarters are reviewed as accessory uses in residential districts and require a building permit from the Montgomery Inspections Department. Alabama is a Dillon Rule state with no statewide ADU preemption. The city is rewriting its Zoning Ordinance and SmartCode through Community Development, so applicants should confirm current standards.
Montgomery Accessory Dwelling Unit Permits (Zoning Ordinance, Code App. C)
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Montgomery does not impose a general residential impact fee on accessory dwelling units. Alabama law does not broadly authorize municipal residential impact fees outside specific statutory grants. ADU costs consist of standard building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees through the Inspections Department, plus connection fees from the Montgomery Water Works & Sanitary Sewer Board and Alabama Power if a new service is required.
Montgomery ADU Impact Fees (No General Residential Impact Fee)
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
The Montgomery Zoning Ordinance (Code Appendix C) does not impose an explicit citywide owner-occupancy mandate on accessory dwelling units, but accessory living quarters in single-family residential districts are typically permitted only as a use incidental to the principal dwelling occupied by the owner. Renting a separate accessory unit to an unrelated tenant generally requires multi-family zoning or a use variance from the Board of Adjustment. Alabama has not preempted local ADU rules.
Montgomery ADU Owner-Occupancy Practice
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Long-term rental of a Montgomery accessory dwelling generally requires multi-family zoning or a use variance, because single-family districts treat accessory living quarters as incidental to the main dwelling. Short-term rentals under 180 nights are subject to a Montgomery business license, the city lodgings tax of 6.5%, the Montgomery County lodging fee of $2.25 per room per day, and the Alabama state lodgings tax of 4% (outside the Mountain Lakes area). Alabama has not preempted local STR rules.
Montgomery ADU Rental Restrictions and STR Rules
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Montgomery allows storage sheds as accessory structures in residential zones. Sheds must comply with setback requirements and may need a building permit depending on size.
Montgomery Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a garage to living space in Montgomery requires a building permit and must comply with zoning and building codes. The conversion must meet habitability standards and may affect required off-street parking.
Montgomery Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
The Montgomery, AL Zoning Ordinance treats carports as accessory structures: they may not be erected in any required front or side yard, may not exceed two stories, may not cover more than 30% of any required rear yard, must be at least 5 ft from all lot lines, and at least 10 ft from any other structure on the lot. Building permits are required through the Department of Community Development.