3 rules for unincorporated Jefferson County, Alabama.
Verified from official government sources
Birmingham Zoning Ordinance establishes setback distances by district: R-1 requires 25 ft front, 8 ft side, 25 ft rear typical. Mountain Brook, Vestavia, and Hoover maintain stricter setbacks in established neighborhoods. Historic districts impose additional review. Variances require Board of Zoning Adjustment hearing.
Birmingham residential zones limit buildings to 35 ft or 2.5 stories. Downtown B-3 allows high-rise development. Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills enforce 30 to 35 ft residential heights. Topographic constraints in Red Mountain and Shades Mountain neighborhoods affect measurement. Antennas and chimneys have limited exceptions.
Birmingham Zoning Ordinance limits lot coverage: R-1 typically 40%, R-2 50%, R-3 60%. Coverage includes structures, driveways, patios, and other impervious surfaces. Jefferson County stormwater requirements apply to high-coverage developments. Karst/sinkhole areas may impose additional restrictions.
See every category we cover for Jefferson County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Jefferson County Ordinance Hub →