5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Madison County, Alabama.
Verified from official government sources
A detached dwelling or ADU in unincorporated Madison County needs a county building permit under the 2018 IRC, must meet the zoning enforced by Public Works, and off public sewer needs an onsite sewage permit under Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-3-1.
Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-3-1-.01
The purpose of this chapter is to minimize the adverse effects of the disposal of sewage on human health and the environment by establishing and enforcing requirements for the design, permitting, installation, approval, and operation of an onsite sewage and disposal system (OSS) or innovative effluent discharge system (EDS).
A backyard shed in unincorporated Madison County is governed by two things: the 2018 International Residential Code the county enforces, and the zoning setbacks Public Works applies. Small accessory buildings can be exempt from a building permit, but setbacks still bind.
Madison County, Ala., Residential Construction Resolution (2018 International Residential Code)
Madison County enforces the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) with local amendments as adopted in the Residential Construction Resolution (2021).
Converting a garage to living space in unincorporated Madison County is a change of occupancy needing a county building permit under the 2018 IRC. Adding a bathroom on a septic lot triggers ADPH approval under Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-3-1.
Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-3-1-.01
The purpose of this chapter is to minimize the adverse effects of the disposal of sewage on human health and the environment by establishing and enforcing requirements for the design, permitting, installation, approval, and operation of an onsite sewage and disposal system (OSS) or innovative effluent discharge system (EDS).
A carport in unincorporated Madison County needs a county building permit as a roofed structure under the adopted 2018 IRC, and it must meet the setbacks the county zoning, enforced by Public Works, sets for its district.
Madison County, Ala., Residential Construction Resolution (2018 International Residential Code)
Madison County enforces the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) with local amendments as adopted in the Residential Construction Resolution (2021).
A tiny house in unincorporated Madison County is a real dwelling only if it is built and inspected to the 2018 IRC, using Appendix Q for homes 400 square feet or less. A park-model RV or shed on wheels is not fit for habitation.
Madison County, Ala., Tiny House Information (2018 IRC Appendix Q)
A true to code Tiny House is a building built in compliance with the 2018 International Code Council International Residential Code and employees the exceptions of Appendix Q which applies to houses that are 400 Square Feet in area or less.
2 cities in Madison County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Madison County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Madison County Ordinance Hub →