Environmental Rules in Madison County, AL (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Madison County, Alabama.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Every new subdivision in unincorporated Madison County must submit an engineered Storm Drainage Plan before its plat is approved. Section 4.3.8(2) sets the design-storm standards: a 10-year storm for minor streets and roadside ditches, a 25-year storm for all other streets and drainage structures, and detention basins built to hold the 10-year, 24-hour event without increasing runoff onto neighboring land.
Madison County Subdivision Stormwater Design Rules
Some RestrictionsMadison County Subdivision Regulations, Art. IV § 4.3.8(2)
2. Storm Drainage Plan containing the following information: a. Location of proposed and existing drainageways, streams, ponds and detention and/or retention basins within and/or bordering the Subdivision. All proposed drainage structures shall be designed based on the following design storm criteria: i. Ten (10) year design storm for all Minor Streets and roadside open ditches, if applicable, ...
Erosion Control
Road and site construction in unincorporated Madison County subdivisions must follow the state's erosion-control manual and secure ADEM permits before work begins. Section 5.4 makes the Developer solely responsible for erosion control and for proof of ADEM approval, while Section 4.3.8(2)(j) requires construction plans to detail silt fences, hay bale dikes and other temporary and permanent measures.
Madison County Erosion & Sediment Control Rules
Some RestrictionsMadison County Subdivision Regulations, Art. V § 5.4
Section 5.4. Construction Requirements. Construction of all roads shall meet the minimum requirements of these Regulations and conform to the latest published edition of the Alabama Department of Transportation's "Standard Specifications for Highway Construction." All best management practices shall be designed and/or installed per the "Alabama Handbook for Erosion Control, Sediment Control and...
Flood Zones
Unincorporated Madison County requires a Floodplain Development Permit before any construction begins in a FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Area. The county's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance sets a one-foot freeboard standard above base flood elevation and makes noncompliance a misdemeanor enforced through stop-work orders and certified-mail notices of violation.
Madison County Flood Zone Development Rules
Some RestrictionsMadison County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, Art. 2 §§ C, H; Art. 4 § B(1)
A Floodplain Development Permit shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this Ordinance PRIOR to the commencement of any development, as defined in this Ordinance, in identified SFHAs and any additional identified Community Flood Hazard Areas within the community. ... Where BFE data is available, new construction and substantial improvement to any structure or manufactured home s...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In Madison County's unincorporated area, new construction and substantial improvements in a Special Flood Hazard Area must have the lowest floor built at least one foot above the base flood elevation. The Floodplain Administrator enforces the rule under the county's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
Madison County Flood Elevation & Freeboard Rule
Some RestrictionsMadison County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, Art. 4 § B(1)
Residential and Non-Residential Structures - Where BFE data is available, new construction and substantial improvement to any structure or manufactured home shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated no lower than one (1) foot above the base flood elevation (also referred to as the design flood elevation). Should solid foundation perimeter walls be used to elevate a structure, op...
Environmental Rules by City in Madison County
1 cities in Madison County have their own environmental rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Madison County ordinances
See every category we cover for Madison County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Madison County Ordinance Hub →