5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Madison County, Alabama.
Verified from official government sources
Madison County is one of the few Alabama counties that zones unincorporated land, so a home occupation must conform to the parcel's zoning district. Confirm the classification through the county's zoning inquiry; recorded HOA deed restrictions add a second layer.
In zoned areas of unincorporated Madison County, a home-business sign must meet the county's sign rules for that district. Where a parcel is unzoned, HOA deed restrictions and Alabama DOT right-of-way rules are the limits; the county sets no separate home-sign standard on unzoned land.
Madison County's zoning governs home occupations in zoned areas, where an accessory home business may not generate traffic beyond a normal residential level and parking must be off-street. On unzoned land, deed restrictions and a county driveway-access permit are the constraints.
Alabama's Cottage Food Law lets you sell approved home-produced foods from a Madison County home with no permit or health inspection. A 2021 amendment removed the sales cap, so there is no dollar limit. You must pass an approved food-safety course.
Ala. Code § 22-20-5.1
The operator of a cottage food production operation shall maintain certification of having attended and passed a food safety course approved by the department.
Running a child-care home for pay in Madison County requires a license or approval from the Alabama Department of Human Resources under Code Section 38-7-3. DHR controls the use; the county's role is limited to zoning and building compliance.
Ala. Code § 38-7-3
No person, group of persons, or corporation may operate or conduct any facility for child care, as defined in this chapter, without being licensed or approved as provided in this chapter.
2 cities in Madison County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Madison County Ordinance Hub →