Before You Build in Mobile, AL: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Mobile limits residential fence heights to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots must maintain sight triangle visibility at intersections.

Alabama does not require neighbor consent for fences on your own property. Mobile property owners must ensure fences are within their property lines. The finished side should face outward.

Mobile generally does not require a building permit for standard residential fences under 6 feet. Fences over 6 feet, in flood zones, or historic districts may require permits or review.

Residential swimming pools in Mobile require a building permit from Build Mobile and must meet the Alabama-adopted IRC Appendix G/AG105 barrier rules: a 48-inch fence, gates that are self-closing and self-latching, openings small enough to block a 4-inch sphere, and a high gate latch. Commercial/public pools are also regulated by the Mobile County Health Department.

Mobile County requires all outdoor pools to be enclosed by a fence at least 4 feet tall with a maximum 2-inch bottom gap. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with latches at least 45 inches above ground.

Mobile requires building permits for pool construction. Pools must comply with safety standards including fencing, electrical bonding, GFCI protection, and anti-entrapment drain covers.

Mobile applies the same barrier requirements to above-ground pools. Pools with walls at least 4 feet tall may serve as their own barrier if the ladder is removable or lockable.

Mobile allows one ADU per single-family lot under the unified development code. Size is generally limited to 1,000–1,200 square feet or a percentage of the primary dwelling. ADUs must meet building code standards.

Mobile allows garage conversions to living space with a building permit. The converted space must meet residential building code and parking requirements must still be met.

Carports in Mobile are accessory structures regulated by the Mobile Unified Development Code (Chapter 64, Zoning) and require a building permit from Build Mobile. Construction must meet Alabama-adopted IRC wind-load requirements for the Gulf Coast hurricane zone, plus the underlying district setbacks, height, and lot-coverage limits.

Mobile's Unified Development Code (Chapter 64, June 2022) authorizes Accessory Dwelling Units in residential districts on lots permitting a single dwelling. ADUs must be smaller than the primary residence, sit on a permanent foundation, and obtain a building permit. Alabama has no statewide tiny-home preemption; the state-adopted IRC governs minimum dwelling standards.

Mobile regulates sheds through zoning setbacks and size limits. Small sheds under 120 square feet typically do not require a building permit but must meet setback requirements.

Mobile allows recreational fire pits on private property. Fire pits must maintain safe distances from structures, burn clean wood, and be attended at all times. Burn restrictions may apply during dry conditions.

Mobile regulates outdoor burning through the fire department and state air quality rules. Open burning of trash and debris is generally restricted within city limits. Recreational fires and cooking are permitted.

Mobile requires property owners to maintain trees so branches do not obstruct sidewalks, streets, or sight lines. The city is known for its live oak canopy, and tree maintenance is important.

Mobile does not require a general permit for tree removal on private residential property in most zones. Historic district properties may require Architectural Review Board approval. Mobile's live oaks are valued community assets.

Mobile rarely faces water restrictions due to its abundant rainfall (over 60 inches annually). However, the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System may impose restrictions during unusual drought conditions.