Montgomery, AL Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)

Article VII, Section 2 of the Montgomery Zoning Ordinance classifies land uses into lettered classes for its residential districts, and Class F covers "Agriculture and poultry and livestock raising, but not including the operation of chicken brooder houses," with the express condition that no structure, pen, or corral housing animals may be located closer than 200 feet to any property line. In the R-125, R-100, and R-85 very-low-density districts, the district table lists Class F among "Classes of structures or uses permitted on appeal," meaning agricultural and livestock use is not permitted by right; a property owner must obtain approval from the board of adjustment before raising livestock or poultry on residentially zoned land.

This contrasts with Class A single-family dwellings, which are permitted outright in the same districts, and with Class B through E and G uses, which the table lists as prohibited outright in those same very-low-density districts. The 200-foot setback for animal housing is measured to any property line, not just the front or rear yard line, so it applies uniformly around the entire parcel boundary. Chicken brooder houses are carved out of the Class F allowance entirely, meaning that specific commercial poultry-hatching operation cannot qualify for the appeal process at all in these residential districts, regardless of the 200-foot distance.