Alabaster Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Alabaster Zoning Overview
Alabaster is a suburban city in Shelby County, part of the greater Birmingham metropolitan area. The city has grown rapidly as a bedroom community for Birmingham professionals. Alabasters zoning is primarily suburban residential in character with commercial development concentrated along Highway 31 and I-65 interchange areas.
Key Zoning Districts
Alabaster uses residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3), commercial districts (C-1, C-2), and planned development districts. The city emphasizes master-planned residential communities with unified design standards.
ADU Regulations
Alabaster permits accessory structures in certain residential zones. Many subdivisions have HOA restrictions that may limit secondary structures.
Development Process
Building permits are processed through the Building Department. The Planning Commission reviews subdivisions and rezonings.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Alabaster
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
County — Shelby County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 30 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Alabaster
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 25 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- 1 off-street space required
- Owner Occupancy
- Required
- Permit Timeline
- 30-60 days
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Alabaster are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Alabaster permit fees →