Zoning Guide

Birmingham Zoning & Land Use Guide

Sources checked· 2026-05-24
Last updated: Verified:

Notable local initiatives in Birmingham

Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to Birmingham — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.

  1. Historic Districts & Commercial Revitalization Districts

    Birmingham's Urban Design Section administers 44 Historic Districts and 26 Commercial Revitalization Districts. Design review is required for new construction and exterior alterations in these districts, and where design guidelines conflict with the underlying zoning regulations, the more restrictive of the two applies.

    Source · birminghamal.gov

  2. Community Rezoning Plans

    The Planning Division maintains Community Rezoning Plans for individual neighborhoods. Adopted neighborhood plans inform Zoning Advisory Committee recommendations and feed into the citywide ordinance rewrite; property-level rezoning requests are evaluated for consistency with the applicable community plan.

    Source · birminghamal.gov

  3. Birmingham Code of Ordinances (Municode)

    Birmingham's adopted zoning and code regulations are published on Municode. The municipal code is the authoritative source for permitted uses, dimensional standards, overlay districts, and zoning procedures.

    Source · library.municode.com

Key Zoning Facts

Local Zoning / Building Office
City of Birmingham Planning Department(205) 254-2479
Building Code Edition
2021 International Building Code
ADU / Accessory Apartment
Yes
Example District
R-1 — Single-Family Residential
Max Height
35 ft

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Birmingham

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

State — Alabama

  • Building Code: 2021 IBC (Alabama Building Commission)
View Alabama zoning overview

County — Jefferson County

  • Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning

City / Municipal

The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.

Overlay Districts

No overlay districts identified.

Private Restrictions

  • Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
  • Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.

Primary Zoning Districts

R-1Single-Family Residential
Min Lot
10,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
30 ft
Side Setback
8 ft
Rear Setback
25 ft
R-4Multi-Family Residential
Min Lot
6,000 sq ft
Max Height
45 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
8 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft
B-2General Business
Min Lot
None
Max Height
45 ft
Front Setback
0 ft
Side Setback
0 ft
Rear Setback
10 ft

ADU Rules in Birmingham

ADUs:Allowed
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

Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines

Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.

Check current Birmingham permit information →

Official Sources

City-specific

City of Birmingham Planning Departmentbirminghamal.govOfficial sourceBirmingham Municipal Codelibrary.municode.comOfficial source