Decatur Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Decatur Zoning Overview
Decatur sits along the Tennessee River in northern Alabama and serves as the seat of Morgan County. The citys zoning framework addresses a mix of industrial, commercial, and residential uses. Decaturs industrial base includes significant chemical manufacturing and distribution facilities along the river corridor, requiring careful land use buffering.
Key Zoning Districts
Decaturs zoning districts include residential (R-1, R-2, R-3), commercial (C-1, C-2, C-3), and industrial (I-1, I-2) classifications. Riverfront development areas have additional design considerations.
ADU Regulations
Decatur permits accessory structures in residential zones under local ordinance. Alabama has no statewide ADU law, so local rules apply to size, setback, and occupancy.
Development Process
Building permits are issued through the Planning and Community Development Department. The Planning Commission handles rezoning and subdivision approvals.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Decatur
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 — Morgan 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 Decatur
- 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 Decatur are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Decatur permit fees →