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Zoning Guide

Dothan Zoning & Land Use Guide

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Key Zoning Facts

Planning Department
City of Dothan Planning Department(334) 615-3260
Building Code Edition
2021 International Building Code
ADUs Allowed
Yes
Primary District
R-1 — Single-Family Residential
Max Height
35 ft

Dothan Zoning Overview

Dothan, known as the Hub City of the Wiregrass region, serves as the commercial and medical center for southeastern Alabama and surrounding areas of Georgia and Florida. The citys zoning ordinance reflects its role as a regional hub with commercial corridors radiating from the city center and residential neighborhoods of varying densities.

Key Zoning Districts

Dothans zoning includes residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4), commercial districts (C-1, C-2, C-3), and industrial districts (I-1, I-2). The city also maintains overlay districts for the downtown historic area.

ADU Regulations

Dothan allows accessory dwelling units in certain residential zones. Local regulations govern size, setback, and occupancy requirements. There is no statewide ADU mandate in Alabama.

Development Process

Building permits are processed through the Planning Department. The Planning Commission reviews rezoning requests and subdivision plats.

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Dothan

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 — Houston 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

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-3Multi-Family Residential
Min Lot
6,000 sq ft
Max Height
45 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
8 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft
C-2General Commercial
Min Lot
None
Max Height
45 ft
Front Setback
10 ft
Side Setback
0 ft
Rear Setback
10 ft

ADU Rules in Dothan

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

Permit Costs & Timelines

Specific permit fee schedules for Dothan are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.

Check Dothan permit fees →

Official Sources

City of Dothan Planning Departmentdothan.orgOfficial sourceDothan Municipal Codelibrary.municode.comOfficial source

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build an ADU in Dothan?
Dothan allows accessory dwelling units in certain residential zones under local regulations. Alabama has no statewide ADU law. Contact the Planning Department for specific requirements.
How do I find the zoning for my property in Dothan?
Visit the City of Dothan's online zoning map or contact the Planning Department to look up your property's zoning classification.
What zones allow multi-family housing in Dothan?
Multi-family housing is permitted in R-3 and higher residential districts, as well as in certain commercial and mixed-use zones.