Montgomery Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Montgomery Zoning Overview
Montgomery, the capital city of Alabama, administers its zoning through the Planning Department under a comprehensive zoning ordinance. As the state capital and a major regional center, Montgomery's land use reflects a mix of government facilities, historic districts, suburban residential development, and military-related uses associated with Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex.
The city's zoning framework follows a traditional district-based approach, with residential zones progressing from low-density single-family (R-1) through high-density multi-family, commercial districts serving various retail and office needs, and industrial zones concentrated along transportation corridors and the eastern portions of the city.
Montgomery's Comprehensive Plan, known as "Envision Montgomery," provides long-range guidance for growth and development, with particular emphasis on downtown revitalization, neighborhood stabilization, and corridor improvement strategies.
Key Zoning Districts
Montgomery's zoning code includes residential districts (R-1 through R-5), commercial districts (C-1 through C-4), industrial districts (M-1, M-2), and several overlay districts including historic preservation overlays protecting the city's significant Civil Rights-era landmarks and antebellum architecture.
ADU Regulations
Montgomery permits accessory dwelling units under its local zoning ordinance in certain residential districts. Since Alabama lacks a statewide ADU mandate, all ADU rules are locally determined. Accessory units must comply with size limits, setback requirements, and parking provisions. Owner occupancy is typically required.
Development Process
Development permits are processed through the Planning Department and Building Inspections Division. Projects must comply with the city's zoning ordinance and the Alabama Building Code. Variances and special exceptions are heard by the Board of Zoning Adjustment, while rezoning requests go before the Planning Commission and City Council.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Montgomery
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 — Montgomery 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
- 12,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 35 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 7,500 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 50 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Montgomery
- Max Size
- 750 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 Montgomery are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Montgomery permit fees →