Northport Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Northport Zoning Overview
Northport is located across the Black Warrior River from Tuscaloosa and serves as a residential community within the Tuscaloosa metropolitan area. The city has experienced growth as development pressure from the University of Alabama area extends across the river. Northports zoning balances suburban residential growth with commercial development along McFarland Boulevard.
Key Zoning Districts
Northports zoning includes residential districts (R-1 through R-4), commercial districts (C-1, C-2, C-3), and industrial classifications. The Northport historic district has additional design considerations.
ADU Regulations
Northport permits accessory structures in residential zones under local regulation. Contact the Planning Department for current ADU requirements.
Development Process
Building permits are handled through the Building Department with review by the Planning Commission for discretionary approvals.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Northport
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 — Tuscaloosa 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 Northport
- 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 Northport are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Northport permit fees →