Phenix City Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Phenix City Zoning Overview
Phenix City sits across the Chattahoochee River from Columbus, Georgia, and functions as part of the Columbus metropolitan area. The citys zoning addresses cross-state commuter patterns and the influence of Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning). Phenix City has focused on downtown revitalization and riverfront development to attract investment.
Key Zoning Districts
Phenix Citys zoning includes residential districts (R-1 through R-4), commercial districts (C-1, C-2, C-3), and industrial districts (M-1, M-2). The riverfront development district has special design standards.
ADU Regulations
ADUs are permitted in certain residential zones under local ordinance. Phenix City follows Alabama local-control approach to ADU regulation.
Development Process
Building permits are processed through the Planning and Inspections Department. The Planning Commission handles rezonings and subdivision reviews.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Phenix City
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 — Russell 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 Phenix City
- 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 Phenix City are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Phenix City permit fees →