Jefferson County, Alabama

Requires property owners to display assigned 9-1-1 addresses in a manner compliant with county standards to ensure emergency service accessibility.

Administered by the Jefferson County Development Services department.

Imposes obligations on property owners to maintain their premises free of excessive weeds, litter, and debris to prevent public nuisances.

Enforced by the Jefferson County Code Enforcement division.

Establishes land-use classifications, density limits, setback requirements, and permitted uses for parcels within the county's unincorporated areas.

Adopted by the County Commission on October 9, 2025.

Governs the division of land, infrastructure requirements (roads, drainage), and construction standards for new developments or improvements within the county's jurisdiction.

Adopted and enforced by the Jefferson County Commission.

applies when — Parcels located within designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) as identified by FEMA and the County.

Requires adherence to specific construction standards, elevation requirements, and permitting for development or improvements within the floodplain to mitigate flood risk.

Administered by the Jefferson County Development Services department.

Property is assessed at market value by the Jefferson County Tax Assessor. The tax liability is calculated by multiplying the assessed value (less applicable exemptions such as homestead exemptions) by the sum of the millage rates set by the County Commission, school districts, and relevant municipal or special district authorities.

Governed by Alabama state law and administered by the Jefferson County Tax Assessor.

Obligates property owners to maintain their premises free of excessive weeds, litter, and debris, subject to enforcement actions by the county.

Enforced by the Jefferson County Code Enforcement division.

Requires adherence to specific building, electrical, fuel gas, and plumbing codes for all residential construction and improvements.

Amended July 09, 2020.

applies when — Parcels located within designated Special Flood Hazard Areas.

Imposes specific construction, elevation, and permitting requirements for development within flood-prone areas to mitigate flood risk.

Administered by the Jefferson County Development Services/Planning Division.

Regulates land use, density, and development standards across the county. Parcels must comply with the specific zoning district requirements adopted by the County Commission.

Adopted by the County Commission on October 9, 2025.

Property is assessed by the Tax Assessor based on market value, with specific exemptions available such as the Regular Homestead Exemption for primary residences and Over 65/Disability exemptions. The tax liability is calculated by applying the millage rate (set by county, school, city, and special district governing bodies) to the assessed value (determined by property class, e.g., 10% for residential).

Governed by Alabama state law and administered by the Jefferson County Tax Assessor and Tax Collector.

applies when — Parcels connected to or situated within the mandatory connection service shed of the Jefferson County Sanitary Sewer System

Parcels serviced by the county-owned sewer system are subject to sewer connection fees, monthly consumption-based treatment charges, and debt service surcharges administered by the Jefferson County Environmental Services Department. Unpaid sewer charges attach as a direct statutory lien against the real property.

Administered by Jefferson County Environmental Services Department under County Commission resolutions.

applies when — Parcels situated within unincorporated Jefferson County, AL

Establishes zoning classifications (e.g., A-1 Agricultural, R-1 Single Family Residential, etc.) that dictate allowed uses, building height limits, minimum lot sizes, floor area ratios, and front, rear, and side yard setback requirements. Non-conforming uses and dimensional departures require approval of variances or rezoning through the Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Commission and County Commission.

Jefferson County Zoning Regulations, updated and adopted by the County Commission.

Mandates that every residential property obtain an official address assignment from the Jefferson County Addressing Division and conspicuously display numeric house addressing markers of specified height and reflectivity on the structure or at the road frontage to facilitate emergency E-911 dispatch.

Jefferson County Addressing Ordinance, Development Services Department.

Jefferson County is subject to strict open burning regulations overseen by the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) Air Pollution Control Division and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). An annual summer open burning ban is enforced (typically May 1 through October 31) prohibiting all outdoor burning of brush, yard waste, and clearing debris, with residential open burning tightly restricted year-round.

JCDH Air Pollution Control Rules & Regulations and ADEM Admin. Code r. 335-3-3.

applies when — Parcels establishing a new driveway, access connection, or utility excavation connecting to a county-maintained right-of-way

Requires property owners and developers to obtain a Right-of-Way / Driveway Connection Permit from the Jefferson County Roads and Transportation Department. Mandates sight distance clearances, minimum culvert sizing for drainage ditches, driveway apron paving specifications, and bond/restoration guarantees for any work affecting the public right-of-way.

Jefferson County Roads & Transportation and Development Services Regulations.

applies when — Parcels utilizing or proposing an On-Site Sewage Facility (septic tank system) without municipal sewer connection

Prohibits construction, installation, alteration, or occupancy of any residential building without a permit and approval from the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH). Requires site evaluation, percolation testing, minimum lot size/reserve area standards, setback requirements from property lines and watercourses, and certificate of operation compliance.

Governed under Alabama State Board of Health Rules Chapter 420-3-1 and enforced locally by the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH).

Governs the division of land, platting requirements, and infrastructure standards (streets, drainage, utilities) for new developments and construction projects.

Maintained by the Jefferson County Planning Division.

applies when — Parcel or structure is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA, 100-year floodplain / Zone A/AE) as delineated on Jefferson County FEMA FIRMs

Mandates that all new residential construction or substantial improvements have the lowest finished floor elevated at least one to two feet above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Development requires a Jefferson County Floodplain Development Permit, professional engineering certifications, elevation certificates, and triggers mandatory flood insurance under federally backed lending.

Jefferson County Floodplain Regulations enacted under the NFIP framework and Jefferson County Commission authorization.

applies when — Ad valorem property taxes become delinquent after December 31 of the tax collection year

Unpaid property taxes create an automatic first-priority statutory tax lien. The Jefferson County Tax Collector advertises delinquent parcels and sells tax liens or conducts tax sales in May/June. A redemption period of three years applies from the date of the sale under Alabama law, requiring payment of all delinquent taxes, penalties, fees, and statutory interest (typically 12% per annum) to release the lien.

Ala. Code Title 40, Chapter 10; administered by the Jefferson County Tax Collector.

Under Alabama power-of-sale foreclosure laws (Ala. Code § 35-10-1 et seq.), lenders may non-judicially foreclose by publishing notice for three consecutive weeks in a Jefferson County newspaper of general circulation and holding a public auction at the Jefferson County Courthouse (Birmingham or Bessemer divisions). Borrowers retain a statutory right of redemption for up to one year (or 180 days for residential mortgages originated on or after Jan 1, 2016) under Ala. Code § 6-5-248, requiring payment of purchase price plus interest and lawful charges.

Governed by Ala. Code § 35-10-1 through § 35-10-16 and Ala. Code § 6-5-248; notices and sales occur at the Jefferson County Courthouse.

applies when — Property owner is age 65 or older, or is permanently and totally disabled, residing on the property as primary homestead

Qualifying seniors or disabled homeowners meeting income limits under state law (and local Act 2021-300) receive partial or 100% exemption from county and state ad valorem property taxes, capping or eliminating the assessed tax burden on the primary residential parcel.

Act 2021-300 and Ala. Code § 40-9-21; administered annually by the Jefferson County Tax Assessor.

applies when — Parcel is owned and occupied by the taxpayer as their primary residence as of October 1 tax lien date

Provides an exemption from state ad valorem taxes on up to $4,000 in assessed value ($40,000 market value) and from county ad valorem taxes on up to $2,000 in assessed value ($20,000 market value). Net taxable assessed value is reduced before applying state and county millage.

Code of Alabama § 40-9-19; claims must be filed through the Jefferson County Tax Assessor's office.

Property taxes are calculated using the formula: Total Tax Due = (Assessed Value - Applicable Exemptions) * (Total Millage Rate / 1,000). The total millage is an aggregate composed of the Jefferson County General and Countywide funds (including county road and bridge, general fund, and debt levies, typically totaling 13.5 mills for county-only levies), plus the Alabama State rate (6.5 mills), local school district millage (county or municipal school system), and municipal millage (if incorporated).

County millage is set annually by the Jefferson County Commission pursuant to Title 40 of the Code of Alabama; collected through the Jefferson County Tax Collector / Tax Administration.

Under the Alabama Constitution and Code of Alabama Section 40-8-1, residential real property (owner-occupied single-family residential) is assessed as Class III property at a statutory assessment ratio of 10% of fair market value. Taxable Assessed Value = Appraised Fair Market Value * 10%.

Governed by Ala. Code § 40-8-1 and the Alabama Constitution Amendment 373; administered countywide by the Jefferson County Tax Assessor and Board of Equalization.

applies when — Eligible Class III property (agricultural, forest, or historic)

Allows property to be taxed based on its current use value rather than fair market value, potentially reducing the tax burden. Conversion to a non-qualified use triggers revaluation and potential back-tax liability.

Code of Alabama 1975, §§ 40-7-25.1, 40-7-25.2, 40-7-25.3.

applies when — Parcels located within a planned community governed by the Alabama Homeowners' Association Act

The association holds a statutory lien on the lot for unpaid assessments from the date they become due. This lien has priority over later encumbrances, excluding state/county ad valorem taxes and prior mortgages.

Alabama Homeowners' Association Act, effective January 1, 2016 (Ala. Code § 35-20-12).

Lenders may conduct non-judicial foreclosures if the mortgage contract includes a power-of-sale clause. There is a statutory six-month right of redemption for residential property following a foreclosure sale.

Governed by Alabama Code § 40-10-122 and related mortgage statutes.

Property is assessed at 10% of its fair market value. The tax liability is calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the local millage rate. A standard homestead exemption applies to the 6.5 mill statewide property tax on the first $4,000 of assessed valuation.

Governed by Alabama Constitution and Code of Alabama 1975, Title 40.

≈ $28,995/yr on a $289,950 median

applies when — Parcels located within a development governed by a homeowners' association

Imposes governance structures, assessment obligations, and restrictive covenants as defined by the association's declaration and bylaws.

Alabama Code Title 35, Chapter 20.

Lenders may conduct non-judicial foreclosures. Notice of the sale must be provided in the county where the land is located. Lenders must mail a notice regarding the right to redeem the home at least 30 days before the sale.

Alabama Code Title 35, Chapter 10, Article 1A.

Residential property is classified as Class 3 and assessed at 10 percent of its fair market value. A standard homestead exemption applies to the 6.5 mill statewide property tax on the first $4,000 of assessed valuation.

Governed by Alabama Constitution and administered by the Alabama Department of Revenue.

applies when — Residential parcel not served by a public or centralized municipal sanitary sewer collection system.

Mandates that parcels rely upon permitted onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (septic tanks). Prohibits any dwelling construction, occupancy, or transfer without an unrevoked Approval of Installation and Permit to Operate issued by the Alabama Department of Public Health through the local county health department. Restricts parcel lot density, soil absorption fields, setbacks to property lines and wells, and mandates reserve replacement drainfield areas.

Ala. Code § 22-26-1 et seq.; Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-3-1.

applies when — Residential parcel containing target housing constructed prior to 1978.

Requires property owners and contractors conducting disturbance or renovation activities impacting more than de minimis surfaces (6 sq ft interior or 20 sq ft exterior) to follow lead-safe work practices and utilize state-accredited lead renovators under the Alabama Department of Public Health (Safe State program). Sellers and landlords are required to provide buyers/tenants the state-monitored lead hazard information pamphlet and disclose known lead paint records.

Ala. Code § 22-37A-1 et seq.; Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-3-27.

applies when — Residential real property situated outside incorporated municipal limits but within the municipality's designated extraterritorial planning jurisdiction (typically 1.5 to 5 miles of the corporate line based on municipal population class).

Subjects unincorporated parcels to municipal planning commission subdivision regulations, access standards, lot layout requirements, right-of-way dedications, and utility connection mandates even though the parcel does not receive municipal services or pay municipal property taxes.

Ala. Code § 11-52-30 et seq.

applies when — Residential parcel located within the designated Coastal Zone boundaries of Mobile or Baldwin Counties below the continuous 10-foot contour line.

Subject to state-level environmental and construction permitting overseen by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) under Division 8 regulations. Prohibits construction seaward of the coastal construction control line, strictly regulates shoreline armoring/bulkheads, requires beach and dune protection permits, and limits impervious surfaces and wetland fill, superceding local zoning allowances.

Ala. Code § 9-7-10 et seq.; ADEM Administrative Code r. 335-8-1-.01 et seq.

applies when — Residential parcel created as a condominium unit under a master deed/declaration.

Imposes statutory covenants runs with the land, allocates common expense liabilities to individual units, and establishes an automatic statutory lien against the residential parcel for unpaid common expense assessments without requirement of separate court action. Liens have statutory priority over subsequent encumbrances (subject to first mortgages) and allow foreclosure under power-of-sale mechanisms.

Ala. Code § 35-8A-101 et seq. (Alabama Uniform Condominium Act of 1991).

applies when — Residential parcel located within a subdivision governed by a recorded Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions with a mandatory-membership HOA formed on or after January 1, 2016 (or older HOAs that opted in).

Binds the parcel to the recorded declaration, bylaws, and mandatory maintenance assessment charges. Under Chapter 20, recorded declarations establish a lien on the parcel for unpaid assessments, late fees, and enforcement costs upon recording a statement of lien in the county probate office. Regulates HOA board fiduciary operations, annual disclosures, and architectural rules directly binding exterior parcel improvements.

Ala. Code § 35-20-1 et seq. (enacted via Act 2015-292, effective January 1, 2016).

Grants the mortgagor a post-sale statutory right to buy back the property from the foreclosure sale purchaser by paying the purchase price plus lawful interest, insurance, taxes, and permanent improvements. For residential properties where a homestead exemption was claimed in the tax year of the sale and mortgages originated on or after January 1, 2016, the redemption period is 180 days (6 months), provided the lender gave 30 days pre-sale notice of the right. For all other properties or older mortgages, a 1-year statutory redemption period applies. The debtor must surrender possession within 10 days of written demand or forfeit redemption rights.

Ala. Code §§ 6-5-248 through 6-5-251.

applies when — Residential mortgage or deed of trust containing an express power-of-sale clause upon borrower default.

Permits lenders to execute a non-judicial foreclosure without filing a court action. The foreclosing entity is required by state statute to publish notice of the foreclosure sale once a week for three consecutive calendar weeks in a newspaper published in the county where the real property is located. State statute does not require direct personal service or mailed notice to the debtor of the sale itself (though underlying mortgage contracts and 2016 statutory redemption notices mandate pre-sale mailings).

Ala. Code § 35-10-13.

Alabama is one of the few strict 'caveat emptor' (buyer beware) jurisdictions for residential real property transfers. Sellers are not subject to a general statutory mandate to provide a comprehensive property condition disclosure form. However, common law and statutory exceptions bind every parcel seller to disclose: (1) known latent defects that pose a direct risk to health or safety and cannot be discovered by reasonable buyer diligence, (2) direct responses without misrepresentation if asked specific condition questions, and (3) fiduciary or confidential relationship duties.

Established in Alabama common law (e.g., Blaylock v. Cary, 709 So. 2d 1128; Fennell Realty Co. v. Martin, 529 So. 2d 1003); codified licensing boundaries at Ala. Code § 34-27-36.

applies when — Single-family dwelling and parcel not exceeding 160 acres owned and occupied by the taxpayer as their primary residence on October 1 of the tax year.

Exempts up to $4,000 in assessed valuation from the 6.5 mill state ad valorem tax levy (providing a maximum direct state tax reduction of $26.00). Formula: Adjusted State Tax = Max(0, (Assessed Value - $4,000)) × 0.0065. Also provides a basic county exemption of up to $2,000 in assessed value for county taxes (excluding county school taxes). Additional full state/county exemptions exist for owners who are 65+ with qualifying net taxable income or permanently and totally disabled.

Ala. Code §§ 40-9-19 through 40-9-21.

Establishes a baseline 6.5 statewide millage rate ($0.0065 per dollar of assessed value) under Ala. Code § 40-8-1 and the Alabama Constitution. Single-family owner-occupied residential properties are classified as Class III with an assessment ratio of 10% of appraised fair market value (FMV). Formula: Assessed Value = Appraised FMV × 0.10. Unadjusted Tax = Assessed Value × Millage Rate (State 6.5 mills + County/Municipal/School millage). Class III residential property is also constitutionally protected by a statewide lid bill capping aggregate ad valorem tax levies at 1.0% of fair market value.

Ala. Const. art. XI, § 214; Ala. Const. Amend. 373 (the 'Lid Bill'); Ala. Code § 40-8-1.

≈ $28,995/yr on a $289,950 median